The perspective about landing a job includes completing a course. Hence, undergraduate individuals may find landing a job quite challenging. There are some truths in this perspective, but it does not mean that undergraduates will not have a chance to find a job.
If you search online, you will find numerous companies that do not discriminate against undergraduates. They offer jobs even if you are still in the process of completing your degree. Simply search online, read job descriptions, and you will see many high-profile jobs looking for your service.
Expectations in Finding a Job and Work Opportunities
Being someone who has not completed your degree yet, it might be challenging to find jobs related to your course, although it is not totally impossible. Some companies may hire you even without completing your degree for on-the-job training positions. You may not be paid as much as a regular part-timer, but consider it as a good way of practicing your skills before you enter the cutthroat job market.
Common jobs available for undergraduates range from part-time jobs and summer jobs. Summer jobs are famous for students during semestral breaks when they are looking for means of income before school starts. Part-time jobs, on the other hand, are jobs students can work on during their free schedules. If you are a student, you know that your classes are not scheduled daily. It is probable that you will have a day or two free days on weekdays and your weekends. Companies that hire undergraduates have schedules that will suit your class schedules to ensure work will not get in the way of your studies.
As for job types, they could range from being service crews or cashiers in fast-food chains, sales representatives in retail stores and department stores, staff in convenience stores, and many more. They are mainly service-related and something that you can do as long as you have people skills. Call center jobs are also available, and many centers are undergraduate-friendly.
Paths in Landing a Job as an Undergraduate
Many undergraduates are not aware of other paths in finding a job. The usual portal is by searching for jobs online or at shop branches and then filing the application through the internet or personally. However, more portals are available that allow undergraduates to find jobs.
Another famous way is by working as an intern. Internship is on-the-job training that undergraduates often do as part of their curriculum. This is time-limited, and money gained is limited to allowances, but internships have helped a lot of undergraduates find work in the company where they become interns.
Job shadowing is another way where you will stay in a company for a short time to observe. Again, this is usually a part of the curriculum. Hours to spend are often dictated by the curriculum and the company’s allotted hours. This will give you an idea about the company’s work environment and dynamics. It is also a good way of having a comprehensive resume.
Cooperative education is a portal that lets undergraduates work in training positions in a company, giving them an idea about how the job is done. Many undergraduates who underwent cooperative education were able to work with the same company after indicating them on their resume.
Job Application Tips – What to Prepare before Applying for a Job
Knowing about the application process is beneficial, but additional tips will be helpful in making the process easier than expected. One of the first tips you will get is reading descriptions in detail. Filing your application without reading the description properly will only waste your time as well as the hiring personnel’s. The HR staff will check your application and discard it because you are not fit for the job, wasting time that should have been spent on qualified individuals.
Another tip is to prepare all the necessary requirements before filing your application. Companies often post their requirements on the job description to ensure applicants will have them on hand before filing their applications. Documents range from your official transcript of records from the university, recommendations, certificate of past employment if there are, and others.
Going for other paths in finding work like internship or job shadowing is a good choice, but it does not guarantee you work after graduating. You should maintain a good impression or grade while you are in the company. Seeing that you received good scores and ratings from your supervisor will give you a good recommendation or immediate job offer after graduation.
Indicate on your resume that you did an internship at the company where you are applying. This will give you an edge against other applicants. Good grades and feedback with your application can boost the chances of getting that work that you want.
Job applications for undergraduates are simpler as long as you are aware of the entire procedure. You can find a job even without holding a degree that will suit your preferences. Search all the available online resources and send your application immediately.
