What They Don’t Teach You in College About Building a Career
Graduating college is a huge milestone. You’ve spent years learning the principles of your field, mastering technical skills, and preparing to step into the professional world. But here’s the thing: while college gives you the tools to excel in a profession, it doesn’t always show you how to start your career in it. In many cases, the best you can hope for is a list of potential job openings, and maybe a job fair. (Not that those things aren’t helpful–they just don’t provide much in the way of context.) As a result, for many, the leap from classroom to career feels overwhelming, filled with obstacles that textbooks and lectures never quite cover.
If you’re feeling unsure about how to take that first step, you’re not alone. Building a career is about much more than knowing your subject matter. Here are five essential lessons they don’t necessarily teach you in college, but which are critical for landing that first job and thriving in the years to come.
1. Networking is Everything
You might have heard people say, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” That doesn’t mean your hard-earned knowledge isn’t important, but connections play a powerful role in shaping your career. Networking starts with building genuine relationships—not just collecting LinkedIn connections or attending job fairs.
Think about ways to expand your circle. Reach out to alumni from your college on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or ask professors if they can introduce you to professionals in your field. Start small by having conversations and asking thoughtful questions. Networking isn’t about instantly landing a job; it’s about opening doors and learning more about potential opportunities. That’s something you can begin doing even before you graduate.
2. Your Personal Brand Speaks Volumes
Whether you realize it or not, you already have a personal brand. It’s the way you present yourself online and offline, the reputation you build, and the story you share about who you are and what you value. Employers don’t just consider your resume; they also look at your LinkedIn profile, social media activity, and even how you come across in emails and interviews.
To start, make sure your online presence reflects the professional you want to be. Use LinkedIn to showcase your achievements, passions, and skills. Craft an elevator pitch that succinctly explains your strengths and career goals. A strong personal brand will make you memorable in a sea of candidates.
3. Your Resume Needs to Stand Out
College teaches you how to write essays and research papers, but crafting a resume requires a completely different skill set. A strong resume focuses on the value you can bring to an employer—not just a long list of everything you’ve done in your life.
Focus on results. For example, instead of saying, “Managed social media for a student organization,” try, “Increased social media engagement by 30%, growing our audience and event attendance.” Use bullet points, tailor your resume to each job, and keep it concise. And don’t forget to include internships, volunteer work, and campus leadership roles (since these may be the extent of your experience when you’re starting out). Even if they’re not directly related to your desired job, they show transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
4. Interviewing Is a Skill You Can Develop
Interviews can feel stressful, especially when you’re new to the process. But here’s the good news: interviewing is a skill, and like any skill, you can improve with practice. The key is preparation.
Research the company beforehand so you can tailor your answers to their values and mission. Practice common interview questions like, “Tell me about yourself,” or “How do you handle challenges?” with a friend or mentor. And remember, interviews are a two-way street. Prepare thoughtful questions for the employer to show you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organization.
Finally, focus on confidence—not perfection. Employers don’t expect you to know everything right off the bat; they’re looking for enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
5. Navigating Workplace Culture Is Key
Once you land a job, understanding how to thrive in a professional environment is just as important as the skills you bring to the table. College doesn’t always offer clear guidance on workplace dynamics, but being mindful of your surroundings will help you adapt.
Pay attention to communication styles, team expectations, and unspoken workplace norms. For example, does your team prefer emails or quick messages for updates? How are decisions typically made? Observing and asking respectful questions will help you understand how to contribute meaningfully to your new workplace.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to seek feedback from managers or peers. Constructive feedback is one of the most valuable tools for growth.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
The gap between college and your career might feel like a chasm between two cliffs, but you don’t have to make the leap on your own. If you’re ready to take the next step and want some guidance on next steps, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a plan that aligns with your skills, goals, and values. To learn more about how it works, just hop on my calendar and schedule yourself a free initial session with me.
