by Joyce Good Henderson

Created on: March 27, 2009

Strategic planning for career growth

Ideally, strategic planning for your career, your first job after graduation begins early in your academic career. In this competitive market, you need a strategy to make yourself the perfect candidate to be hired long before you seek the perfect job. Consider how you can make yourself stand out in a crowded field of qualified graduates.

Pursue a double major in a related or unrelated field to give yourself more options and education that an employer might value. Computer Science, Business, a foreign language, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Communications, and Math are all excellent choices for a second major.

Study at least one other language. European students are commonly fluent in 3 or more languages, yet rarely do American students bother to learn even one additional language. In the increasing global business world, employees who know several languages are highly valued. Plan at least one foreign study during your college career. The opportunity to travel and study abroad will make you a more well-rounded job applicant.

Pick up computer skills, not video gaming skills, but word processing, spreadsheets and database management. Knowing your way around hardware and software will be a skill employers need and want.

Work while you are in school. Internships open doors for employment after graduation. Volunteer positions give you experiences and a network of potential employers. Working with faculty members on research projects can bring opportunities for excellent references and recommendations.

Work on specific skill sets other graduates, even in your field, might not have, anything that might give you an edge. By targeting potential employers early in your college career, you can discover what specialized training or knowledge might be needed to work for them. Your research will allow you to map a course toward becoming the perfect person for their company.

Keep the GPA steady. You may not need to have the highest GPA, but employers will be impressed by the effort you put into maintaining an above-average GPA.

Participate in a variety of activities on and off campus. Every time you become involved in an organization, consider this your networking opportunity for future employment. Build bridges in the community, even if you don't plan to remain there after graduation. Local companies often have connections throughout the country.

Keep track of notable accomplishments, activities, and participation in organizations or events for your resume. Update your resume every semester so you don't miss anything when it comes time to apply for a job. You can always delete unneeded items later.

Attend graduate school. While you might be over-qualified for an entry-level position, a graduate degree might allow you to rise more quickly within the organization.

Finding the perfect job after graduation, and advancing with the company are not matters to be left to chance. Develop a strategy early in your academic and employment years so that you are in the driver's seat of your life.

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