5 Baby Steps to Success
By Mattie Naman and Elise Luoma
Are you a freshman at the University of Alabama worried about being prepared for a career after college? This blog is to help you navigate these next four years and prepare you for the real world.
It may seem daunting at first but it only takes five simple steps. These steps include getting involved, reaching out to your professors, building your personal brand, practicing your interview skills and receiving real-world experience.
Step #1: Get involved
It’s easy to feel like a tiny fish in a big pond, but getting involved can help your large university feel smaller. Joining organizations is a great way to build your resume, while also expanding your network and gaining valuable connections. UA makes it easy to get involved by holding events such as Get on Board Day and has a central listing of over 500 organizations on its website The Source.
Step #2: Get to know your professors
The large classroom settings may seem intimidating at first, but the easiest way to solve this problem is to get connected with your professors. All it takes is sending a quick email with questions or setting up a meeting time in person or virtually (crazy times…). They will respect your eagerness to succeed and serve as great connections for future recommendation letters and job opportunities.
Step #3: Build your personal brand
Never heard of LinkedIn? Make it your new best friend and start building your personal brand and connections. Utilizing blog posts can set the tone for your inner voice and objectives. Spiff up your resume using Canva and InDesign where you can also design personal logos, resumes and cover letters.
Step #4: Practice your interview skills
Practice makes perfect! This stands true for pretty much every skill but especially for strengthening your interview skills. UA offers multiple opportunities for mock interviews and tips and tricks to help you stand out from the rest. Take advantage of the Career Center on campus to become a desirable candidate for leadership roles and future career opportunities.
Step #5: Get real-world experience
Students of all majors have opportunities to intern, research and interact with experienced professionals. Joining pre-professional organizations gives students a leg up and guides them to the path they wish to pursue.
Following these steps will enrich your college experience while also preparing you for your career.