2020 graduates are facing unique challenges.
On last week’s episode of my Instagram Live series, Asking For Myself, I talked to the Assistant Director of Career Development and Alumni Relations at Columbia University, Izabela Rutkowski.
We shared everything from best practices students can be implementing now to help them secure jobs – to how employers can best support students who are just graduating and entering the workforce.
Here are some of my top takeaways:
For employers: If you have WFH interns, make it a priority to recreate the authentic internship experience for students within the virtual workspace. Invite your interns to company meetings, create digital social events to allow interns to network with other professionals and departments, and commit to mentorship. Without the physical office space, these students won’t be able to have the basic experience of mingling at the coffee machine. Recreate that experience for them. Internships are not only about the opportunity to develop hard skills – they are also about making connections.
Students: Network Network Network!: Students should be networking now more than ever. While decision-makers are stuck at home with more time on their hands, they are more likely to respond to outreach. Send LinkedIn invites with a note included. Start your note by mentioning common ground such as your alma mater or your degree. Reach out to people whom you admire and share your common values. Ask if they have time for an informational interview! Even if they themselves don’t have the power to give you a job, they may be able to connect you to the right people when the right opportunity presents itself.
Pandemic To-Do List to Set You Up For Success: Make sure your resume and cover letters are in great shape and can be tailored to any job description that comes up. Take this time to optimize your LinkedIn profile. Be clear about where you stand: List your current position if you have one – or a sentence about what opportunities you are seeking, a detailed education section (field of study, courses taken, professors), and try to get a few recommendations on your page from those who can speak to your character/work. Delve into your alumni network – you never know who can help you!
Join me on Instagram for the next episode of #AskingForMyself for tips and tricks on how to be successful in business and in life.
