The job market is tough. The competition is fierce. With the unemployment rate so high, it is hard for college students and recent grads to find jobs. It is not easy to stand out in the crowd of qualified applicants, especially if you are still figuring out what you want to do or just starting your career. It can feel like you’re surrounded by competition at every turn, but don’t despair – there are ways to differentiate yourself from other applicants and stand out as a candidate!
If you’re looking for a way to rise above the rest of the pack, then this blog post is perfect for you! We will discuss 3 ways to stand out and get ahead by gaining global work experience, growing networks with industry experts, and learning innovative skills by working at a startup company. Explore some of our other blogs to find out how to make an outstanding LinkedIn profile or figure out what employers are really looking for on your resume.
#1. GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
Global work experience can set you up for success in so many ways. You have the chance to explore outside of your comfort zone and experience working in global markets. Not only is it an opportunity to expand your resume and skillsets, but you also have a chance for great personal growth.
Each year, only 1% of college students gain international work experience. Working abroad, namely through international internships will give you a unique perspective that benefits you professionally and personally. When you work abroad, you learn cross-cultural awareness and global knowledge that you can bring back to your home country. You will even stand out from those that studied abroad by having tangible work experience that can accelerate your career.
During Sage Corps’ global career accelerator, students learn international business operations in a hands-on environment. This unique experience is invaluable for students who want to differentiate themselves from their peers when they graduate college and interview with prospective employers. Its intern abroad program is a great way to expand your global knowledge and readiness to work on a distributed team across cities, countries, and continents.
#2. THE POWER OF STARTUPS
Startup internships offer unique opportunities that prepare college students for future full-time employment or further education. Startups can be a great place for college students to gain relevant work experience, build foundational knowledge and learn the latest business and tech skills.
With smaller teams and innovation at the core of startups, students have the chance to work closely with founders and be a part of major company developments. This hands-on experience is far more valuable than classes or even work at a larger organization because college students can see how their ability to code, design, or market has a real-world impact. Startup interns do not merely fetch coffee or file paperwork.
Students who intern abroad at startups get the opportunity to work on real-world problems and earn hands-on experience working across borders. While also having access to international mentors, networks, and skills that can help you learn how to succeed in today’s business landscape.
#3. BUILDING AND MAINTAINING STRONG NETWORKS
A robust professional network is key to getting ahead in your career. As a college student, you have a wealth of connections at your fingertips! It’s the perfect time for you to invest in growing and nurturing these connections.
You can start big or small! Joining clubs, student organizations, and attending college job fairs are great ways to begin – many of your peers in college will later become your best professional connections. Use the many resources available to you, by reaching out to advisors, professors, and alumni networks for advice or guidance. Remember, authentic relationships are the most important. Do not expect every professor you ever had to write a letter of recommendation; rather get to know a handful of professors and keep in contact so you can reach out when you are job hunting or need advice.
Internships and work experience are key places to network. Even if you complete a microinternship program, the people you meet and work with can be lasting and meaningful connections. Connect with them on LinkedIn, and you can even have them endorse skills on your profile!
When you intern through a Sage Corps program, you join an elite alumni network and expand your connections with a global startup and save money. Sage Corps programs even have weekly networking events where you can connect with industry experts and fellow students from top universities. While there are many “hacks” to get jobs (like these), networking is one of the top ways to stand out when looking for a job.
As a college student, you are in the perfect position to get started with your professional development. Whether you know the exact career path or you are still figuring it out, these 3 tips will help you as you accelerate your professional growth. It may lead to your dream job after college or simply provide business skills for your future career!
Photo Credit: Brooke Cagle
