It's never too early to start building your resume. Building skills can come from a variety of place. Here are some great ways to do it:
Volunteer
Volunteering as a student can be an excellent way to build your resume, gain valuable skills, and make a positive impact in your community.
-
Identify Your Interests and Goals: Think about your interests, skills, and career goals. Consider how volunteering can help you develop relevant skills, gain experience in your field of interest, or contribute to causes you're passionate about.
-
Research Volunteer Opportunities: Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and goals. You can search online through websites such as VolunteerMatch or VolunteerHouston. Also, consider reaching out to local nonprofits, community organizations, and charities directly to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Consider Skills-Based Volunteering: Look for volunteer opportunities that allow you to leverage and develop specific skills relevant to your career aspirations. For example, if you're interested in marketing, you could volunteer to help with social media management for a nonprofit organization.
-
Be Proactive: Don't wait for volunteer opportunities to come to you. Reach out to organizations you're interested in volunteering with and express your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute. Offer your skills, ideas, and availability to show that you're proactive and committed.
-
Network: Volunteering is a great way to expand your network and connect with professionals in your field of interest. Take the opportunity to build relationships with staff members, fellow volunteers, and other individuals you meet through your volunteer work. These connections could lead to valuable mentorship, advice, or future job opportunities.
-
Track Your Accomplishments: Keep a record of your volunteer activities, including the skills you've developed, projects you've worked on, and any measurable impact you've made. This information will be valuable when updating your resume or discussing your experiences in job interviews.
By actively seeking out volunteer opportunities, leveraging your skills and interests, and reflecting on your experiences, you can make the most of your volunteer work to build a strong resume and advance your career goals.
Internships
Internships are invaluable for building your resume, gaining practical experience, and making connections in your field of interest. Here are some tips for finding and maximizing internship opportunities:
-
Define Your Goals: Determine what you hope to gain from an internship. Are you looking to explore a specific industry, gain hands-on experience in a particular role, or build your professional network? Clarifying your goals will help you narrow down your internship search.
-
Research Opportunities: Look for internships that align with your career interests and goals. You can search for internships on job boards, company websites, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and through your school's career services office. Consider both paid and unpaid internships, as both can offer valuable experience.
-
Network: Reach out to professionals in your field of interest and let them know you're seeking an internship. Attend career fairs, networking events, and informational interviews to connect with industry professionals who may be able to help you find internship opportunities.
-
Customize Your Application Materials: Tailor your resume, cover letter, and any other application materials to each internship opportunity you apply for. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the position.
-
Prepare for Interviews: Practice interviewing for internships by researching the company, preparing responses to common interview questions, and rehearsing your answers with a friend or mentor. Be ready to discuss your relevant skills, experiences, and why you're interested in the internship.
-
Be Flexible: Be open to internships in different locations, industries, and roles. While you may have a specific ideal internship in mind, being flexible and willing to explore different opportunities can expand your options and lead to unexpected learning experiences.
By actively seeking out internship opportunities, customizing your application materials, preparing for interviews, and taking initiative in your role, you can make the most of your internships and build a strong resume that showcases your skills and experiences to future employers. Texas Bay offers internships each summer. Watch for the posting on our career page or our ADP online openings.
Part-Time Work
Part-time work can be an excellent way to build your resume, gain valuable skills, and earn income while you're a student or early in your career. When considering part-time work to build your resume, look for opportunities that align with your interests, skills, and career goals. Additionally, don't underestimate the value of transferable skills gained from any part-time job, such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, which are valuable in any profession.