Editor’s note: This is part two of a three part blog post written in response to an article published in the Huffington Post by Marilyn O’Malley, "Fifteen Amazing Job Resources You Haven’t Thought of Before." Read part one to learn about Neva’s work experience in high school and discover the first valuable resource you might not have thought of for finding a job.
Job Resources You Haven’t Thought of Before
College is the perfect time to build your resume. There are jobs everywhere you look. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that when I attended Texas A&M University as an 18-year-old freshman.
There’s a career office on every college campus that will help you get a job after graduation, and a campus employment office to help you work while you’re still in school. If you have the opportunity to work, do it! You’ll get connected with the faculty and staff, you’ll prove to yourself and others that you are capable, and you will figure out ways to do things you never knew you could.
There are also employers off campus who are looking to fill part-time or internship positions. While in college the first time, I worked two summers for my mother. I did office work; I organized and filed invoices. All skills that I used later in my career. The fun part of the job was filling the vending machines, rolling coins and taking them to the bank, and running down the street to get lunch for everyone in the office. Delivery services from the deli in a large office building might not be your dream job, but it could be a rung on the ladder to your next big opportunity.
Putting Your Skills to Work
When my husband finished his master’s degree, I still had three more semesters of college in order to complete my bachelor’s degree. Our son had just made his appearance into the world, so I decided to forgo school for nine years. Being a homemaker and caring for your children is the hardest and most rewarding job you will ever do, whether you are a stay-at-home mom or dad. However, we needed more money each month, so I looked for ways to supplement our income.
I started a home business babysitting for a child who was about six months older than my son. Today, I would use social media to let people know I offered childcare, but way back then I simply put a notice up in the laundry room in our apartment complex. Taking in work while raising a family is a time-honored method of increasing your income.
If you are looking to supplement your income, determine what skills you have to offer that are valuable to others. Are you a good editor? Advertise at the local community college or university. Students often need help from good editors and with today’s technology, you might never even meet the people you work for. I’ve already mentioned dog walking as a job, but as a stay-at-home parent, you could easily provide doggie day care in your home or by going to a neighbor’s house to care for the pet. Do you bake or sew? These and other skills can be used to bring income into your household.
If you are looking for a job, take advantage of the resources available to you and your own personal experiences. Remember that one job can lead to other opportunities. Connect with the career center at your school or reach out to your personal network. Determine what skills, hobbies, and personal experiences you have that you can put to work. Find out how you can add value as an employee.
Resources for Finding a Job
Resources You Haven’t Thought of Before As a Visually Impaired Job Seeker
Resources You Haven’t Thought of Before As a Visually Impaired Job Seeker, Part 3