This summer is probably a little different than the one you had planned. Trips cancelled, plans falling through, closures and restrictions upending fun outings and activities you were looking forward to. While this summer will look different, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything! Before school resumes in August, take some time to advance your career development by doing the following four things!
- Create/Update LinkedIn and Handshake: If you don’t currently have a LinkedIn account, what are you waiting for? LinkedIn is easy to use and set up and can help you with networking, job and internship search, and creating a professional online presence for yourself. If you already have Linkedin and Handshake accounts, take some time to go through your profile and update things. Did you have any relevant projects this semester to add? Has your expected graduation date changed? Did you take any classes relevant to your major to add? Need to update your profile picture? Got an internship or job to add to your experience? Keeping your professional accounts up to date is as important as having them in the first place.
- Resume Update: Now’s the time to sit down with your resume and make those changes you’ve been putting off. Without other projects and papers to worry about, you finally have the time to work on your resume! Update any information that has changed- contact info, adding your LinkedIn URL, graduation dates etc. Also, add any new experiences and projects you’ve completed this semester (and remove any information that is no longer relevant). Want some assistance or another set of eyes to look over your work? The VCEA Internships & Career Services Office is available to help you via Zoom all summer long! Schedule an appointment with Sandi Brabb (https://calendly.com/brabb) or Taylor Shewchuk (https://calendly.com/taylor-shewchuk) today!
- Plan Ways to Get Involved: While updating your resume, you may notice you have some blank space to fill. Getting involved on campus can be a great way to expand your hard & soft skills, create connections, and add valuable experience to your resume. VCEA has many different clubs in a variety of interest areas. Research and read up on the cool projects, competitions, and on-campus efforts the clubs are working on, contact the club representatives, and plan to get involved this fall!
- Continue Networking: Did you meet recruiters at the Career Fair, at on-campus employer recruitment events, or at club activities? Use your free time to stay in touch and build a professional relationship. Reach out to them on LinkedIn or by email and let them know how you finished the semester, or the projects you are working on this summer. Use this time to set up informational interviews and learn more about the industry and career paths.