How to be a Stand Out Job Candidate Throughout College

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October 29 2012

How to be a Stand Out Job Candidate Throughout College

You’ve tallied up the 120 requisite college credits, collected recommendation letters and said goodbye to the best four years of your life. Welcome to the world of post-undergraduate life!

Here, bragging rights are essential and there’s little room for sideline observation. Especially now, graduate schools, employers and recruiters are scanning your resume with a fine-tooth comb, looking for the items that set you apart from the rest.

As a recent college graduate, I’m familiar with this highly competitive post-undergraduate world. With those four years behind me, I’m looking back with a deep sigh of relief: fortunately, I thought outside the box when accessorizing my inexperienced resume.

Early on, I discovered the hush-hush guide to college extracurriculars – those resume boosters that no one advertises on activity boards. There are a number of volunteer positions (some with titles, others self-proclaimed) to be had as an undergraduate, and not only will you learn a lot about real-world employment, but you’ll make some great networking connections along the way.

When I wasn’t eligible for work study, I sent out e-mails with the subject “Campus Volunteer Work” to staff members that I knew around school. I immediately heard from our International Programs Office (IPO) regarding a volunteer peer advisor position; after spending a year abroad, I was well qualified and willing to help out.

After talking to my IPO advisors, I found my niche in the office: I became their student writer, writing promotional articles in the school paper, magazine and website. I also served as the online social media coordinator for the office, getting our study abroad information out there for tweeters and taggers. By the end of a year, I had a substantial position description and two advisors willing to vouch for me.

Interested in magazine writing, I contacted the editor of our school magazine (you can find just about anyone’s contact information on a school website.) After a few back-and-forth e-mails, I was asked to join a magazine meeting -- technically, a design class that I wasn’t registered for. Because I was able to make the class time and was willing to contribute for no credit, I was given a spot on the design team and became a frequent contributing writer. Two years later, I have bylines, graphic design experience and a published magazine in my portfolio, all because of my persistence and hard work.

Schools are always looking for go-getter volunteers, and often accept any inspiring idea. From independent projects to becoming a professor’s aid, academic extracurricular activities do three things: give expertise experience in the field; individualize your resume; and create a strong relationship with a faculty or staff member (and remember: it’s all about who you know).

I recently filled out graduate school applications, and I (again) sighed with relief. The applications asked for recommendation letters (“from persons best able to assess academic and professional qualifications”), GRE scores, the name of the undergraduate institution and a list of any accomplishments, awards or volunteer work. Nowhere on the application was there a space for my GPA. I guess experience outweighs transcripts in this case.

About the Author: Abby Ringiewicz is a recent graduate from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. She works as an editorial intern at a New England-based magazine, where she writes, edits and researches local stories.  Connect with Abby on Twitter at  @abbyrwrites and on LinkedIn.

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