Translate your university experience into skills employers value
Published: April 12, 2024
Author: Minh Do
Are you having a hard time imagining how your university experience can make your resume stand out? What could campus life and classes possibly mean to an employer? I totally get it! I’m a student, too.
But, I have discovered ways to add valuable experiences to my resume. Down below are three things you can do to turn your college experience into something employers value, too.
- PURSUE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Skills you’ll gain: Time management, teamwork, analysis, attention to detail, problem solving, written communication
What to expect: This short-term learning experience allows you to dig deep into a topic and acquire skills and experiences related to your study field.
- Most research furthers existing work. You will investigate past studies, data, and findings and add to them with your own research.
- When an employer sees research experience, they see problem-solving skills and your ability to obtain and process high-level information in a short period of time.
Last year, I did summer research for my engineering major. It really enhanced my coding skills and my recall of what I learned in class. Research projects shine so well on your resume and make you stand out from other candidates.
Skills you’ll gain: Collaboration, seeing things from diverse perspectives, empathy
What to expect: This experience teaches you how to deal with people, how to set your needs aside and purely do good for others and the community.
- If you are an athlete, you might volunteer to run a sport camp and teach kids in the neighborhood.
- At a youth center, you might assist in recreational activities and tutor the kids from primary to high school level in different subjects.
- Residence life at the university sometimes needs extra hands in moving furniture or setting up events.
- Clubs and organizations on campus are also a great place to seek volunteer opportunities.
Last summer, I helped a summer camp to update the volunteer work on my resume. I volunteered preparing lunch, serving food to the kids who attended the summer camp, and assisted in cleaning afterward. I learned how to quickly adapt to the working flow and be active in helping: I observed anything that needed to be done and asked if anyone needed an extra hand on anything. I also learned how to collaborate with people around me to accomplish tasks the quickest. There may be no specific tasks assigned, so when you volunteer, remember to ask if anyone needs an extra hand on anything.
Skills you’ll gain: Communication, adaptability, working with diverse people, taking initiative, problem solving
What to expect: Studying abroad is a transforming journey. You learn to manage culture differences, language barriers, opportunities, and obstacles.
- You will grow out of your comfort zone.
- You will broaden your point of view and gain experience working with people that are so different from yourself.
As an international student, I have learned to adapt to a different culture and lifestyle in the United States. I have immersed myself in many activities, including on-campus jobs, volunteer tutoring, and small group spiritual discussions. Working for my university’s marketing office, I even modeled for the school’s publications – a totally memorable experience.
DON’T FORGET TO POLISH YOUR DIGITAL PROFILE
LinkedIn is an amazing platform for you to keep track of your professional development and education even as a student. It is also a great place to reach out to experts from your desired field and get insights about job opportunities. Hiring managers do check out LinkedIn profiles, so keep yours current.
It is a blessing being able to attend college, so please make the most out of this experience. Landing your dream job after graduation will comes naturally if you start preparing right now through utilizing college experience. Start today!
