Welcome Graduate Students!
While you continue your education as a graduate student, there are a number of career-related activities you should focus on at the same time.
Here are some suggestions:
Create a Plan: Self Assessment
Carefully evaluate your skills, needs, values, and interests. Think about your long-term goals, the types of positions you are interested in, the specific skills you can bring to a job and the various industries in which you are interested. Considering these factors can help save you time and energy during your job search by allowing you to concentrate on the positions that fit you best. FOCUS 2 is a career exploration tool that you may use throughout college and after.
Create a Plan: Geography
Where you work physically may be as important as what career you choose. Are you looking for something local, or are you willing to relocate? Are certain parts of the state or even country more favorable to the industry you are pursuing? Do you have a personal preference for small towns versus large cities?
Create a Plan: Find the Right Industry
Think about the industry in which you want to work, and target your job search and networking to opportunities aligned with your target industry.
Create a Plan: Size
Working for a small company can be quite a different experience than that found in a large corporation. Each has its own advantages, depending upon your preference.
Create a Plan: Salary & Benefits
While searching, keep your financial obligations in mind . Do you have student loans? Do you need a job that offers health insurance? Carefully consider your financial requirements as you evaluate various employment options.
Update Your Resume
Keep your resume up to date at all times. Review resume and cover letter formats in Career Maverick. Feel free to set up an appointment to review your resume with a Career and Professional Development counselor: Contact us.
Sign up for Career Maverick
Mercy University’s robust, 24/7 online career resource, which includes job and internship postings from employers who interested in hiring Mercy University students and alumni, will be instrumental in your job search. Start by registering for Career Maverick, and begin looking for job opportunities that are of interest to you.
Prepare to Interview
The best way to prepare for a job interview is to practice. Run through popular questions with a friend or classmate. Practice interviewing through our mock interview interview tool Big Interview. Feel free to Contact Career and Professional Development for a more formal mock interview with a Career and Professional Development counselor.
Build Your Network
Build up a solid network of professional and personal contacts. Create a profile on LinkedIn and connect with influential individuals in your career field, as well as Mercy University alumni. Reach out to anyone and everyone you know who may have a connection for you. Always remember to send a thank you note (email is fine) to anyone who assists you during the job search process.