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7 Different Ways to Add Credentials to Your College Degree
In today’s job market, having a college degree isn’t always enough. Employers want to see experience, drive and commitment to the company. Competition for jobs is high, so it’s to your advantage to add as many credentials as you can to that degree.
1. Get Certificates
Education doesn’t have to stop at your degree. Pursuing continuing education and certificates demonstrates a dedication to your field and will expand your skill set. This will make you both more appealing to potential employers and qualified for a wider range of positions. For example if you graduated with a degree in web-design (see the one from ABES in Calgary), you could really change your career by going through a course that certifies you as a medical office assistant. The medical field has a great need for those who are talented with online tools and with this degree-certificate combo, you’d be an incredibly dynamic employee.
2. Attend Conferences
Attending conferences can keep you up to date on the latest in your field and gives you a chance to personally meet the movers and shakers. If you have the opportunity to attend a conference, take it, and talk to as many people as you can. The things you learn and the people you meet can only help you in the future.
3. Publish Papers
If you have any skill at writing or research, try to get a paper published. This will lend you a sense of authority, especially if it was published by a well-known, reputable organization. This will demonstrate that you are intelligent, a clear communicator and that other people have found you worthy of attention.
4. Take an Internship
Experience is king in today’s job market. While in school, you should be getting experience where ever you can, from part time jobs to volunteering. If you’re having a hard time getting a job with your degree, bulk up that experience. Take on a job, an internship and a volunteer position if you can and bulk up that resume quick.
5. Take on Extra Responsibility
Companies notice hard work. Take on extra work at your current job, internship or volunteer position. Prove yourself to be consistently reliable, innovative and dedicated. Getting a few excellent references will make that resume stand out among a sea of people who have your same degree.
6. Do Your Research
Know any company you apply to work for inside and out. Be able to discuss it intelligently with an interviewer. Know what the latest trends and advancements in your field are and be ready to talk about them too. While it doesn’t improve your resume itself it will make you far more compelling to interviewers.
7. Develop and Maintain Your Network
Far too many people underestimate the importance of their network. A huge percentage of people find jobs in their career because of the people they know. Get to know your professors personally and stay in touch. Keep business cards on you at all times. Be friendly, personable and knowledgeable to everyone and never burn your bridges. The person you anger today could be the person who could have gotten you a job tomorrow.
