As a college student, it is important to network while studying before graduation. Networking enables you to have quite a number of options and also to build one’s portfolio in the career world especially if you desire to be part of well-known jobs like those react web developers.
The ways in which one can network as a college student are quite numerous, however, the most important one is to attend career events. Career events are so much important as it provides college students with the avenue to meet professionals from different fields and industry.
This is very important in building your profile and navigating the professional world. A good impression is like leaving an imprint and this is one of the most important things to put into consideration.
This also allows for students to be abreast of information regarding job opportunities. One of the major channel for networking events is, ‘Gradireland’. The process is to register with ‘Gradireland’ online and provide the necessary information. One will then get emails whenever there is an event or any job opportunities.
Another benefit is that it provides notifications for graduate programs or internship opportunities available. Career events educates college students on how the professional world is and things to expect after graduation.
The top five active sector in Ireland according to Cpljobs.com are the following:
- Accounting and Finance
- Science and Pharmaceuticals
- Technology and Creative Design
- Language Jobs
- Engineering
These five sectors are also in high demand and to get to these sectors, one has to have an ample amount of knowledge on how to get into these sectors.
For the Accounting and Finance sector, there are various specializations and requirements. For the Accounting sector, the various requirements are:
- Educational requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, business Studies, Finance, Economics or any related qualifications.
- Professional requirement: CIMA, ACCA, CPA, ACA
This sector has the following specializations, which are:
- Financial Accounting
- Fund
- Account Assistant
- Corporate Finance.
The basic startup salary for this sector is 50 thousand Euro and the salary might vary according to the company that one works for. For those who will love to move into this sector but with no background knowledge, it will be best to get a professional training. The embedded video gives a good summary as regards networking.
For the Technology Sector, one can work as a programmer, Web Developer, Network Engineer, Project Manager, etc. To fit into this sector, it is required to get a degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, Data Analytics and any related Qualifications. For a start-up salary, it is 45 thousand Euros, but this may vary.
To get into this sector, the following requirement needs to be put into consideration, however, the right professional training and attitude to learn will go a long way.
For the science and Pharmaceutical sector, any degree and qualification in the medical field will enable you to go into this sector. For the language sector, being multi-lingual is the key to get a translation job in companies and to also have a teaching license is the key to get a language teaching job in Ireland.
For the Engineering sector, it is advised to have the necessary qualifications and experience required for the sector. As a result, it is quite important for college students to understand how these sectors operate.
Another way in which college students can network is to have a LinkedIn account, this allows companies and recruitment agencies to see your academic and career profile. A good LinkedIn profile goes a long way in your representation and it could get you the job you desire. Other Job accounts to have are: ‘Jobs.ie’, ‘IrishJobs’, ‘Glassdoor’, ‘Indeed’, ‘StudentJobs’, etc.
Things to do at a networking event is to have a good body language. When meeting up with professionals, be confident, have an open body language and be friendly. When engaging in conversations with them, try to show your reasoning, do not just agree with everything that they say, if you have an opinion, throw it in and discuss logically and respectfully. This will show that you have something to offer and that you are proactive.
They say the world is our oyster but the reality is that nothing is handed to you on a platter of gold. To network, do a lot of work on building yourself as a brand, this will portray you as an asset. Give your brand an identity, get a personal website that will highlight your skills, and what you are about.
Move with people that are already graduates, it will fuel your drive and enable you to have an insight on sectors. Contact people often and ask for their advice on how you can best network.
Have the best communication etiquette, your emails should be as professional as possible. Avoid the use of nicknames for your email address, instead make use of your first and last name. This will help portray you as professional.
Ensure to list all your skills and qualifications, there is no such thing as being modest or humble in your CV. It is your skills, efforts and qualifications, so you are allowed to show off.
Always add individuality to your profile and cover letters. Let the company see what makes you unique. The key is to set yourself apart.
Get certifications that will help boost your CV. If it is a 3 months or 6 months certification, please go for it. Sometimes, all what companies are looking for is a certain certification and not necessarily the degree.
Be yourself, be honest and try to network.
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