The Tribune

The Lyford Cay Foundations offers three tips for students on mapping out their progress to career success.

“College is a waste because there just aren’t any good jobs out there!”

It’s an old argument that’s just not true. Even in the toughest job markets, studies consistently show that college graduates are more likely to land jobs with higher salaries, better benefits and greater job satisfaction than those who don’t pursue education after high school.

Inevitably, those who are able to secure employment in their chosen field after college are those who have taken the time to research and plan before even declaring a college major.

Here are three proven tips to map out a road that leads straight from college to a successful career.

1 Anticipate industry trends

The famous ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky said: “I don’t skate to where the puck is or was - I skate to where it will be.”

Like a well-trained athlete, you have to anticipate the next big move. That means identifying trends before most people see them, and using these trends to plan your education and career. Ask yourself:

• What are the trends that I’m seeing in society?

• What career fields are short-staffed in The Bahamas?

• Is there a need in the country that’s not being met? What field of study can help me fill this need?

The Bahamas government is an excellent resource for such research. Through the Department of Labour you can find information about growing career fields in The Bahamas. Likewise, the Department of Statistics has reports that outline which industries are being outsourced because of a lack of trained local talent in those field.

Your perfect career match should be one that you are both passionate about and one that your research shows you that there is a need you can help fill.

2 Become an expert

College trains you for your chosen profession and shows the world that you have developed some level of expertise in your field.

The more expertise you have, the better you are positioned for the right career opportunity. Additional ways of gaining expertise include:

• Joining a professional association. No matter what you are studying, there is a professional association affiliated with your field. Many of these associations have vibrant college chapters that can open doors for you.

• Getting involved with community organisations. Organisations like Rotary and Kiwanis help you develop an extensive network and help further your leadership skills.

• Seeking out internships. These unpaid professional opportunities offer something even more valuable than a paycheck - real life experience. When you graduate from college, you’ll be competing with other new graduates, as well as those who have years of experience. An internship enables you to compete. Start early and seek out internships beginning in your first year of college.

3 Position yourself for success

Your education and experience will grab a recruiter’s attention, but it takes more to snag the job, such as:

• A professionally-crafted resume and polished interview skills. Your college’s career centre can help you create a resume, practice your interviewing skills and instruct you on what interview attire is appropriate. Professional mentors can also help you sharpen these skills.

• The ability to build and harness a network.

“We provide several opportunities for our Scholars to network with each other, potential employers and our donors,” Dr Giavana Jones, Lyford Cay Foundations’ Programme Director of Scholarships and College Success, says. “Through networking, our Scholars have been able to make connections that have led to job leads and even interviews.”

By forecasting career trends, actively developing your expertise and making sure you are positioned for opportunities, you increase your marketability. With patience and planning, you are destined for career success.

NEXT WEEK: careers supported by a University of the Bahamas education

“Gain An Edge” is a weekly collaboration of the Lyford Cay Foundations, Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on higher education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.