New Year’s is the perfect time to refocus various aspects of our lives. From weight loss to finances, many people set the same goals.
One area that does not get much focus is academics, but this area is important! Refocusing on academic goals is a great way to start a new year, spanning student life aspects like grades, internships and more.
Think about adopting a few academic resolutions for yourself – here are a few ideas to get you started:
Improve your GPA.
While this is not a main factor that employers look at when hiring, having a high GPA is something that can be highlighted on a resume. It shows that you can balance school, a job, internship, and life. Having a good GPA is also a requirement for scholarships and other financial aid you may be receiving. Keeping your grades up shows your professors that you care about what you are learning in class and that you know what you are going to be practicing in your chosen career.
Connect with your professors.
Professors typically have experience in the field you want to work in, so they can offer valuable advice and share their real-life experiences if you talk to them. Do not be afraid to approach them before or after class, during their office hours, or via email if you have a question or concern about the class. When you make an effort to talk to them for career advice or help in a class, it shows that you are making an effort and are likely to round your grade up if you are on the edge of a higher grade or write you a letter of recommendation.
Join a student organization on campus.
Getting involved on campus is a great way to boost your resume. Whether you join a volunteer organization, an organization related to your major, or just something that is interesting to you, being active makes you stand out. If you have been involved in an organization already, go out for a leadership role. Leadership in any kind of organization gives you valuable skills that can be translated to the career you want. Being involved in an organization allows you to learn communication, teamwork, and community while being fun.
Visit the career center on campus.
Many colleges have a career center right on campus. This is a place to get help with your resume as well as finding an internship or job. They have career experts who know what employers are looking for in your major and often provide resources for making you ready to apply for internships. Many career centers have an online database with internship and job matches designed to fit what you need. Your school might even have a specific career center dedicated to certain majors or groups of majors. These services are free for students, so take advantage of them.
Get an internship.
Internships are a great way to make your resume stand out. They allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom to a real-world setting. You are able to get hands-on work experience so you can decide if your major is actually what you want to do when you graduate. While many are unpaid, some are paid and some allow you to earn college credit. Some colleges or universities require students to get an internship in order to graduate. Even if your college does not have an internship requirement, many jobs specifically look for applicants with internship experience.
