Grow, Learning for Life
The Inside Scoop on Career Planning
4/11/2022
Let’s talk about career planning. Whether you’re looking for your next internship or trying to land your first job after graduating, it’s important to know the ins and outs of career planning. While it can be stressful, it’s an exciting time for many. And Kappa is here to support and prepare members, like you, for their upcoming professional endeavors.
Where to Start
If you’re not sure where your passions lie and what you want to do with your career, that’s OK! Start by asking yourself a few questions to help determine your path:
- What do you like doing so much that you lose track of time?
- What skills come to you naturally?
- What would you do with your life if you had guaranteed success?
If you want to do a little more research into what career may look best for you, try this career assessment. It matches you with careers based on your past experience, goals and personality.
When It Comes to Applying for Jobs
Something a lot of people brush off when it comes to applying to a job is the importance of a cover letter. You may be thinking that everything an employer needs to know can be found in your résumé, but a cover letter is a great place to explain why you’re a good fit for a position. Ready to finesse yours? Check out these top 10 cover letter writing tips. We also provide résumé-writing tips in Minerva’s Adulting 101 course.
Next Step: Interviewing
We went through a world full of Zoom calls and interviews, so it’s important to be prepared for a virtual interview. Find out how in this webinar from Career Contessa, a career platform for women founded by fellow Kappa Lauren McGoodwin, Oregon.
If you’re interviewing in person, remember that an interview is a two-way street. Check out this Career Contessa article that explains what to bring — and what to leave at the door — when interviewing for your next gig.
Yay! You Got the Job.
Now what? It’s time to talk about professionalism. Once you’ve landed the job, it’s important to know how to be professional in the workplace. Career Contessa’s webinar on Five Things Every Woman Should Know When Starting Her Career is a great place to start. You can also explore Glassdoor’s Guide to Professionalism in the Workplace.
Don’t Forget About Networking.
It should always be top of mind when in professional settings! For some, it can be a little intimidating, especially if you don’t know where to start. We’ve got you covered with a great resource: Her Campus Media partnered with Bumble, founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd, SMU, to share how you can expand your network with these three networking tips.
