What’s the journey of a student? Pass school, graduate college, probably do a masters and then join the national workforce. However in doing this, many forget to keep up with time, and gain valuable skill set that will come in handy always.
If you look around closely, there are so many careers that are substituted for better and more sustainable solutions, and the most sought after jobs in the current time, did not even exist a decade back. Today careers change, transform and evolve at breakneck speeds, and thus, it is imperative that one take into account the core skills that the present and future jobs would require. This is especially critical, seeing that today’s students will spend over 70% of their adult life, at their workplace. Thus, it is all the more crucial that student’s take skill-building seriously.
In this piece, I am going to give 6 solid ways to boost CV in school, with which you can start to build towards that great career.
6 ways to boost CV in School
1. Social’s the Way
Social initiatives and community service don’t just look good on your resume, they also facilitate great exposure at gaining new skills, and honing personality traits. Not to forget that companies love it! Community service is a demonstrated example of one’s enterprising and leadership skills, and also of their empathy, and thought alignment. Creating a real-life impact on someone, is also a means of personal gratification, and, for some, also of self-discovery. It is also a great way to identify the cause that you’re passionate about, and want to stand up for.
How to do it: Given that you have to factor in your academic routine, volunteering your time with local NGO’s seems the best way to go forward. The first step is to identify the cause you want to work for, human rights, women & child welfare, education, animal rights, environment are some of the popular choices. All you need to do next is meet their representative, and plan your time, and work-scope. Some of the most popular organizations include Teach For India, Make A Difference, Greenpeace, Peta, Make A Wish, Room To Read, and Habitat For Humanity.
2. Speak your Mind
Organizations appreciate smart, opinionated people who have acumen for discussions, primarily for one reason – they understand that it’s not always about putting your point forth, but mostly about taking someone else’s perspective into consideration and building your point on from there, a trait not in everyone’s kitty. They want to know whether or not you can communicate your thoughts effectively, and comprehend your peer’s thoughts or a superior’s instruction with equal ease, and having a demonstrated acumen for communication certainly helps.
How to do it: There are multiple ways by which you can demonstrate your knack for communicating with people – through declamations, debates, discussions, MUNs and performing arts, such as theatre. Not to mention, the confidence boost you will eventually realize, with active participation in such activities. You may scout some of these opportunities in your school, or join some society clubs. Professional clubs and societies also accept some exceptionally talented people, who share their passion.
Read more: 6 Effective Ways to Improve Public Speaking
3. Bear the Torch
Leadership experience! It is one thing job applications and interviews are never complete without. Organizations love people who can take initiatives, and deliver on their commitments, and a demonstrated streak of leadership speaks volumes in your favour. Leadership experiences, can be instrumental in helping one develop a dynamic personality, and building confidence on the side. It also has an element of decision-making to it, which facilitates empathy, and maturity.
How to do it: Look closely at your school, and there are a thousand little opportunities for leadership. You could be the head boy/girl of your school, or the sports captain, or a member of the student council. You could also lead the drama club, or the music society, or be in-charge of your school’s annual day celebrations, or you could be leading the plantation drive at school. Start with small things, and bigger things will follow. Engagement with a not-for-profit organization (as elucidated in point 1) should also help in building stellar leadership qualities.
4. Enroll in Student Leadership Programs
Participating in a student-driven programs is a spectacular way of getting it all right – leadership experience, effective communication, and in some cases working for a cause as well. It is also a great way to engage with an organization, and learn some professional etiquettes and skills. Leadership programs are also helpful, if you wish to show some real-time business impact on your application.
How to do it: There are lot of student-driven leadership initiatives, such as School Ambassador Programs, out there. Most of it are for college students though. However, there are some, like the School Ambassador Program by Mindler, which provide an impeccable opportunity for high school students, to truly hone their communication skills, while getting leadership experience.
5. Get Professional Experience
Internships are a great way of gaining hands-on, practical exposure into the career that you wish to pursue. They will help you fathom an understanding of the day-to-day activities, that you’d be required to do, once you finish your education, and enter into the professional sphere. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn the skills that will come in handy, and learn about the different educational routes and career paths you can take, to enter and work in your chosen career.
How to do it: You may apply for internships, by directly getting in touch with the companies, or through various online platforms like lets intern, and internshala.
6. Don’t Forget your Academics
Always remember that academics are one of the most important parameters to get you through the door, primarily because organizations need to know that you’re perfectly capable of keeping up with the professional rigours. This is especially important, if you want to apply to the top companies, who only recruit people with a specific educational background.
How to do it: Concentrate in class, and score well in your exams. Most of all, gain concept clarity in the process.
Getting it past amongst thousands of applications, requires a clear, strategic and well-rounded profile. Anything excess shouldn’t counter the implication of another activity, and knowing what to do, and how to present it is a challenge for many of us. Hope this answers one of them.
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