Career Coaching for College Students

Summary

In this insightful video, University of Denver student Alex interviews career coach Bina Kavalam, who shares valuable advice for college seniors preparing to enter the job market. Bina discusses the importance of self-promotion through Google, LinkedIn, and other online platforms, offering tools like LinkedIn 101 and About.me to help students build a strong personal brand. She stresses starting job searches early, conducting informational interviews, and seeking career counseling. Additionally, Bina emphasizes understanding one’s strengths and passions to find the right career path. Practical steps are provided to kickstart a successful transition from college to career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Google yourself before job searching to understand what potential employers may find about you online.
• 😀 LinkedIn is crucial for professional networking and should have a complete, updated profile, even if you have limited experience.
• 😀 Create a personal website on About.me to establish a positive online presence and improve your Google rankings.
• 😀 Use a consistent, professional photo across all platforms, including setting up a Gravatar to maintain your image.
• 😀 Start job hunting as early as possible—ideally in your junior year—to give yourself a competitive advantage.
• 😀 Conduct informational interviews to gather insights about potential career paths and make connections in the industry.
• 😀 Have your resume reviewed by career services or mentors to ensure it’s polished and professional.
• 😀 Networking is essential—start with the people you know (family, professors, peers) and expand by attending industry events.
• 😀 Reflect on what you enjoy, what you're good at, and what others thank you for to help determine the right career for you.
• 😀 Engage in a 30-day challenge to take consistent, small actions that lead to finding the right job and professional success.
• 😀 Don’t feel confined to one career path—explore different roles and industries, and consider transitioning as your career evolves.

Q & A

What is the first step you should take when preparing to search for a job after college?

The first step is to Google yourself to understand what information is publicly available about you. This helps ensure that you can control what potential employers see when they search for you.

How can LinkedIn help in securing a job after college?

LinkedIn is one of the fastest growing professional networks and can be a great tool for showcasing your career, skills, and professional background. It allows you to build your personal brand and connect with potential employers.

What advice does Bina Kavalam give about setting up a LinkedIn profile?

Bina advises that you should complete your LinkedIn profile, even if you don't have a lot of experience. A professional picture and a basic profile can help make a positive impression, and it is important to start building your online presence early.

How does the website 'About.me' contribute to your job search efforts?

'About.me' allows you to create a personal website that is simple and free to set up. It helps boost your online presence, which can improve your Google rankings and visibility when potential employers search for you.

Why is it important to have a consistent professional picture across platforms?

Having a consistent professional picture across different platforms ensures that you present a unified and recognizable professional image. This can help employers verify that the person they are reviewing online is indeed you.

What is an informational interview, and how can it help you in your job search?

An informational interview is when you meet or speak with someone to learn about their career path, the decisions they made, and the industry they work in. It provides valuable insights that can help guide your own career choices and expand your professional network.

When should you start looking for a job as a senior in college?

It’s important to start looking for a job as soon as possible. Ideally, you should begin during your junior year, but it’s never too early to start exploring career options and opportunities.

What is the role of Career Services on campus in job preparation?

Career Services provides valuable resources for students, including resume reviews, career counseling, and job search strategies. It's a great place to get professional advice and support as you prepare to enter the job market.

How can networking help in finding a job after college?

Networking allows you to connect with professionals in your desired field. These relationships can lead to job opportunities, informational interviews, and valuable advice that can give you an edge in the job market.

How can you determine which job is right for you after college?

To determine the right job for you, you need to reflect on what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and what others appreciate about your skills. By identifying the intersection of these factors, you can make a more informed decision about your career path.