At Maryville College we think that successful job or internship search involves using a combination of several strategies. This is why we have created a 4-year integrated career development process into your degree.
This information would actually be what I would say to any student. So why say it to you as international students - because I see more international students skip this step or treat it without a plan more often than I do US students. Maybe this is about different cultural approaches. When recruiting I hear students say they recognize the strength of the US educational system - understanding that US faculty are well trained in their fields. However - some of the strength of the US system is actually in the co-curricular learning. If you don't engage in this part of the US education system, you aren't getting all you could. What do you want out of your global education?
Intentionality
If you want to maximize the value of your Maryville College experience you have to be intentional about it. Just doing it - in other words - just coming to any university or college in the United States doesn't give you the most value for the money you spend to get here.
FIRST - Use the Maryville College Works Process
It is easy to just treat this like a task this of things you have to do for your degree. I've watched my own kids treat virtual learning that way this semester. Once you turn on that path, it is hard to get off. But this program is a difference-maker. You need a strategy for connecting these pieces together.
What does that mean?
Use the skills assessment & your current resume to figure out what competencies, knowledge and skills you will need.
Set Goals
This is the intention - what you want to achieve and how you will get those competencies. Learn how to set SMART goals with sources like this one.
Then make a list of things that you SHOULD do at Maryville College (besides just attending class) to build those skills. It might be things like joining a club (with a goal to be a leader of that club in a future year), studying abroad, doing an internship, interviewing people in your chosen field.
Network
Look at the two years of career fairs as an opportunity to explore employment opportunities, but also to introduce yourself and network. Be prepared with a 30 second "elevator pitch" (see a sample here) to introduce yourself and your current or eventual goals. Ask them questions about what they recommend to students in preparing for a career in their field.
Choose Wisely
Your SPE should be the MOST ESSENTIAL thing you think you need to do to move you forward in your career preparation. It could be about figuring out if you really like working in your major field. It could be because you need a certain type of practical experience. It might be a specific skill you think you will need to be successful. This might be study abroad (I know you are here....but what is missing for you...another language, specific coursework we don't offer, a global internship?). Or an internship (here or in another part of the US). Some students choose their senior study because this piece of research or senior project is THE thing that will help grad school applications. What matters to you?
The EXACT opportunity or company may not be the most important variable in this experience, but what you can learn from it or the people you work for or with may be. Think broadly when you are exploring options. Your SPE could take you on unexpected paths.
Use Resources Available to You
Not sure what you need? This is why we have a Career Center. If you don't utilize this service on campus, you will miss out on the valuable knowledge and resources they can provide you. Think of them as a road map or guide to help you find your way. Who else can be a resource to you? Everybody. The CIE staff, your host family, the other host families you meet at events, your professors, other staff members in different departments, students you meet...literally everyone you meet. Remember that elevator pitch? Tell people your hopes, dreams and fears. Let them know what skills you want to develop and follow up on opportunities.
What are those end pieces to the Maryville College Works program all about? Thoughtful analysis of what you have learned, and steps towards starting to apply that learning in a future career. Don't underestimate this part. This is the easiest place to check things off by going through the motions - but if you do you miss something important.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay