So, now that you know where to look for contacts, how can you maximize your opportunity? 

Start off slow.

Remember to be friendly and ask questions during the conversation that let you learn more about the person. If there are mutual areas of interest, offer a business card or ask if the person can share his or her business card with you. Ask if it is ok to contact him or her in the future.

Remember that social settings require social tact.

While the person you just met has great potential as a business contact, remember your environment and keep the conversation light. You don’t want to come on too strong or pushy at, say, a July 4th celebration at a park. Save the tough questions for a later time.

Change the topic if the person seems uncomfortable or not willing to talk about work in a social setting.

Look for cues like looking away, over or around you; or physically edging away from you and/or towards others. Or, maybe they provide you with very short answers and try to change the subject back to something related to the social outing. If this happens, ask if it would be better to speak with them back at the office and offer your contact card.

It’s okay to talk about your interests, your career goals and plans. But try to stay within points of mutual interest. If the person doesn’t feel too pressured, he or she will be open to future contact or even provide you with a referral to someone they know is hiring.

With all of these opportunities to meet people, you might feel pressured to have your resume in your back pocket at all times.

An easier approach may be to have a personal business card that includes your LinkedIn profile URL or even a QR code that takes users to any of your online profiles. QR codes can be scanned by a smartphone to take users directly to a specified web page. Sites like Qurify.com can generate the codes for you. Even better, a new, fun contact card is called a Meme Profile Trading card . These cards provide a snapshot of your skills and a link to your online profiles and often have a QR code included on their design.

Seizing opportunities to network in person is essential to a successful career and job search. Take the time now to mentally prepare for these exchanges and you’re sure to leave an impression.

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

Related posts:

1. Ten Easy Tips for Networking Your Way into a Job
2. Networking the Old Fashioned Way
3. Advance Your Career with Community Contacts

Consider your everyday life. You shop, you vacation, and you dine out; in all of those situations, you are encountering people. Life is the original social platform–minus the 140 characters. I have found myself in many situations that have led to great contacts–dinner parties, sporting events, even striking up a conversation with a stranger while waiting in the grocery checkout line. In your everyday world, the casual encounters of your daily routine can open up a network of connections with limitless possibilities. Consider some of these common–and not so common–places where people are networking offline:

Community Events

Do you participate in local charity events or other community events that businesses might sponsor or participate in? Not only can you meet potential employers or talk to employees of companies you are interested in, you will likely meet many people with years of experience in your industry who can turn into good mentors or someone who can help you get a foot in the door. Tradeshows also offer a wealth of business contacts, especially since companies pay handsomely in sponsorships and usually have a strong onsite presence. Also, check out career fairs at local colleges–your campus Career Services office should have a listing of upcoming events.

Chamber Memberships

In your local community, you may want to consider joining the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber exists solely to promote local business interests, so meetings are usually well attended by business leaders. Chambers meet regularly–often including monthly breakfasts with speakers and business after-hours networking–and are a great way to make an impression on those in your area.

Golf, Sports and More

It’s no secret that many business leaders enjoy a little networking on the golf course. So, if you golf, there is a great chance you could bump into a new contact on the course. But what about local sporting events where companies buy box seats or sponsor a night for their employees to attend? Sometimes being in the right place at the right time can make a casual conversation into something more about a specific company.

Now, consider this. There is a gym in New York City that recently began offering an exercise class for “sweat workers.” The idea is that some business leaders would like to opt out of lunch meetings at restaurants that pack a punch in calories, and get down to business while working out. While this option may not be for everyone, it’s an interesting trend to watch.

While being on social media is important, don’t discount everyday opportunities that present themselves. It’s a great feeling when you look at a crowd of people and realize that any one of them could add value to your job search and build your network.

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

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2. Are you learning everything you need to know?
3. Make 2012 the Year of Career Preparation

Some skills come from experience and others require you to practice … and practice, like public speaking. As you prepare for your future, here are some specific skills that could benefit you in the working world.

Public Speaking:  

At some point in your career, you will need to speak in front of a group of people, whether it be a presentation you’re giving or defending your point of view. Even if you took a public speaking class, you should continue learning and practicing how to articulate and organize your thoughts. You can join clubs, such as Toastmasters that teach you the basics of public speaking.  It’s a great way to practice with an audience who will give you constructive criticism and encouragement.

Dealing with Tense Situations:

Throughout your life, you will work with many people who don’t see eye to eye with you.  You’ll encounter times when projects aren’t going in the direction you had hoped for or you and a coworker will need to have a tough conversation about processes, ideas or responsibilities.  Learning to take a step back and approach the situation with an effective and constructive communication approach while understanding the emotions of each person involved is key to resolving difficult or tense situations professionally.

Working as a Team:

In college, your team projects often give you the chance to develop your planning skills, teach you how to delegate and build in accountability to your team. Sometimes, you find that you need to be prepared to step in when others don’t deliver. In the working world, you’ll use all of these skills and more.  As you develop your teamwork skills, remember that sometimes it’s good to listen, setting team goals and building trust in the group is important, and personalities can have a big impact on the team’s leadership.

Get connected:

Keep up on the latest news from your industry and also potential companies where you might want to work. You should also learn how your targeted companies are affected by current events.  To learn more about the industry, consider subscribing to business publications, blogs, or newsletters by industry associations.

Build your professional network  by connecting with potential mentors or leaders in your industry by asking your professors to introduce you to their contacts. You can also search for professional contacts on LinkedIn and Twitter–but regardless of how you find people, you want to truly connect with them and build relationships. Get to know your contacts personally–don’t connect just to add another contact in your LinkedIn address book. It would also be beneficial to attend professional organization meetings and introduce yourself; be seen, be known, grow your possibilities for contacts after graduation and beyond.

Time Management:

While managing assignments for multiple classes and campus clubs is beginning to teach you how to manage your time, learning to set priorities and meet deadlines are also critical skills. Do you use a calendar or other online tool to track your assignments? Do you make lists to track your responsibilities? Do you procrastinate or set aside too much time for social activities? Take the time now to build good time management skills to ensure your success later on the job.

The classroom is producing an excellent student.  It is up to you to go one step further and produce an excellent employee.

Author

Michele is a Senior Recruiter for Sodexo, a world leader in quality of daily life solutions that contribute to the progress of individuals and the performance of organizations. As a former assistant director at the University of Maryland University College’s Career and Cooperative Education Center, she’s no stranger to students trying to plan their careers. During that time, she worked with non-traditional college students to gain school credit for on the job work experience. Michele also taught seminars on job searching, resume writing and interview techniques, and partnered with local employers to help students gain employment. At Sodexo, she has continued her interest in shaping student careers by serving as a mentor to an intern in the company’s Future Leaders Program. Michele began her recruitment career in 1999, joining Sodexo in 2008 where she recruits for a range of food, facilities and environmental services positions. Michele holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland College Park (go Terps), is a charter member of a Baltimore area Toastmasters chapter, and a Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) and Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR). When not giggling with her two girls, Michele enjoys writing … and watching the Yankees win, much to the dismay of her husband. Join her on LinkedIn or just Network with Us at Sodexo.

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2. Learning From Some of America’s Hottest Brands
3. Sometimes Nothing is Something

Make your story memorable and interesting.

Recently, I met a young woman who was interested in completing a summer internship with Hyatt. She was 1 of 24 students I interviewed during my time on this particular campus.  When I asked her to give me an example of a challenge she had to overcome, she told me about her internship at a hotel in Hong Kong.

This particular internship required her to answer phones and assist guests who did not speak English. Although she was somewhat proficient in speaking Chinese, it was truly a challenge for her to provide assistance to guests over the phone without the benefit of body language or visual cues. Her description of the experience was both detailed and interesting enough for me to paint my own mental image and to share with my peers when we were discussing the students we had met during our recent recruiting trips.

Practice and prepare your story.

When preparing for your interview, consider one or two stories you would want to share with your interviewer. Did you run a marathon at age 12 or raise a significant amount of money for your community? These are achievements worth sharing!  Although you won’t know the specific questions you’ll be asked during your interview, it is likely that at least one of the stories you prepare will fit in nicely within your response to a specific question at some point during the interview.

Choose your story carefully.

You want to ensure that the story you tell is concise, demonstrates a positive behavior, and shows you in the very best light! You also want to be sure the story is interesting and memorable. Therefore, it’s extremely important that you rehearse the details of your stories in advance. Rehearsing the story out loud for others will also help ensure that your body language and non-verbal cues support your storytelling.

If you’re having difficulty finding a story or two to share, take a look at your resume. Sometimes students have difficulty condensing their resumes to one page. The advice I often give is to consider the items listed on the resume–are there achievements or details that would bring more value when shared during an interview rather than hidden within the content of your resume?

A firm handshake, professional appearance, and warm smile are all the building blocks of a good first impression. In order to build a lasting impression, good communication skills and a memorable story are both key components!

Author

Ronisha is one of Hyatt’s College Recruiting Managers.  Hyatt’s College Recruiters visit more than 30 college campuses each year recruiting top talent at hospitality programs across the country.  A graduate of The Ohio State University, Ronisha begin her Hyatt career as a Human Resources Corporate Management Trainee.  During her ten years with Hyatt, she has worked at Hyatt Hotels in Orlando, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey.  To learn more about opportunities with Hyatt please visit hyatt.jobs, follow Hyatt on twitter @hyattcareers, become a Hyatt Facebook fan at Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Careers and follow the Campus Recruiter blog at blog.hyatt.jobs.

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I recently spoke with the director of graduate programs at a prestigious university. She shared her thoughts on the steps graduate students should take to secure the right job after graduation. Like me, she believes that finding a good first job after school is an ongoing process that starts when you commence your studies. Here are three critical steps to take if you’re in grad school:

1. Engage in self-assessment:

This is something that you should begin even before you enter your graduate program. A lot of students struggle to articulate their career goals because they have limited work experience and lack a clear sense of what they want to do once they earn their degree. Knowing your interests, skills, preferences and financial needs will guide you toward what interests you professionally–use the points below to help you.

• Think about what you enjoy based upon your previous academic and work experiences
• Understand your strengths and weaknesses as a job candidate
• Keep testing your hunches, constantly assessing and reassessing

As you start to delve into more advanced curriculum, you will get a better sense of your interests. Finally, keep track of what news you gravitate to, what you like to read and what piques your interest. You will start to see definitive trends–things you enjoy and issues you like to think about. All of these steps will help you to develop a more clear sense of what to pursue and how to proceed.

2. Create a plan:

Although this seems obvious, a job search can be so overwhelming that many people put it off because they simply do not know where to start. First, you should understand your schedule and when you have blocks of time that allow you to work on your job search. Obviously, those weeks before exams and deadlines for papers are not appropriate. Once you have identified those available times, schedule time on your calendar specifically for your job search. Make a commitment to your job search and treat it like a class.

3. Networking is critical:

Just because you’re getting a more advanced degree, it doesn’t mean you can forget about networking. You should use the points listed below and don’t take it personally if you don’t get responses–you can always approach someone again with a gentle follow-up.

• Learn more about the jobs you are considering, particularly if you have not had the opportunity to do an internship
• Speak to professionals in these jobs to test your assumptions and learn about the challenges, as well as the availability of positions and the relevant skills you will need
• Look for contacts through college and grad school alumni networks, LinkedIn and specific industry resources
• Speak with your professors to see if they can connect you with alumni and other faculty who are experts in their fields

Those who are the most successful with their job search are proactive from the moment they enter their grad school program.  You should get involved, be engaging and stay current on trends and changes in your field.  If you approach this process over a two- or three-year time frame instead of the semester before you receive your degree, you should have much greater success in securing an appropriate opportunity after graduation.

Author

Lesley is president and founder of Priority Candidates, which prepares college students and recent graduates nationwide to get hired for their first jobs.   Previously, Lesley spent more than 25 years in executive search, working with candidates from entry level to C-Suite executives in organizations ranging in size from small, family owned businesses to large international organizations.  Her fundamental knowledge of what hiring manager’s look for is the core of what Priority Candidates does to prepare college students/recent grads to get hired now.  An alumnus of Duke University who is based in New York City, Lesley has been featured in USA Today, SmartMoney, The Washington Post, ABC News, The New York Times, NY Nightly News with NBC4’s Chuck Scarborough, eCampus News and John Tucker’s Small Business Report on Bloomberg Radio. Lesley always welcomes connections via LinkedIn, on Twitter or by email or phone, available on her website.

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Think back to January 2010; did you accomplish the things you were eager to do then?

Here’s what I’d suggest: make a list of the personal branding accomplishments you did within the year. Include networking functions you attended, internship/work experience, and student organization activities as examples. Then make a list of things you didn’t get to do. This list will become your personal branding top priorities in 2012.

Hold yourself accountable–keep this list somewhere you can see daily and work on a task a week, if you can do more often that’s great! If you’ve wanted to introduce yourself to your Dean or register for a conference do it! Don’t procrastinate; let’s try to do more this year than last.

Additionally, if your short-term plan includes a summer internship, T-Mobile will be seeking 112 interns in the areas of Marketing, Sales, Finance & Accounting, Legal, Technology, and Supply Chain. The positions are all open on our job site, www.tmobile.jobs. Please review the full job description and apply directly to the positions that fit your qualifications.

Cheers!!

Author

Desiree is a University Recruiter at T-Mobile USA. She is currently responsible for developing and implementing effective recruiting and branding strategies related to short and long term needs. She does this by partnering with business line leaders to build relationships and establishing realistic expectations. A big part of being a recruiter at T-Mobile is striving to position T-Mobile as an “employer of choice” and facilitate a world class recruiting experience for candidates. Desiree is also responsible for training managers and recruiters on the University and Internship Program. Desiree spends her free time spending time with family and friends, traveling, and volunteering with various groups. She also loves to read and trying anything that is new and fun.

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And I don’t mean grad school in the traditional sense.

Not that there’s anything wrong with getting a master’s degree (it can certainly help you make more money). But for many, going to typical graduate school may not be a realistic option because of other obligations or cost. That reality shouldn’t prevent you from getting the specialized knowledge you need to get a job or get ahead in the one you have.

So how do you expand the list of educational credentials you bring to the table without breaking the bank or devoting a year or more to school? Enroll in a Certificate Program or an Accelerated Program.

Many colleges and universities are offering programs like these, both online and in the classroom, that can help you develop specific career competencies. They are each distinct in their offerings but either can provide you with the additional skills or knowledge that can make you more relevant or marketable in the career that you would like to pursue.

Thinking this might be a good option for you? Here’s some information about each program:

Certificate Graduate Program

Not only can you take courses targeted to specific disciplines and enhance your professional development, but sometimes these courses can be applied toward getting a graduate degree if you decide to make that commitment later on. These programs are generally one year; require three to 12 courses and generally about nine to 21 credits.  A bachelor’s degree is a pre-requisite and there is no admission or selection process.  The benefit of these programs is that they can help you advance your career or change your career in a short period of time.

Accelerated Graduate Programs

These are degree programs where you study multiple subjects at the same time, thereby saving you time and money.  Be careful–this is an intense commitment but you can earn your degree much faster than you can in a regular program. Unlike the Certificate Programs, there is an application process and you’ll probably need to submit standardized test scores.  Some colleges offer these accelerated graduate programs in combination with an undergraduate bachelor’s program, allowing you to finish both in a relatively short period of time.

Author

Lesley is president and founder of Priority Candidates, which prepares college students and recent graduates nationwide to get hired for their first jobs.   Previously, Lesley spent more than 25 years in executive search, working with candidates from entry level to C-Suite executives in organizations ranging in size from small, family owned businesses to large international organizations.  Her fundamental knowledge of what hiring manager’s look for is the core of what Priority Candidates does to prepare college students/recent grads to get hired now.  An alumnus of Duke University who is based in New York City, Lesley has been featured in USA Today, ABC’s New York Viewpoint with Ken Rosato, ABC News with Art McFarland, The New York Times, NY Nightly News with NBC4’s Chuck Scarborough, eCampus News and John Tucker’s Small Business Report on Bloomberg Radio.   Lesley always welcomes connections via LinkedIn, on Twitter or by email or phone, available on her website.

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Top 5 Finals Tips

5. Review your study guide – sounds simple, right?! Not all professors expect you to blindly go through all the lessons from the semester. Some will let you know exactly what you need to be successful on the test. However, if one isn’t given, set up some time with your professor to find out the best way to review all the material. If you haven’t set up time with them before, this will be a great way to introduce yourself and possibly develop a good reference.

4. Peer Studying – find a group of peers in your class that have the same goals as you. Schedule a time (or times) and place that works for everyone. Make the most out of your time together. Remember you have a lot of material to cover and not a lot of time. That’s just for one class!

3. Individual Studying – You may need time to yourself to focus on the topics that you’re having the most trouble with. This could be your preferred method of study. You know what works best for you as far as location, times, and pace.

2. Don’t forget to eat – Students handle stress in different ways. In order to do your best your energy level needs to remain intact. Overeating when stressed is common also. Continuing your regular eating schedule will allow you to focus and not shock your system.

1. Relax! It’ll all be over soon – Take a deep breath and know that this stress won’t last forever, not even a month. You’ll be back at home enjoying your friends and family in no time!

Bonus Tip:

Tying it all together – Your professors can sometimes be a golden ticket for more than your upcoming final, but also future career advice. While you’re in there discussing your test find out what their backgrounds are. Sometimes people love to talk about themselves! You may find out that they’ve previously worked for a company or industry you’re currently trying to be a part of. They may have a contact name of someone you can reach out to regarding a full-time position or internship. With your professor as a reference who knows what can happen.

Good luck guys!! I’m cheering for you!

Author

Desiree is a University Recruiter at T-Mobile USA. She is currently responsible for developing and implementing effective recruiting and branding strategies related to short and long term needs. She does this by partnering with business line leaders to build relationships and establishing realistic expectations. A big part of being a recruiter at T-Mobile is striving to position T-Mobile as an “employer of choice” and facilitate a world class recruiting experience for candidates. Desiree is also responsible for training managers and recruiters on the University and Internship Program. Desiree spends her free time spending time with family and friends, traveling, and volunteering with various groups. She also loves to read and trying anything that is new and fun.

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There is such a wide range in the world of on-campus employment, so I am going to focus on just one ubiquitous student job: the general office worker. I use this type of role as an example of the professional development benefits of seemingly irrelevant jobs. Of course, I do base my thoughts off of my own assumption that most students don’t enter college with hopes of becoming a secretary when all is said and done.

Even though you might not want to answer phones, make copies, and run errands as your primary job for the rest of your career, there is a lot to gain from general office work.

Communication Skills

Communication is a big part of working in any office environment, but it becomes even more critical when you are helping to keep an office running. In some campus office environments, you might be manning the main desk, like in a campus information services environment. You’re going to be on the receiving end of a lot of questions, and as the face of an office, it’s important to respond in a clear, concise, and professional manner. What if you’re not working the desk but are doing odds and ends around the office (ex. copying, filing)? Communication is still important to make sure you’re completing tasks as you should be.

Customer Service Orientation

Whether or not you will work directly with customers in the future, developing a strong customer service orientation can greatly benefit your career. In most office jobs on campus, you will have a “customer.” The customer could be other students, faculty, and/or community members. It all depends. However, you are working to help someone else. What future employer wouldn’t want to bring someone on board who is focused on helping others, whether that is actual customers or co-workers?

Organization Abilities

There are so many things to organize in an office environment, so honing strong organization skills is necessary for office survival. In the case of general office work, you might be given projects and you might be working on multiple projects at one time. Not only do you need to learn how to organize how you spend your time at work, but you need to organize the project work itself. This is especially important if you share responsibilities with other office workers or need to pass along a partial project to a co-worker. Your ability to organize your work will say a lot about how efficient and effective an employee you will be.

For college students, the focus always seems to be on internships. However, they aren’t the only gig in town. On-campus jobs can be just as important. And definitely don’t knock office work. It’s more valuable than you might think.

Author

Laura serves as Internship Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the office of Career & Leadership Development.  In this role, Laura advises students who are pursuing internships, assists employers with intern recruitment, and supports university faculty who oversee academic internships.  She also provides students with job search readiness assistance through presentations, individual counseling, and social media.  Laura earned her bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she majored in French and Political Science, and she received her masters degree in Counseling from UW-Whitewater.  To learn more about Laura, read her blog, follow her on Twitter, or connect on LinkedIn.

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For some people, choosing a career is easy. For as long as they can remember, they always wanted to be a chef or a doctor or a teacher or a police officer. But, for others, choosing a career required careful consideration of several different options.

Regardless of how you came to your career decision, at some point in time you may question your choice. One of your classes may make you think about alternative careers, an internship may not be all that you expected. Or, you simply might evaluate your interests and wonder if you made a mistake. Well, let me tell you, you are not alone. It may feel that way right now, but rest assured you are not the first person to experience this self-doubt.

Many people have come to the frightful realization after having spent years of undergraduate–and sometimes graduate–training in their “chosen” field, conducting countless research projects, participating in numerous study groups and spending many hours in the library, only to realize that they are no longer interested in the career for which they were trained.

If doubts about your college major or future career are swirling through your mind, think about the cause of the doubts. Spend some time thinking about your feelings toward your major or your job. Is it the work that is keeping you up at night with doubts and unhappiness, is it the type of work environment, or is it the company’s culture that doesn’t fit well? If you enjoy your work, but not the company, it’s time to start researching other companies for a better fit and more agreeable work environment. But, if it’s the work you don’t enjoy, it might be time to consider a new career.

I have found in my travels that people have been starting over at all ages. Perhaps they always wanted to be a writer or a nurse. Or, they’ve discovered that they really enjoy working with numbers and want to explore professional training to become an accountant. It seems as though people simply want to be happy.

You can get back on track, and here’s how:

• Assess your interests. Before you can move forward, you need to know what you like and what you don’t like. Take out a sheet of paper and list all of the things you enjoy doing when you’re at work and at home, the things that get you excited and enthusiastic; and then make a list of the things you dread having to do. This should help guide you towards careers of interest. If you’re still not sure, consider taking an online career assessment quiz.

• Research new career opportunities. Changing careers can be scary. But, the more information you have on hand, the easier it will be. Do some basic research to discover more information about the various career opportunities. Once you discover your passion, learn about the jobs in that career field. What types of tasks are done on a daily basis? What companies offer jobs in that career field? What are realistic salaries? Do you need any specialized training?

• Be careful not to turn others’ dreams into yours. Many students that I speak with share that their parents wanted them to follow a specific career path–often to become a doctor or a lawyer. Or, they chose a career field because they wanted to have the same major in college as some close friends so they could take classes together. While there are many great career choices, remember, your happiness will come from making your own choice and choosing a career that interests you, not others.

• If you’re in school, you can change your major. First, talk to your parents and let them know you would like to make a change. This is especially important if they’re paying for school, as sometimes changing your major could mean staying in school for an extra year, depending on your coursework. Next, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor and talk to him or her about your new career interests. Together, you can develop a plan to change your major or add a minor to help you prepare for a different career. Your advisor also might be able to refer you to internship opportunities in your new career field or help you find a mentor to guide you through this change.

• If you graduated already, don’t worry about what your degree was in. Now that you’ve graduated and your diploma is hanging on the wall, don’t feel forced into staying within that career field. It is likely that there are numerous transferrable skills that you can take with you into a new field or job position. And, you can always attend professional workshops or seek a new degree if your new career choice requires additional education. Be proud of your accomplishments and seek ways to grow into your future.

• Volunteer your time, get experience and network. Changing careers means building a new set of experiences specific to your new career field. Join professional associations in the field and volunteer to help on projects, take on a leadership role in the organization and get active. Now is the time to build your experience and make contacts with others in the field who may be able to help you find your next job. You also can research companies and look for networking opportunities within the company.

• Be flexible. Preparing for and finding a new job in a new career can take time. It also might mean a cut in pay as you gain experience and work your way up the ladder. Keep your eye on the future and where you want your career to go, but be willing to accept the sacrifices you may have to make to get there. Be patient. Be flexible.

I hope these tips are helpful for you as you navigate and develop your career. I have enjoyed sharing these and other tips with you on Studentbranding.com. However, it is time for me to step down and allow another colleague to share her insights with you. I have enjoyed writing for this medium and wish you much success. Please welcome Michele Posehn, who will take the driver’s seat on the next blog.

As you move forward in your career, feel free to keep in touch with me via Twitter or LinkedIn. Good luck with your careers!

Author

Derren is the Manager, Diversity Recruiting for Sodexo which is a leader in integrated food service and facilities management. He is responsible for managing the Sodexo Future Leaders Internship Program as well as executing diversity sourcing initiatives for both campus and targeted experienced hires. With over 14+ years of experience with Sodexo, Derren has had great success as a General Manager in the company’s Health Care Services division as well as in several positions within their Talent Acquisition Group. He’s an active corporate partner with the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH). Derren is an AIRS Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR). Follow him on Twitter, friend him on Facebook, or just Network with Us.

Related posts:

1. Professional Organizations on Campus can Launch Your Career
2. Navigating Your Career: I’m a Junior, What’s Next?
3. Navigating Your Career: I’m a Senior, Am I Ready for a Job?