To graduate with a strong resume, students need to start putting in the work today. What does this work look like, you may ask? From volunteering to taking advantage of work-integrated learning opportunities, there are many ways you can build your resume both inside and outside the classroom. Today, we’re highlighting just a few options international students have at their disposal to help them graduate with a resume that will wow any future employer!
1. Join a Club or Team
Employers love to see that you’re able to effectively balance multiple competing demands and commitments. A great way to demonstrate this is by joining clubs and teams at your university or college that complement your skills and interests. Not only is this an excellent way to strengthen your resume, it can also help you meet people, have fun, and create special memories during your time as an international student. Let’s explore some options!
While studying abroad, participate in one or two of the following to enhance your resume:
- Drama
- Sports
- Music
- Science (hackathons, robotics competitions, etc.)
- Debate
- Advocacy (environmental, animal, social, political, etc.)
Regardless of what area you pursue, having an extracurricular activity will look good on your resume and it’s a bonus if it’s related to your studies and career objectives.
Note: Many academic institutions continue to offer clubs and teams remotely. Explore options at your college or university to see what’s available.
2. Volunteer
Volunteering is one of the best ways to build up your resume. It shows that you’re community-minded and a self-starter, and it can be a great way to connect with local people and issues at your study abroad destination. It’s essential to be strategic when selecting an organization where you’d like to volunteer. Consider how this organization and position will impress future employers, and do your research before applying to see how you’d fit into the organization. Connect with volunteer coordinators or volunteer databases to learn about opportunities, and choose one that fits your schedule and interests. Not sure you can commit on an ongoing basis? Help out instead as an event volunteer.
Ask yourself the following questions to help you select the right organization:
- How will this volunteer position help me reach my career goals?
- What causes or issues am I passionate about?
- Are flexible hours important to me?
- How much time a week can I dedicate to this cause?
- What skills am I looking to develop or use?
- What experience am I hoping to gain from this?
- What are my must-haves? (e.g., Is the organization located within walking distance or accessible by public transportation?)
Answering these questions is an effective way to narrow down a potentially long list of organizations. It will help you select one that will not only be fulfilling, but help you strengthen your resume.
Tip: While volunteering, start making a list of people you can use as references on your resume.
3. Work-Integrated Learning
These days it isn’t enough to graduate with a good degree. Employers often expect graduates to have some real work experience related to their field of study. Selecting a program or course that offers work-integrated learning opportunities is one of the best ways to help you stand out from the competition and boost your resume.
Choosing a program or course that offers a co-op, work placement, or internship allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world work setting. Work-integrated learning helps students build relationships with industry colleagues and prospective employers while preparing them to transition from their studies to the world of work. It will also help students gain additional soft and hard skills they can add to their resumes.
Tip: If you’re unsure of the differences between a co-op, work placement, or internship, be sure to check out our blog.
4. Make an Effort to Network
Networking is “about building relationships and connecting with others: people you know, people you don’t really know, and new people you’ve never met before.” It also happens to be one of the best ways to obtain references you can later use when applying for a job. References are individuals who can talk about your work experience, character, skills, and work habits. So you must select these individuals carefully—and make sure you have their permission first!
References can be one of, but are not limited to, the following:
- Supervisors
- Team leads
- Advisors
- Mentors
- Guidance tutors or counsellors
- Teachers and professors
One of the best things about networking is that it can be done in person or virtually. It can be just as effective to reach out to people in your field on LinkedIn as it is to attend an academic mixer. So put yourself out there, and start connecting with as many people as you can!
Following these four tips will help you build your network, gain work experience, open doors, and ultimately strengthen and diversify your resume.
Dreaming of studying abroad? Explore your options on the ApplyBoard Platform!
