It’s mid-May (yup, already the hump…like, what) and with that comes a lot of existential thinking (read: stress) for college junior and seniors. While a lot of people have their summer and post-grad plans in tact and underway, some weren’t so lucky and are still on the hunt for that dream gig. Whether you’re looking for an internship, trying to get a job – your first, or just a new one – or just want to ensure you’re maximizing your potential and adequately preparing for the time when you are, I’ve put together a few of my favorite ways to revamp your professional self and take steps to advance your career, like, NOW.
1. Breathe new life into your resume. I’m not gonna beat a dead horse here, but y’all know the importance of having a stellar CV. When you’re on the job market and sending in those apps, this couldn’t be more important.
2. Call your mentor. Oh wait…
3. Make sure you have a mentor. There’s nothing more beneficial than being able to pick up the phone and have a 10-15 minute chat with someone who just gets you, both professionally and personally, and understands what you really need to get to the next step. Besides that, he or she probably has an awesome career themselves – maybe even in your desired field! – so they’re leading you by example and rejuvenating your love of the career path.
4. Buy one new piece for your wardrobe that helps you feel more confident and just amazing. When you look and feel the part, it’ll bring you one step closer to nailing and being the part!
5. Never stop networking. Even in summer (for any college and high school folks out there in the audience…here’s how to do it right). It gets to sounding cliche, but think of every single person you meet as having something to offer – you’re on a mission to figure out what that is. This doesn’t mean you have ulterior motives and are just looking to get something out of everyone – it just means stay on your toes. Always be ready to dig a step deeper with someone, and know when to appropriately ask for a business card or inquire about opportunities. Even if one person doesn’t have an open spot in their own company, they have friends! Keep in touch, network often, and when they know someone who knows someone who needs someone like you, you’re a phone call away.
6. Go through your contact list and send out a few “Thank you!” cards. But actually. Treat yo’self to some cute stationary, grab the ol’ Forever stamps and Pilot pens and get to writing a few heartfelt messages to thank people for their time and willingness to help a sistah out.
7. As Lao Tzu famously said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Muster up the courage to take the first step of something, whether that’s launching a great project you’ve been putting off, writing down a list of your best – and worst- traits, or starting to figure out a few successful methods to beat your anxiety, cope with stress, or bounce back quickly. It’ll all add up in the long run!
8. Stock up on all the essentials: A good padfolio to hold your resume, pens, notepad, etc come interview time, an array of business casual – business professional and formal attire (that’s all mixy and matchy to get the most bang for your buck!), a business card holder, desk essentials, and a little self-care kit for your bag (floss, a great lipstick, a tampon, a rollerball fragrance, a hair tie and a Tide to Go).
9. LinkedIn. Learn it, love it, do it right. (This 3-part series might be exactly what you need…Part 1, Part 2, Part 3!)
With that, I think you’ll find yourself 9 steps above the rest! I hope it helps you get farther faster, and feeling good about your own progress. And as someone that I love very, very, very much told me today:
“There are seven days in a week and ‘someday’ isn’t one of them.”
Now’s your time to make it happen.
What’s the next big goal you have that you’re looking to make happen in your career?
Let me know in a comment below, and now please sit back, relax, enjoy the two newest videos from Coming Up Roses on YouTube. I hope you’ve got a tasty treat and a caffeinated drink to keep you company.
Talking about favorites for spring and doing a fun everyday spring makeup routine video.
