The Job Search Starts Freshman Year

This weekend I came across an interesting news piece on Business Week TV titled the Young and the Anxious. This story highlighted the fact that college students aren’t waiting until senior year to start their job search. They’re starting to plan their career success as early as freshman year.

Forward thinking students of today are reaching out to the HR departments of the companies they want to work for to discuss what it takes to get in the door. Some are going as far as calling on company advisors before accepting the college offer to question which school would provide the best opportunity for landing the job. This is a good thing and definitely shows ingenuity on the part of the student however the decision on which college to attend should not be based solely on the likelihood of landing that perfect job.

Many business groups have cropped up on college campuses around the US. These organizations provide college students, who are members, another opportunity to stand out and get noticed when it comes to preparing for that coveted position. These groups allow students to network and rub shoulders with leadership from companies who are often invited to speak and mentor students on campus. Additionally these groups provide an opportunity for students to gain leadership skills by becoming elected board members, a trait that many employers consider important in the hiring process.

A Goldman Sachs representative interviewed in the story pointed out that an internship is also a good way of getting ones foot in the door. This allows the employer to get to know the student and their work ethic during this 10 week period. She mentioned that her company aims to convert interns into full-time employees after graduation.

If you know any college students out there looking to increase their chances of getting in the door to some of the more desirable and competitive companies in their field you may want to share this information with them. View Business Week's “Young and Anxious” TV broadcast