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Balancing Your Job Search with Your Education

Finally launching yourself into the career you have literally been preparing years for can be pretty intimidating, especially when you are attempting to job search while finishing up your degree. Never fear! You are in one of the best stages to be searching right now.

Use your Resources

Campuses are packed with resources to launch you into your field—career coaches, professors with connections, and other students. Use this built-in community to your advantage! Ask for help with refining your resume. Discuss career options with your professors. Discover who your classmates/friends have connections with, and try to speak with anyone who could offer you insights. For the most part, people love sharing their wisdom and experience with others. Do not be afraid to ask for help or advice.

Set Goals

Instead of aimlessly shouting into the void, define precisely what you want to achieve. Would you like to be signed with a company by February? Shoot for that goal! Maybe you want to have interviewed with at least three companies by the start of your last semester. Write it on a post-it note, stick it on your wall, and know what you are aiming for. Set realistic goals. If you aim too high and keep falling short, you will only get discouraged and fall even further behind.

Schedule Smart

Instead of just finding time when you can in between classes and assignments, schedule time in your week to dedicate to your job search. This can fall in line with setting goals or be time-based. You can schedule your goals (e.g., apply to one job each week) or set time aside (e.g., 2 hours per week working on building connections and job searching). Giving yourself these windows of time or small goals to accomplish can make a huge difference in the ground you are covering in your job search. This time can also make you feel more productive since you can quantify your time spent working to reach your goals, even if you do not see immediate results.

Remember: It only takes one! Sometimes the job search can feel endless. Don’t let this discourage you. Dedicate your time and resources wisely and find the job that works for you!

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