What’s your best advice for networking with confidence?
Remember that whoever you contact was also at the beginning of their career at one point. Bethel has amazing alumni who want to see Bethel students succeed. Tap into that network and prepare well for meetings, so you can ask thoughtful questions. Also, remember the Lord is with you and has given you incredible gifts and unique interests. Step out in confidence of the Lord’s presence and timing.
How does faith influence career exploration at Bethel?
We believe God uniquely created each person on purpose, and whatever career they choose starts with growing in their relationship with God. Ephesians 1:11 (The Message) says, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for.” Bethel encourages students to grow in their faith and realize that representing God in the world and serving others will happen in a wide variety of career fields.
What career skills are employers seeking, and how can students develop them at Bethel?
Employers are seeking soft skills like communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. Students develop those skills through involvement in clubs, activities, coursework, investing in relationships, and trying new activities and leadership roles. Bethel’s career coaches encourage students to reflect on the skills they are developing and show them how to communicate those skills on their resume and when answering interview questions.
Employers are also looking for candidates with real-world experience, which Bethel students can gain through internships, field placements, clinical work, and more. According to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), about 70% of students who complete a paid internship are offered jobs by their internship employer. So doing a great job at an internship will give students valuable experience and often results in a job offer!
How can students find internships and stand out to employers?
We encourage students to build their network by requesting informational interviews, which often lead to hearing about opportunities. Students can also search our Handshake platform, a great place to find internships. A couple of ways to stand out to employers are to research the companies in order to enter interviews well-prepared, send thank you notes, and connect with the interviewers on LinkedIn.
What first steps should recent grads take in their job search, and how can they continue using Bethel’s career services?
Set up a meeting for a resume review. When applying, customize your resume to fit each job position. Keep networking and initiating new contacts in your chosen fields. Meet with one of Bethel’s career coaches via video, phone, or in-person. Contact us at career@bethel.edu or set up an appointment in Handshake.