Students blog

“What do you want to do for your career? What industry? Do you have something lined up?” These are all frequently asked questions that most all high school and college students receive as they approach the end of their school years. The truth is the majority of students answer with broad statements and uncertainty. This then turns into nervousness and panic as you begin your job search. Envisioning the beginning of your career should be filled with thoughtful and ambitious intent towards success. Clouding these thoughts with what other people want for you or approve of is not the best way to find your next step in life.

Securing internships and full-time job offers as a college student can be challenging, but with the right strategy and mindset, it’s entirely possible to succeed. Here are some essential tips and strategies that have proven effective for standing out in a competitive job market.

1. Rejection is Part of the Process

Rejection is inevitable in any job search, but persistence is crucial. A rejection should be seen as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Following up after a rejection with a polite request for feedback can provide valuable insights for future applications. Each rejection is a chance to improve, and over time, persistence will lead to success.

2. Leverage Networking

Not all job opportunities are posted online. Networking is one of the most effective ways to tap into the hidden job market. Connecting with alumni, attending career fairs, and reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn can lead to valuable introductions. Employee referrals significantly increase the likelihood of an interview, making it essential to build relationships with those who can recommend candidates internally. Even when no job is immediately available, informational interviews help build connections that may lead to future opportunities.

3. Treat the Job Search Like a Full-Time Job

The job search process demands the same level of attention and organization as a full-time role. Setting aside dedicated time each day to research companies, tailor resumes, and write cover letters ensures consistency and focus. A customized resume for each application, highlighting specific skills and experiences relevant to the job, significantly increases the chances of getting noticed. Additionally, organizing applications in a spreadsheet helps track deadlines, follow-ups, and interview schedules.

4. Utilize Campus Resources

Many students overlook the valuable resources available through their university’s career services. These offices provide resume reviews, mock interviews, and connections with potential employers. Professors and academic advisors often have industry contacts that can help students land internships or full-time roles. Involvement in student organizations and career-related clubs also creates opportunities to meet professionals and expand one’s network.

5. Optimize LinkedIn

A strong LinkedIn presence is vital in today’s job market. A well-crafted profile with a professional photo, detailed work experience, and relevant skills increases visibility to recruiters. Showcasing school projects, internships, or side projects can demonstrate expertise beyond the classroom. Engaging with industry content by sharing posts or commenting on relevant discussions can further increase visibility and demonstrate genuine interest in the field.

6. Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews

Success in interviews comes down to preparation. Researching the company and the role and practicing answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), ensures a confident and polished performance. Sending a follow-up thank-you email after the interview demonstrates professionalism and reinforces interest in the position.

7. Start Internships Early

Securing internships early in college provides valuable experience and often leads to return offers. Even internships that may not be in the desired field can help build a strong resume and provide networking opportunities. Internships also offer a chance to demonstrate work ethic and skills, which can open doors to full-time roles or other opportunities through the connections made during the experience.

8. Maintain a Growth Mindset

Approaching the job search with a positive mindset is essential. Viewing every interview, networking interaction, and rejection as a learning experience will help build resilience. Adaptability and confidence throughout the process are key, as the job search can be unpredictable. Persistence and a willingness to learn will ultimately lead to the right opportunity.

With dedication, organization, and a proactive approach, securing interviews and job offers as a college student is within reach. Treating the job search process as a full-time commitment, combined with strategic networking and continual self-improvement, greatly increases the likelihood of success.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Job interviews can be one of the most stressful things in life for certain people, for others, it may come naturally. However, no matter how good you are at talking, how good your resume looks, or even how serious the interview is, preparing for a job interview is one of the biggest steps when looking for work. Here are a few helpful tips to help you prepare.

One of the most important steps in preparing for a job interview that not many people realize is research. Doing research on the company and the role they are hiring for is one of the easiest ways to make yourself stand out compared to other candidates. Whether it's talking about the company's involvement in the community, their values, or talking about specific skills you saw in the job posting, having knowledge about these topics and talking about them shows that you are interested and care.

Another very important step is familiarizing yourself with common questions and knowing how to answer them while referencing your resume. Practicing common interview questions before an interview is one of the easiest ways to get yourself more prepared. I have participated in countless interviews, and I can confirm that lots of companies ask the same behavioral questions. Having knowledge and exposure to these questions and how to answer them will save you in future interviews. Referencing your resume is also a nice trick to do while answering questions. Talking about experiences on your resume helps the interviewers remember your answers and helps them follow along with the story you are about to tell.

The final tip is to be yourself and don’t try too hard. It’s easy to stress over interviews, lose sleep thinking about what to say, and spend hours trying to figure out the perfect answers. The truth of it all is, you are never going to be 100% prepared and do perfect. You’ll never go into an interview knowing every question and having a perfect answer to every question. However, if you can be yourself and stay calm, the interview is bound to go better than you think a majority of the time.

At the end of the day, nobody is perfect at interviews. You could follow all these tips, spend countless hours preparing, and pull your hair out stressing and overthinking, but nothing is guaranteed. If you are going to take anything from this entire blog, let it be this: Be yourself, make eye contact, dress to impress, and remember that all it takes is the right company, at the right time, to never have to prepare for a job interview again.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Networking is an essential skill that can significantly impact your college experience and future career. As a college student, developing a strong network can open doors to internships, job opportunities, mentorships, and valuable advice. Here’s how you can effectively network during your college years.

1. Start with Your Peers

Your classmates are your first network. They can offer support, study partners and eventually professional connections. Engage actively in group projects and join study groups. Building strong relationships with your peers can create a supportive community that lasts beyond graduation.

2. Get Involved on Campus

Joining clubs, organizations, and societies is a great way to meet like-minded individuals and expand your network. Whether it’s a professional society related to your major, a cultural club, or a hobby group, these organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills and meet people with diverse interests.

3. Attend Networking Events

Most colleges host career fairs, guest lectures, and networking events. Attend these events regularly to meet professionals from your field of interest. Prepare by researching the attendees and having questions ready. Remember to bring a resume and practice your elevator pitch to make a strong impression.

4. Utilize Social Media

Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for building a professional network. Create a compelling profile, connect with classmates, professors, and industry professionals, and join groups related to your career interests. Share relevant content and engage with others’ posts to increase your visibility.

5. Build Relationships with Professors

Your professors are more than just educators; they are valuable connections to the industry. Attend office hours, participate in class discussions, and seek advice on your academic and career goals. A strong relationship with a professor can lead to research opportunities, recommendations, and introductions to industry professionals.

6. Seek Out Alumni

Alumni can offer insights and connections that are incredibly beneficial. Many colleges have alumni networks or events. Reach out to alumni in your field, ask for informational interviews, and attend alumni gatherings to expand your network.

7. Volunteer and Intern

Volunteering and internships provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities. They allow you to meet professionals in your field and demonstrate your skills and work ethic. These experiences can lead to job offers and strong professional references.

8. Follow Up

After meeting someone new, always follow up with a thank-you email or message. Express your appreciation for their time and mention something specific you discussed to reinforce the connection. Regular follow-ups help maintain and strengthen relationships over time.

Networking as a college student requires initiative and persistence, but the rewards are immense. By actively building and nurturing your network, you pave the way for a successful career filled with opportunities and support. Start early, be genuine, and stay engaged, and you’ll find that networking becomes a natural and beneficial part of your college journey.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Finding a job post-grad can be stressful and a little scary. But... it does not have to be! Building strong relationships with your professors along with building and maintaining a network of professionals will give you a solid foundation to start your search before crossing the big stage.

Faculty connections can be helpful when you begin to navigate the job-seeking process. Starting the process by applying early and conversing with professionals in your network makes it much more manageable. You might be surprised at the number of people who would be happy to have a 10-minute phone call to help you learn more about a job opportunity and/or prepare for the interview. Taking the small extra steps along the way can genuinely help alleviate your stress in the job search and increase your chances of receiving more offers to choose from.

Along with starting early, an important step in the job search process is starting wide! Beginning your job search as early as possible allows you to have the most time to explore opportunities and go through interview processes without feeling rushed or desperate for an offer. Now, what do I mean by starting off wide? In simple terms, do not be closed off to opportunities even if you may not have considered working in a certain industry or place. Some of the best opportunities that come about are unexpected.

You probably hear this all the time, but it’s very true. Connections create opportunities! Take advantage of the relationships you have spent the last 4 years developing to help you find opportunities. Reach out to your professors for interview advice and speak to the professionals in your network to learn more about working in that industry and what it takes. As a general tip aside from the job search, be sure to connect with the people you meet, even if you only had a brief conversation with them, because you never know what rooms you might be trying to walk into that these people are already in.

For example, when I was applying for my dream job, I went on LinkedIn and noticed that someone I had briefly met through an internship I did the previous summer now works at the company I was applying to. I reached out to him to let him know I was interviewing and to see if he had some time to chat so I could learn about how his experience has been at this company; thankfully, I had already started a conversation with him on LinkedIn that past summer to thank him for taking the time to chat with us interns. Since we had already messaged, he remembered me and offered his time and advice, which ultimately helped me land the role. I’m so grateful that I met him that summer and took the time to connect with him and thank him.

The job search can be stressful and scary, but it does not have to be. You can never be too early in your job search; just be sure that you are applying for jobs with start dates that align with what you are looking for. Getting started ahead of time and utilizing the relationships you have created will help you immensely, and you never know— it might help you land your dream job!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Jobs and internships that require skilled writing will almost always request a writing sample with your application. Luckily, college is filled with writing, and I’m willing to bet you already have a rough draft ready to refine for your sample. With some fine-tuning, essays, memos, and creative pieces can become excellent examples of your work. Revise papers with the appropriate tone and style for the company or industry and showcase the skills you highlight in your resume for a compelling writing sample.

Setting standards for your writing sample

A good place to start when refining your paper is to decide what you like about it. Do you like the topic? The format? The impact of the prose? Depending on what you like about the paper, refine it to strengthen its other attributes. Ensure your paper meets your writing standards for writing quality, tone, style, and formatting.

Select an excerpt or revise and set your focus

Ultimately, you’ll want to trim your piece down and create two versions: a one-pager and something under five pages. Consider whether your writing sample should include your entire essay or just an excerpt (or both to account for both versions). When revising an excerpt or full piece, focus on the job and your brand. Make sure the tone is appropriate for the job you’re applying to. Recruiters in every industry want to see your ability to synthesize information into something that is clear and concise. Then, consider your primary skills and your personal brand. Does your writing sample represent you, your resume, and your talents?

Polish your writing sample and add an intro

Every job will be different and will likely specify their word count or page length preferences for writing samples. As mentioned in the section above, having a one-pager and something longer (3 pages is a sweet spot) should help you cover your bases. Add an introduction to all your writing samples that briefly explains where the piece comes from and why you selected it as your sample. Here’s an example:

This paper has been revised from a March 2024 submission for an American Politics assignment that analyzed shifts in dominant political parties in the United States. I chose this as one of my writing samples because it demonstrates my ability to synthesize original research into a concise summary and accessible visuals.

Note: While you want your writing sample to be polished and professional, you still want it to be representative of the quality of work your future employer can expect on a regular basis. Make it pretty but keep it real.

Prioritize your objectives for your writing sample

1. Show you can do the job — What does the job require? Memos, articles, visuals?
2. Support your resume — What skills are you highlighting? Research? Communication?
3. Make it memorable — What do you want the recruiter to remember about you?
4. Make it relevant — Bonus points for pieces relevant to the industry or job.

Polish your writing sample to submit to jobs and be on the lookout for future opportunities to add to your portfolio. When you have that magical moment at the end of a project where you review it and think, “not bad, Me,” set it aside to refine into your next professional writing sample. Revise it to show: (1) you can accomplish the job you’re applying to, (2) you can do what you claim in your resume, (3) you’re a culture fit, and (4) you have an interest in the work.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As a college student I am constantly thinking about “what’s next”. How many times have you thought about a world beyond college? Did these thoughts make you anxious or stressed? There are many factors that affect the transition for college students into a post-college world. These factors can determine whether you have a positive transition out of college or a negative one. A college graduate can experience a career gap when transitioning due to a variety of reasons. There are two main reasons, which include not attaining an internship and a failure to network and build connections.

Internships

Finding a productive post-college experience is substantially influenced by the internship you attain. To begin with, completing an internship is a way to decide whether the career you are pursuing is the right one for you. Securing the correct internship can set you up with a possible job offer after college if it goes well. Moreover, internships provide a significant advantage for those who can secure them because they can be used as recent experience for the career or specific job you are pursuing. A good internship program looks great on your resume as well.

Networking and Connections

The connections that you build throughout your college journey have significant importance on your transition out of college, too. Networking while still in college can be positive post-college because it can make your job search process go more efficiently. For example, in the business world it is a lot about who you know; therefore, business students spend a lot of time connecting with professors and attending job fairs to build their networks. In fact, building your network by creating connections plays a significant role in getting your brand and name out in your career field, and, as a result, makes the transition out of college more effective and efficient.

The environment beyond college is a whole new world with all new challenges, opportunities, and people for college students to explore. Students should begin preparing for this transition as soon as possible because it can sneak up on you. Therefore, students should be given an idea and be prepared for all these new possibilities in this new world. Connections get you so far and help you find roles you never knew about or never dreamed you could reach. We never get anywhere by ourselves, so building connections and fostering relationships goes a long way.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As a student taking steps towards my future career, I have learned some things you can take to secure that internship you have always been dreaming of. It doesn’t matter whether you are a freshman or a senior, these steps apply to everyone and can be used to help propel yourself to getting closer to that offer.

To start off, it is important for you to understand what type of industry you see yourself working in. This not only narrows down what you may be interested in, but it also allows you to tailor your documents that may be needed when applying.

Once you have figured out where you want to apply, now you must start preparing you respective documents. The first and arguably most important one is a resume. There are many resume templates online that you can utilize and reference. You can even reach out to a friend or colleague to gauge how they applied for a similar position using their resumes. The main points on the resume should be your contact information, list of achievements, and any activities or clubs that you may be a part of that are relevant to this job opportunity. Next, you want to edit and make sure the resume is clear and legible. Most recruiters look at an applicant's resume for a maximum of ten seconds, so it is very important you have an easy-to-read resume. This allows someone to quickly browse through and gain an understanding of the type of person that you are.

After you have created a resume, it is time to create a LinkedIn. This form of social media is very helpful in developing connections and staying in contact with your colleagues. It also can prove to be a place where future opportunities may present themselves to you. Here on LinkedIn, it is important you once again list your achievements and relevant experience to the industry you are seeking to work in. You can also feature a link to your LinkedIn profile on your resume.

Once both your resume and LinkedIn have been finalized, now comes the application part. It is important that you apply to as many jobs as you can that your experience matches up with. Rarely will the first couple of applications land you an interview. For me personally, whenever I have some free time or I’m bored, I’ll generally use that time to apply to a couple job postings. There are many sites one can use to apply to jobs. I tend to use Handshake and LinkedIn. Handshake is great as it's geared towards college students, so a lot of the job postings will be geared towards your level of experience. LinkedIn is also great as most employers utilize LinkedIn to recruit.

What also helps if you’d like to gain more experience is to join clubs at your university that are geared towards the industry you are interested in. If you like learning about cars and want to design cars, maybe try joining a car club on campus. Having activities and interests that are also aligned with what you are trying to pursue upon graduation makes your resume stand out even more.

The process to secure an internship can sometimes be disheartening, however it is important that you persist and continue trying. Even though initially you may not get the results you desire, if you are improving and trying every day, you eventually will get to your goal of securing your dream internship.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

The ability to form relationships with others in both education and business settings not only allows people to learn from others and trade information but serves as a path to form life-long relationships with mutual benefits.

So what exactly is networking?

Networking can be defined as a mutually beneficial interaction that involves exchanging ideas and information between individuals who are connected by a common career, industry, or interest. Networking shouldn’t be transactional; it doesn't have to take place only when you need something from someone else.

Where to network?

LinkedIn is one of my personal favorite platforms to network with others on. The website allows for users to search for people who work at specific companies or have certain occupations and then can filter down to those who went to the same college/high school or who have worked at similar companies as those searching. LinkedIn has a messaging feature where direct messages can be sent to connect people with each other. Oftentimes, the direct messages can lead to exchanging emails or phone numbers and continue to develop relationships.

It’s important to also look out for networking events that are held in larger cities or at universities. In-person networking events are a great way to build self-confidence and conversation skills while meeting new professionals that could potentially turn into long-term relationships. A lot of the times, colleges will bring in alumni to network with students (look out for different alumni events like alumni weekend throughout the year) or cities will have networking events with registration open to the public where various professionals come together to share information and meet each other.

Networking with peers

Networking can happen between people of ALL ages. As a college student, my “network” consists mainly of my peers along with some adults (mainly Ohio State alumni) who I have connected with throughout my time at university. Fellow students are great to network with because they’re often in similar places in their career, acting as a support system to help others grow and develop. It’s important to foster student relationships because in the long-term those could turn into professional development and career opportunities.

Networking with professionals

Being a student of any kind is very beneficial because often people love to help students! A good starting point to networking with professionals would be with alumni of your college/university. It’s easier to connect with people who share something in common. An example of a message to send to a school alumnus is as follows:

“Hi, Montana! I noticed that you also attended Ohio State University and have a range of experience in the fashion industry. I am a current OSU student looking to break into the NYC retail industry for a summer internship. I know you have a lot of experience in the space, and it would be great to connect and chat about the dos and “don’ts” as I begin the recruitment cycle. Thanks!”

Alumni understand what it’s like to be in our shoes as students and want to help others succeed. It never hurts to reach out over email or LinkedIn, at the very least someone will not respond, but more likely than not people will be willing to connect and offer any advice they may have!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Congratulations, you got an interview!

Now what?

For many, interviews are the most nerve-wracking part of the internship or job search. There are steps you can take to prepare for an interview that will help you make a great impression on your interviewer and may ultimately help you land the position!

Before The Interview:

1. Research the company. You’ll want to find information like the company’s mission statement, any big projects that the company recently completed and made public, and any recent mentions of the company in the news or in relevant journals. If you go into an interview with this knowledge, you will show your interviewer that you have a genuine interest in working for their company and that you have a high level of professionalism compared to other applicants.
2. Be ready to dress for the job you want. If you can, try to find out how current employees in the role you are interviewing for dress. You should try to emulate this look during the interview. If this isn’t possible, use your best judgment when deciding between formal business attire and business casual. This can be dependent on the industry you’re looking to go into and the individual company culture. Another important thing is to be sure that you go into the interview well-groomed. In general, you should be clean and free of offensive odors.
3. Research commonly asked interview questions. There are lots of resources out there with questions that are often asked during interviews. Certain websites may even provide you with example answers. The important thing is to familiarize yourself with the questions that may be asked during your interview and to prepare your own answers. You want to show your interviewer that you would be an asset to the company, so you should take every question that is asked of you as an opportunity to share your relevant skills and experience.

Tips To Remember:

• Be conversational! One of the things interviewers will look for is your ability to hold a conversation because they are trying to gauge how well you will be able to communicate with clients, coworkers, and higher-ups.
• Remember that your interviewer once sat in the same seat you’re in now. Be personable, pleasant, and don’t be afraid to use humor if appropriate!
• Your body language says just as much about you as your words (if not more!) Make sure you make an appropriate level of eye contact, nod or show other signs of acknowledgment when you are being spoken to and make yourself appear as calm and collected as possible.
• Bring copies of your resume for yourself and your interviewer! This practice has become somewhat obsolete with advancements in technology, but it’s still a good idea to bring your resume to reference during the interview.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions! Interviews are meant to help you just as much as they’re meant to help your interviewer decide if you would be a good fit for a certain role. Make sure you ask questions about factors that are important to you, like work-life balance, parental leave, PTO, company culture, etc. If you are looking for a company that values employees having a work-life balance and your interviewer tells you that this is not something the company is concerned about or flat-out refuses to answer, the company may not be a good fit for you.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!