Career Insights from Jan Mrozinski
Career Coach Jan Mrozinski shares essential tips for Bethel students on career planning, networking, and navigating the job search.
Commonly Overlooked Aspects of Career Planning
One critical aspect students often miss is the importance of networking during their time at Bethel. Networking is vital for job hunting in today's market. Bethel boasts a growing network of alumni eager to assist students in their career journeys. The career coaches at Bethel guide students on how to connect with professionals who can help them succeed, emphasizing the importance of reaching out, meeting, and following up to cultivate these connections.
Resources for Job Searching at Bethel
Students can benefit from various resources at Bethel's Career Development and Calling office:
- Resume Preparation: Utilize the SkillsFirst platform to create resumes for free, enhancing chances of passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Interview Preparation: Access common interview questions and strategies to highlight achievements effectively.
Guidance for Undecided Students
For students unsure about their major or career path, self-exploration through interests and strengths assessments is recommended. Meeting with career coaches to discuss individual qualities and exploring potential careers through informational interviews and job shadowing can provide clarity.
Networking with Confidence
Jan advises students to remember that everyone they contact was once at the start of their career. Bethel alumni are keen to see current students succeed. Students should prepare for meetings with thoughtful questions and approach networking with the confidence that they possess unique gifts and interests.
The Role of Faith in Career Exploration
At Bethel, students are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God, which is believed to guide their career choices. The perspective that God created each person uniquely informs students that their career paths can serve others in diverse fields.
Essential Skills for Employers
Employers look for soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Bethel encourages students to develop these skills through involvement in clubs, coursework, and leadership roles. Students should reflect on the skills they are developing and learn to communicate these effectively in resumes and interviews.
Gaining Real-World Experience
To stand out to employers, students should seek real-world experiences through internships and field placements. Data shows that 70% of students who complete a paid internship receive job offers from their internship employers.
Finding Internships and Standing Out
Students can build their networks by requesting informational interviews and utilizing the Handshake platform to find internships. Preparing for interviews by researching companies, sending thank you notes, and networking on LinkedIn can help candidates stand out.
First Steps for Recent Graduates
Recent graduates should schedule a resume review and customize their resumes for each job application. Keeping in touch with their network and meeting with Bethel's career coaches can provide ongoing support in their job search.
Support from the Office of Career Development
Whether seeking career advice, resume building, or internship opportunities, Bethel's career coaches are available to support students in achieving their career goals. Start by scheduling an appointment or reaching out to career@bethel.edu.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!