10 Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for the Future

 

The Center for Leadership and Career Development has put together a list of tips and resources for students to use while they are away from campus.

  1. Update your resume

Your resume is typically your first introduction to employers.  Now is the perfect time to create or update your current resume. A resume guidebook is provided to assist you as you begin the process. Once completed, a member of the CLCD staff can review your resume via email and provide feedback and suggestions.

  1. Register with Panther Job Board

Panther Job Board is a free job search resource for LaGrange College students and alumni.  Not only can you search for local and regional opportunities, Panther Job Board also has a feature that will allow you to search for positions within any geographic region. In addition, you can upload your resume so that it is visible to employers who are registered with Panther Job Board.

  1. Practice your interview skills

We are pleased to offer Big Interview, a free training system that features a new and innovative way to help you prepare more effectively for a job interview. Big Interview is an online system that combines training AND practice to help improve your interview technique and build your confidence.

Here’s how to set up your Big Interview account:

STEP 1: Go to https://lagrange.biginterview.com/ and click "Register".

STEP 2: Enter your school email address, name, and password, and click “Create my Account”

STEP 3: Log in and start using Big Interview.

Here is a short video that explains the registration process.

Please note that this system is not compatible with Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome is recommended.

  1. Research career options

Now is a great time to research career and major options that you are considering. Familiarize yourself with the majors and minors that are available to you at LaGrange College. In addition, O*Net Online and the Occupational Outlook Handbook are two online resources that provide current data related to occupations including salary and growth potential.

  1. Create a professional online presence

Employers routinely check the online presence of job candidates to learn more about them.  Due to the limited contact employers currently have with candidates due to social distancing, this is estimated to increase in the next few months.  Take this time to establish a professional online brand.  Review your current social media accounts and remove any inappropriate or questionable content.

  1. Build your professional network

In addition to reviewing your current social media accounts, create or update your LinkedIn account. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with companies, recruiters, and professional organizations without having to leave your home. Review this checklist to assist you in creating a profile that will get you noticed.

  1. Prepare for graduate or professional school applications

If graduate or professional school is in your future, now is a great time to research graduate programs and prepare for required entrance exams.  Gradschools.com is a search engine that allows you to search for graduate and professional programs in your selected field. You can search by geographic region and online versus on-campus options.

Kaplan Free Online Prep

GRE https://www.kaptest.com/gre/free/gre-practice

LSAT https://www.kaptest.com/lsat/free/lsat-practice

GMAT https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/free/gmat-practice

MCAT https://www.kaptest.com/mcat/free/mcat-practice

NCLEX https://www.kaptest.com/nclex/free/nclex-practice

  1. Follow us on social media

We will be posting helpful tips, podcasts and other resources related to career development to assist you during this time. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Updated Links coming soon)

  1. Check out our webpage

The Center for Leadership and Career Development (https://www.lagrange.edu/campus-life/student-services/career-center/index.html)  provides additional resources on our webpage.  Be sure to visit that as new resources were recently added, and more are expected in the next few weeks.

  1. Get help from the Center for Leadership and Career Development

Contact a member of the CLCD staff if you need assistance during this time. Virtual appointments and email assistance can be obtained by emailing careercenter@lagrange.edu.