If you are a university student, you will most likely have access to a university’s career services or office. Most universities will have a dedicated team of career advisors ready to assist you with all your career-related questions. This can range from simple things, such as reviewing your resume and helping you to craft your cover letter, to helping you to connect to industry professionals and leaders.
For most students, they tend to overlook this part of their student life until they are in their final year of university and start to look for internships or full-time jobs. However, you do not have to be a final-year student to fully utilize your university’s career services. In fact, we highly recommend that you make regular appointments with your career advisor to maximize your employability. Scheduling regular check-in meetings (once a semester, etc) can provide the platform to ensure you are constantly working towards your career goals.
If you are meeting your career advisor for the first time, or if you do not know what to ask them, here are a list of questions that you should ask in your meetings.
#1 What can I do with my major/degree?
Ideally, you should know what you are getting yourself into when you pursue a particular degree. However, the career prospects may be a little unknown to you. This is where your career advisor can help you navigate potential career pathways that may be available based on your degree and major(s). In a constantly evolving world, most career journeys are no longer linear. Psychology graduates do not necessarily all become psychologists, and law students do not necessarily have to become a lawyer.
By speaking with a career advisor, you can explore all the potential career pathways available. This can also help you to focus on some of the transferable skills that you have developed (or will be developing) throughout your studies, and how you can utilize them in your future career.
#2 How to write a good resume and/or cover letter?
Depending on your chosen field and industry, you may need a slightly different approach in writing a resume or a cover letter. Working with your career advisor can help you to find the best approach that can help to highlight your skills and experiences. Most university career services will have different templates that you can refer to. Some may even run resume writing workshops to help you develop the necessary skills.
#3 How do I prepare for a job interview?
We get it – a lot of people are scared of job interviews. As a university student, attending your first full-time job interview can be especially nerve-racking. Your career advisor can not only share tips and advice but may also be available to conduct a mock interview for you. This can be a great opportunity for you to practice your interview skills and get feedback on things that you can improve. Mock interview sessions with a career advisor can boost your confidence skills and allow you to practice talking about your skills and experience in a safe environment.
#4 How and where can I find a job in XXX?
In today’s world, there are tons of job platforms and job boards. For a student, it can be intimidating to think about how and where to start your job search. But fret not – your career advisor can advise you on a few platforms that would best suit you and your intended career pathways. Some universities may even have an internal job board with vacancies shared by industry partners and organizations, which can benefit you.
#5 How can I maximize my presence on LinkedIn?
LinkedIn may be one of the most important professional networking sites people use in their careers. As a university student, you can gain a lot from being present on LinkedIn. It is not only a platform for you to apply for jobs, but as a way to build your online personal brand. You can also use it to connect and network with industry professionals. But, like other social media sites, it can be confusing to start. You can work with your career advisor to help you maximize your presence on LinkedIn so it can benefit your career development.
#6 How can I connect and network with industry leaders?
Learning about your chosen industry as a student can greatly benefit your future career. It shows that you have the initiative to learn and helps you to be better prepared for the job market. Your career advisor will have connections with top industry leaders and partners that you can utilize. Most universities will run an internal career fair, where they will invite top companies who are looking to recruit students for internships and full-time positions. Some universities may also run networking events or industry visits, where you can meet and connect with professionals.
#7 What other resources are available to me?
University career services offer a comprehensive service to students, but there may be things that are out of their expertise. Depending on your situation, your career advisor can point you to other external resources. This can include external opportunities that can help you grow your career, such as industry competitions, mentorship programs, and more.
#8 Help, I don’t know what I want to do with my life?!?!?!
Fret not – you are not the only one with this problem. More often than not, most students will go through this at least once in their university life. Even working professionals will have phases where they question their decisions and life trajectories. It is a common problem and one that your career advisor can help with. They will provide a few resources to get you started, which may involve some psychometric tests. These tests can be a good starting point for future career conversations you will have. They will also work with you to identify your strengths and interests, and how they can overlap in a potential career opportunity.
However, it is important to note that your career advisor cannot tell you what to do. Do not expect your career advisor to have all the answers to your career questions. At the end of the day, you are responsible for your own choices. They are there as a guide for you to navigate the decision-making process. They can provide as much support, insights, and advice as you need. But you will need to take your career development into your own hands.
We wish you all the very best in your career journey! Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more career insights and tips that can supercharge your career development!