Semesters have come and gone, and graduation festivities are drawing near. It’s no wonder days seem to appear shorter and more hectic—it’s normal! Pondering over what your future might look like is something that every student experiences and while it may sound daunting at first, dipping your toes into the waters might just be the push you need to get started working on your dreams.
Get a head start on your career path by following these tips.
1. Stay curious
As a student, academics should be your main focus at school, but it doesn’t have to be your only focus. Maximize your learning years by discovering different aspects about yourself, your skills, and your passions. Think about what piques your interest. What are the things you love and hate? From there, assess which areas you shine best in and those you need to improve on. Now is the perfect time to really sit down and ask yourself, “What do I really want? ”
Online assessment tools like the STI SCOPE, or Student’s Career Opportunity & Personality Evaluator, where students can determine their personality type and best career options, can help you look inward, making it a lot easier to know your path to success and enabling you to be future-ready.
2. Learn beyond the classroom
It’s time to pad your skill set by honing existing abilities and picking up new ones through workshops and online courses aligned to your interests. Just recently, STI College has rolled out LearnIt, a platform offering a wide range of courses and career tools and expert tips and insights that students can access for free.
Want a change of scenery and a quick break from the pressures of school? You can also try participating in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or arts! All these provide valuable experiences that extend far beyond textbook learning, developing your decision-making abilities, sense of responsibility, time management, and teamwork necessary in the workplace.
3. Gain the right experiences
Most employers value work involvement and immersion even if you’re still at school or a fresh graduate. That’s just how it is. But don’t worry, for starters, yours begin by taking your learning experience outside the four walls of the classroom.
Internships, volunteer work, on-the-job training, and part-time jobs can be good examples of work experience. These expose you to the real workplace cultures and industries, letting you peek into the professional world and gain insight into what your potential career path is going to be. Here, you’ll be able to apply what you learned in class in actual situations or might as well make your transition from school to a full-time job opportunity. Don’t be afraid to take a chance!
4. Build your network and seek guidance
Putting yourself out there is the ultimate key to expanding your connections. Attending your school’s career fair plus your relationships from organizations, internships, and OJTs can get you acquainted with like-minded individuals. Take note that a lot of job openings are being filled through referrals, and at these kinds of social gatherings, you can meet professionals and even industry leaders that can land you job offers. You don’t want to miss out!
Whether you’re planning for college, a part-time job, or personal growth, the steps you take today can open doors to opportunities for tomorrow. Hence, it is important to choose the right track and, more importantly, the right educational institution that supports your passion, like STI.
Guided by its commitment to shape future-ready graduates and professionals, STI offers its signature brand of holistic education through a wide range of industry-adept programs integrated with a balance of traditional, experience-based, and character-building activities. Visit www.sti.edu to know more.
