Create an Action Plan
Early in the semester, students should visit the Office of Career Preparation and Professional Development to discuss their post-graduate plans. The office is located at SJC Brooklyn in Tuohy Hall, Room 205.
Update Your Resume
Before walking across the stage at graduation, students should take some time to update their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to reflect the internships, service activities and skills mastered during their undergraduate experience. And while you’re at it — don’t forget to review your social media accounts and delete anything you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see!
Attend Networking Events
Mark your calendars for professional development events and career panels to expand your network. Professional relationships are critical to success in the real world. This semester on campus at SJC Brooklyn, there will be networking events with several companies, including Wegmans (a new addition to the Brooklyn Navy Yard!) and Doherty Enterprises, Inc.. Additionally, a “Meet the Inventors” technology panel is scheduled for Feb. 20 in Tuohy Hall. It will include panelists from Google, AcclimateVR and TEQ.
Practice a Mock Interview
Participating in a practice interview is a great way to hone your skills before the big day. Mock interviews give you the chance to learn how to answer difficult questions, develop interview strategies, improve your communication skills and reduce your stress before an actual job interview. Career Services provides counselors for face-to-face mock interviews, who can also give you critical feedback.
St. Joseph’s also offers a virtual campus resource for mock interview practice called Big Interview.
Get Connected
Don’t forget to work your professional contacts — especially St. Joe’s alumni network. Our SJCmentor program offers SJC students unique perspective on their future careers by matching them with accomplished alumni and other career experts in their field of interest.
On a similar note, students should take on leadership roles in campus organizations or find a part-time internship in their senior year. In addition to valuable learning experiences, these will be welcome additions to your resume.
SJC Brooklyn is known for the way students form close relationships with faculty. Keep nurturing and growing your professional network this semester — starting with our attentive professors, and adding on internship advisers and other mentors you meet along your journey. Cultivating these close relationships with faculty is important, so that if you need a letter of recommendation for work or graduate school a year or two out of college, you will have someone to call.
Update Your Wardrobe
Begin to shop for appropriate work and interview attire. Starting early is beneficial to your wallet — especially since you can still use your college discounts at many retail stores.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our JC Penney Suit Up event March 29. During the event, you can get useful information about professional attire — and deep discounts (40 percent and up!). It’s also makes for a fun day in Manhattan!
And Finally … Don’t Stress!
Oftentimes, your first job out of school may not be the perfect fit. The reality is that you will likely change positions within the first three to five years after graduation and move on to something else. Taking your first opportunity will open doors and set you on the path to career success.
