More than four million people graduated from college in 2021, and that number continues to grow each year.1 Finding out how and when to take the next step in your career journey may help you stand out from other graduates. It is never too early to start thinking about and researching the types of jobs you will want to apply for after graduation, even if you are not yet ready to start the application process.
As you begin your senior year of college (typically in the fall), consider the industries and fields you may be prepared to enter after graduation. Ask yourself these questions:
- Which industries interest you most?
- What type of company do you want to work for in the future?
- Where do you want to be located?
- Do you prefer working with others or spending more time working alone?
- What are the things you must have and must not have in your ideal work environment?
Your answers to these questions can provide a strong start for determining which jobs you want to apply for as you get closer to your graduation date. Your answers can also help you better understand the types of jobs and industries that interest you most, so you can start researching what opportunities are currently available and are likely to be available when you’re ready to apply.
Even if you aren’t quite ready to apply to various positions during the first semester of your senior year, merely researching the opportunities out there can help shape your future in job searching. Your research may help you learn how to navigate job listings and get a sense of the language typically used in recruitment ads. You may also discover what benefits packages and perks are typical of a job in your chosen field.
Another benefit of beginning to research job opportunities early in your senior year is that you’ll get a sense of the requirements to pursue an entry-level position in your chosen field. This can inspire you to shape your resume and even add more qualifications. For instance, if eligible, you may pursue a certification while still a student to potentially position yourself as a more competitive job applicant.
Please note, while beginning the job search process in your final year of college is acceptable, taking steps toward a career option is advisable as soon as possible. The GCU Career Services office staff have found that students with internship experience throughout their tenure in college have a clearer direction for their professional goals, not to mention networking contacts who may provide valuable advice and connections.
