Landing a Dream Job in the 21st Century

A college degree is not a guaranteed ticket to your dream job. As more and more people around the world earn college degrees, as technology and outsourcing continues apace, and as economies ebb and flow, the market for good paying and rewarding careers becomes increasingly competitive. A college degree will get your foot in the door but landing your dream job will require something more.

"Students shouldn’t just take what’s handed to them in the classroom, they should do all they can to supplement their education with additional skill-building," concludes Allie Grasgreen, in the article Qualified in their Own Minds.

But how?

The first place to start, in fact, is in the classroom.

Doing the bare minimum to earn a passing grade and seeking out "easy" courses will not prepare you to land your dream job. Focusing on courses within your academic major while skimming through general education courses is a missed opportunity.

Instead, take the initiative to cultivate higher order skills, including critical thinking and problem solving skills, the ability to speak and write effectively, and the capacity to work well with others. Move beyond mere memorization and understanding of content knowledge, and strive to apply, analyze and evaluate. Connect with your instructors to learn more about specific skills sets important to particular careers. Develop your leadership style through group work. Experiment with new technologies.

In addition, participate in career development experiences. Build your network through job shadowing and informational interviews. Volunteer with projects related to your career interests. Get a part-time job or internship within your field, even if it is the most entry level of positions. Find out about professional associations related to your dream job and become a student member. Participate in workshops and advising related to resumes, interviews, and professionalism.

Finally, get involved with student activities happening around campus and in the local community. Join a student organization or student government. Participate in service learning projects. Take advantage of workshops and seminars on leadership development and diversity. Participate in alternative spring break, inter-term service trips, and study abroad.

No doubt commitments inside and outside of school will shape and limit your ability to participate in these types of activities. Do as much as possible within your courses, attend what you can on-campus, and then strategically pick one or two time-intensive off-campus activities.

And always remember: it is both what you know and who you know. Learn how to network.