Undergraduate Blog / Career Development

How to Make 2016 the Best Year Yet

This post was written by Peer Career Ambassador Jaclyn Gaines ’16.

Given that New Year’s resolutions can be a bit overwhelming, we all know that January is the official trial month of year, and that we don’t really have to start making progress on these promises until February – So, here we are. Now is the time to actually start working on those New Year’s resolutions, and what better place to start than advancing your career? Here are some things to keep in mind as you work on your professional goals in 2016:

  1. Think “Results-Oriented”

Make 2016 your year to not only set goals, but also to achieve them. From a career perspective, this could mean working towards getting that summer internship or securing a full time position. Make sure that the steps you are taking to achieve these goals are tangible and measurable so you have a way to hold yourself accountable to achieving them. A good place to start would be to give yourself a deadline to update your resume and make a list of companies that you want to apply to with application deadlines.

  1. Think “Exploration”

Throughout the semester, mark some dates in your calendar of career events you want to attend. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge by attending these events, but it is also a great way to network with future employers and start growing your network. By noting these events in advance, you will be more likely to actually attend. Be sure to check out the calendar in Career Connections to find out when employers will be on campus or when certain student workshops will be taking place or when industry spotlights events will be held.

  1. Think “Personal Brand”

While it is crucial that you have a top-notch resume, push yourself this year to think beyond the resume and start growing your personal brand as a way to stand out to employers. Work on strengthening your LinkedIn profile, jazz up your cover letters, and invite people in your network for coffee to get some career advice. Keep in mind that your brand goes far beyond the resume, and if you follow some of these ideas, you’ll end up furthering your career in more ways than you imagined.

Follow these three tips throughout 2016 and you’ll be amazed at how your professional goals will flourish by the end of the year!