Applying an Entrepreneurial Spirit to Your Career

With the world of work operating remotely, how do you stand out when the traditional means of making an impression, from networking events to coffee chats, no longer apply? Consider the framework of entrepreneurship.

An article in Forbes describes the entrepreneurial spirit as a mindset: “It’s an attitude and approach to thinking that actively seeks out change, rather than waiting to adapt to change. It’s a mindset that embraces critical questioning, innovation, service, and continuous improvement.”

Here are some ways you can incorporate this framework into your professional identity and brand:

    • Engage in critical discussions: Attend virtual conferences to meet professionals in the field who are having important discussions about the world of work in the COVID-19 era. Use these as opportunities to connect with others, learn best practices in the field, and become a resource for your field or organization. You can also start your own communities of practice.
    • Innovate or influence: Have you been following the latest trends and practices on serving communities particularly impacted by the pandemic? Share relevant thought pieces and articles on LinkedIn so others can benefit from the knowledge. You can also publish your own articles to highlight new ideas or initiatives you have worked on.
    • Embrace the value of service: Remember the personal values that brought you to social work: helping others in need. Wherever you are, look out for the call for volunteers in your community. Contributing your time and skills will help you stay connected and engaged in a meaningful way, and at the same time, showcase your value to others.
    • Seek continuous improvement: If you’re job hunting, this is a prime time to invest in your professional growth. Whether you choose to learn a new language or further develop your technical or clinical skills, taking time to up-skill will show that you are open and able to adapt to changing needs and priorities–qualities that will make you attractive to any employer.

The world needs social workers now more than ever. Leverage your natural ability to lead the way in problem solving and effecting change! Doing so will not only enhance your chances for employment, it will also make you marketable for future opportunities.

Job Seeker Resources

Are you looking for ways to improve your job search? LinkedIn has compiled a number of FREE self-paced online courses to help you navigate your job search, network virtually, and cultivate resilience in the process. Additional resources from LinkedIn are available on their Student Portal.

You can also find a compilation of other information and resources shared over the last few weeks, as well as newly added ones in this COVID-19 Resources Folder (UNI log-in required).

Job Search Tips

As many of you begin, or in some cases continue your job and internship search over spring break, keep the following tips in mind:

    • Anticipate delays in employers responding back. The COVID-19 situation is still evolving and many organizations are changing the way they conduct business and deliver their services. The safety of their employees is also a priority, so the hiring process may be delayed. This does not mean abandoning the search. It just means managing your expectations and timeline with getting hired.
    • Be prepared to interview via phone and videoconference. While neither can replace in-person interactions, these opportunities can allow you to review and/or take notes during your conversation and help you stay focused while you are speaking. Check out additional virtual interview tips here.
    • In conveying your strengths, highlight your ability to adapt to changing needs and expectations and/or your experiences working virtually (if relevant to the organization). Flexibility and technical skills are often cited among top attributes sought by employers.
    • Update and strengthen your profile on LinkedIn, a powerful tool for job searching and networking. Start by adding your recent experiences and accomplishments and composing an eye-catching headline and summary that concisely convey who you are and how you can help support an individual or organization’s needs and goals. Additional resources on leveraging LinkedIn can be found on LinkedIn for Students site.

Free Technical and Soft Skills Training

Did you know that as a CSSW student, you have free access to self-training for hundreds of software tools as well as personal and professional development via Lynda.com, also known as LinkedIn Learning?

Click here to explore online tutorials on an array of topics from data science to program and project management.

Making the Most of Your Summer

Summer break is finally here! Some of you may be taking classes, others, starting their internships or taking some much needed R&R time. Regardless of your plans for the next few months, remember that this is a prime time to reflect on your career goals and prepare for the next year.

Below are some ways you can make the most of the summer:

  • Update your marketing materials (resume, LinkedIn): Include your latest accomplishments and establish a LinkedIn profile if you don’t already have one. (Haven’t started a LinkedIn page? Take a look at this checklist for quick tips.)
  • Cultivate your professional network: Schedule coffee chats and informational interviews with professionals you’d like to meet or learn from using resources such as the Online Alumni Community and LinkedIn Group. You can also attend various networking events in your area based on your interests.
  • Create a career action plan: Start honing in on your post-grad plans including your target job, so you know what knowledge, skills, and connections you should be building through the next year. (Looking for opportunities to develop your skill set? Volunteer or take free skill-building courses.)

For more tips and insights, schedule an appointment with us via Career Connect. As a reminder, through the summer months, our office will be available by appointment only.

Tips for Maximizing Your New Connections After a Networking Event

Did you recently attend a networking event? Making connections is just the first step; now it’s time to follow up! See below for simple tips on building and growing your network.

Tips For Maximizing Your New Connections

  1. Send personalized thank you notes to the people you met, highlighting a specific tip you appreciated or insight you gained.
  2. Connect with them on LinkedIn, making sure to customize your request. Note that some people prefer to keep their connections closed.
  3. If the people you spoke with offered to meet or chat again for one-on-one conversations, follow up on their offer with suggestions for potential dates, times, and locations that would accommodate their schedule.
  4. Keep in touch and update them on any developments resulting from their support. If you find articles or resources that may be of interest to them, pass them along! Remember, networking is a two-way street. The more you pay it forward, the more you’ll get back.