Resume Keys: 3 Ways Any College BOSS Can Build Experience
BOC Contributor: Arionne Nettles
College is not all about hard work. In fact, any college grad will tell you that it’s so much more
than that. In addition to getting an amazing education, it’s where you truly grow.
It’s where you meet lifelong friends and explore new hobbies. You join clubs, and play games,
and hangout at new places. It’s the time — and the place — that gives you the freedom to
become the person you want to be later in life and a big part of that is preparing you for your
future career.
Although internships are a great way to get hands-on work experience that can set you up for
full-time positions post-graduation, they aren’t the only path to building up your list of
experiences and wowing potential employers. Even without one of those golden opportunities,
you can still show that you have what it takes to thrive in the workplace later on.
Here are three ways to gain resume-worthy experience while still enjoying your time at college.
Prove Commitment
What’s one of the most important attributes that employers look for in young talent?
Commitment. Companies want to know that if they hire you, you’ll be dedicated to doing the
best job you can, and focused on helping the company reach its mission.
While you’re still in college, show that you’re able to commit to causes and organizations you
believe in. Whether it’s consistently volunteering for a nonprofit or working a part-time job for an
extended period of time, the amount of time you spend working toward a larger goal matters.
Be Passionate
Companies know that you can only be committed to their mission if you’re passionate about it,
and showing that you’re able to possess that kind of devotion is easy in college: do something
that you love to do and do it often.
Play a sport, dance, model, paint, create a hobby or interest group. You’ll likely excel at it
because you’re doing something that you love. You’ll know a lot about it, grow with it, learn
lessons from it, and you’ll have something substantial to talk about on your resume and in
interviews.
Demonstrate Leadership
Effective leadership is a transferrable skill. Employers know that if you were ever an effective
leader before, that you can be one again with the right guidance and leadership. It’s an innate
ability that can make you a gem in any growing business.
Take passion a step further by looking for leadership positions within the organizations you love.
Look for creative ways to tie in your studies. If you’re hoping to go into finance, be your dance
team’s treasurer. If you have attorney ambitions, be the liaison between your interest club and
the school’s registered student organization office, handling all the contracts and paperwork.
You can’t go wrong by being an integral part of something that is meaningful to you.
What are some ways you can demonstrate that you’re a BOSS right now? Tweet us at @BOSSOnCampus and let us know.