Networking
Networking is a crucial part of the job search and preparation process at any stage of journey. Your connections can be a valuable asset in helping you prepare for and obtain opportunities, and you never know when you might be able to leverage your connections in the future! We always encourage students to seek opportunities to network whenever possible. At job fairs – talk to employers even if you don’t know who the company is or if they will have positions in your field. When you see employers tabling or walking around campus, don’t be afraid to talk to them. When you’re waiting in line to check out at the store, you might meet someone in line with you who works at your dream company.
For more information about networking, check out our guide
Informational Interviews
One great way to make connections and learn more about fields or jobs that you might be interested in, is to conduct informational interviews. The purpose of informational interviews is for you to learn more about potential careers from someone currently in that field. This is a great way to ask questions that you have and gain a better perspective on what different jobs involve from day to day.
Check out our guide on how to conduct informational interviews.
Ask a Bulldog
Many students find it very beneficial to connect with UNCA alumni to network and learn more about different career journeys. Reaching out to alumni is easy with Ask a Bulldog. Students can login and ask alumni any question about career development and an alumni will personally reach out and answer.
Connect with a fellow Bulldog!
Selling your Skills
We all have skills that are worth selling! No matter what experience you have, there are skills that you can highlight on your resume, in an interview, or while networking. We hear a lot from employers that they want students to be able to explain what skills they have and describe how they’ve used them. The National Association of College and Employers (NACE) has partnered with employers and graduate schools across the nation to identify eight key competencies that employers want to see from recent graduates. Check out the competencies to get ahead and start thinking about how you can prepare for your future!
Career Readiness Competencies