College-to-Career Tips and Guidance
Spring semester of senior year- cue the last-minute thesis research (more to come on that front!), making the most of all your favorite on-campus spots, and of course, the nebulous job search. You’re in the in-between where it can feel too early to apply for a job, but you know you need to make connections and get your ducks in a row. We’ve rounded up some actionable steps to help you get a little closer to your next step!
Reframing Fear-Based Job News
The headlines aren’t friendly to career starters. Gen Z is warned that the AI tools that helped them get through college are replacing them at work, especially in entry-level roles.
But there is a different set of glasses through which we can view the world - a rosier colored variety. With AI taking on the more monotonous tasks that even the most disciplined among us never looked forward to, we’re free to pursue more of the things that challenge us to tap into our humanness. Effective communication is still just as important as ever, but new graduates need to take this more seriously if they want to stand out next to their peers —and AI. Critical, nuanced thinking and judgement are arguably more important now, as we have become the managers and interpreters of AI -generated content and data.
I see this as the end of a road none of us really enjoyed; is the last stop on a path that told humans to behave like robots in order to make it in the corporate world. That approach just won’t work anymore. While it’s scary when the old ways are initially discarded (there is no longer such thing as a “safe” job), it can also be liberating to return to a part of ourselves that was shunned for so long: the more human part.
Maximize your on-campus resources
College campuses are unique ecosystems with abundant resources. Sometimes, students aren’t even aware of the many offices and supports in place, as they’re often discovered in crisis or as needed. But heading into your last semester is a great time to tap into different support offices, especially while they’re free! This can include, but is not limited to:
Career Services: While offerings vary by institution, most career centers provide resume-writing support and counseling, and sometimes host mock interviews to practice! Even if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for, walking in or booking an initial consultation appointment could point you in the right direction.
Events & Programming: Make it a habit to check on-campus programming, as there are often workshops and events scheduled to support soon-to-be graduates in their job searches or connect them with companies with relationships with the college.
Handshake: Many colleges and universities use the Handshake platform, which connects students to recruiters. This is oftentimes free!
Connect with alumni
Those registered in alumni networks are likely more than happy to connect and support currently enrolled students and recent graduates. Sometimes there are alumni job boards or, you can identify alumni in your field of interest and schedule a time to discuss their experience, your goals, and see where it goes!
Some alumni networks also offer a Dinner with 12 Strangers, where alumni, students, and sometimes faculty join for discussion and a meal. These events sometimes have a virtual option.
Get clear on your vision.
This in-between is a good time to get clear on what exactly you’re looking for. While your first job might not check all of the boxes, it is a good idea to reflect on the kind of roles you’re interested in. In doing so, you can take inventory of what you know, where you’d like to grow, and who to connect with.
Review your aptitudes
An excellent way to get clear on a role and setting that works best for you is to review your aptitudes. In doing so, you not only can use this information to help you see the tasks in which you’d thrive, but you can also include information about your results to bring up in your interview to share as strengths! When reviewing, catalog examples of when you’ve maximized your aptitudes in different class, research, internship or work settings!
If you could use a little guidance as you navigate from college to career, check out our Career Crossroads program!
Welcome to Throughline’s Newest Team Members!
Liz Benson, High School Program Director
As the newest director of Throughline’s high school program, Liz will be improving our college planning curriculum in a way that is tailored to each student. Liz is passionate about serving students navigating the major crossroad of completing high school and discovering their bright futures. Liz works as a counselor supporting students through the college discovery and application journey. She strives to help all students thrive with personal guidance in strengthening academics, exploring extracurriculars, and tackling the often-stressful application essay process.
With a career journey as a high school science teacher and then in a variety of corporate roles in strategic partnerships and business development with major companies in Silicon Valley, Liz brings a breadth of experience to share with students. Before joining Throughline Guidance, she also ran her own college counseling practice in the Bay Area and is an admissions reader for the University of California - Santa Cruz. Liz graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Biology and holds a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley. When not spending time with her students, Liz loves exploring hiking trails and volunteering in the local community.
Anna Floyd, Client Experience and Operations Coordinator
Anna Floyd recently joined Throughline Guidance as a Client Experience and Operations Coordinator, where she focuses on supporting seamless client experiences and day-to-day operations. She is currently a senior at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
Through her academic experience, Anna has developed a strong interest in understanding how thoughtful systems and supportive services can help individuals grow and succeed. She is especially excited to see students gain clarity and confidence through the use of Throughline Guidance’s services, and to play a behind-the-scenes role in supporting their journeys.
Anna lives in San Luis Obispo, California. Outside of work and school, she enjoys baking, exploring all kinds of crafts, learning anything she can, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.