Recently, I attended a panel discussion called, “What Can You Do with an English Major?” The meeting was hosted by Dr. Brown, Assistant Professor of English at Monmouth University. The speakers included already successful people that are willing to share their personal experiences and advice about breaking into the job search.
In the meeting, Toni Magyar, an employee of W.W. Norton shared, “never underestimate the power of networking and connections.” One sure way to get into the job field is by making and maintaining connections across various networks.
Stay with me on this journey, I am going to give you more of the honest advice, tips, and resources to help get you started on your job search!
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| Photo Credit: Career. Passion. |
Tips to Get You Started on Your Job Search:
1. Make a LinkedIn.
If you do not have a LinkedIn, make one immediately and start making connections! I like to call LinkedIn a “professional Facebook” because you are connecting via social network to access people, jobs, news, updates, and insights.
2. Practice good communication skills.
It is essential to practice good communication skills on your search to finding your career. This does not only mean via Internet/e-mail, you must practice and develop your confidence talking in front of people in conferences, meetings, and face-to-face communication.
3. Use your resources.
Research online and start a file with your resume, interests, goals, and accomplished projects. For example, if you are an Art major, start a portfolio to showcase your work.
4. Find yourself.
Discover what you like to do and your interests. If you can, travel and explore new places and things. You will find out something about yourself and what makes you happy.
5. Be open-minded.
You may not get the glamorous job you have dreamed of right away. Start at the bottom and work your way up. Be open to many, many kinds of jobs to make yourself more marketable.
* Hot tip: Check out the resources below for great links!! Also, Google “instructional design” and “e-learning” to develop engaging learning experiences.
Resources:
- www.linkedin.com: Social networking tool.
- www.vizify.com: Visual resume resource.
- http://4020vision.com: Advice from 40-something women to 20-something women.
- http://blog.penelopetrunk.com: Career Advice from Penelope Trunk.
- http://smartprettyandawkward.com: One of my favorite blogs, “How to be Smarter, How to be Prettier, and How to be (less) Awkward.”
