College can be one of the most stressful times in your life, but what can be even worse is trying to figure out what to do next.
Although some students will go on to a four-year college, many will go straight into the workforce. This can be a very daunting transition, leaving many questioning if they’re ready.
If you have decided to get into your career right after leaving Sinclair, there are many resources available to help you. If you’re struggling with how to start preparing, the first place to go is Academic Advising on campus.
Your academic advisor can help with more than just what classes you should take. They can get you linked up with a number of resources here at Sinclair that will help you prepare for your future.
One of the best ways to get connected with your academic advisor, as well as find other resources, is to go to the career connection site on Sinclair’s website. The career connection site is full of links taking you to places that can assist you in this process
One useful tool they provide is a checklist for getting a job. Not only does it give you a good idea of what you need to do, but it also has links to the corresponding page on the sinclair website.
One thing this checklist includes is writing a resume, which many consider to be one of the toughest parts of finding a job. If your resume is not done well, it can make a company you apply to not even give you a second glance. However, a good looking and well written resume can almost guarantee you an interview.
If you need help with your resume there are many online tools to help you, but you can also go to the Student and Community Engagement office. Not only will they help you create one, they will critique your finished resume.
Another topic the job checklist mentions is researching companies you might want to work for. Not every company that has a position available in your career field is the right fit for you, and it can be difficult to find out which ones are.
The job checklist has a link to a website with some good advice. This site also has a link to Glassdoor, which is another site where employers post jobs. Not only can you find many jobs posted, but other users also put on reviews of the companies.
Once you feel comfortable with your resume, and know which companies you want to apply to, you need to prepare for the interview.
The interview is what truly determines whether or not you get hired. One deciding factor for employers is how confident an applicant is, and even though you’ll be under a lot of pressure you can still show this confidence if you are prepared.
The Student and Community Engagement office can help prepare you for the interview as well. They offer two ways to practice your interviewing skills; InterviewStream 360, an online interview simulation, or you can schedule a mock interview with them.
When it comes to finding that dream job you’ve been working for, preparation is the key. With the tools Sinclair has available to students, you can leave here confident in your future.
Daniel Riley
Managing Editor