How To Make Your Resume Stand Out Without An Internship

College is a lot. You have classes, grades, online assignments, friends from home, friends from school, attempts at healthy living, while also trying to enjoy your “college years.” It can be overwhelming. Plus, on top of all that you’re suppose to find an internship, apply, interview, and then devote two to three full days a week to working? Not to mention getting a whole new wardrobe so they don’t think know you actually wear the same hoodie to class every week. Internships and part-time jobs are important and you should make time for them, but anyone who has gone to college will tell you that being a student is a full-time job. So here are 5 ways to boost your resume without picking up an internship.  

Join Organizations!

This one might seem kind of obvious, but it’s so important. No matter your major or dream job, recruiters love to see that you are excited and willing to go the extra mile. By joining a club, organization, or team dedicated to your major or field you are showing that you are hungry to start working in your field. Want to go completely out of the box? Join something that is completely unrelated to your major. (Pro Tip: Greek Organizations are a great middle ground. They often have Executive Board positions that range from Financial VP to Public Relations VP to Standards so there is a position for everyone!) Show diversity! A computer science major that is also on the debate team or in the fashion club, now that’s eye catching.

Become A Campus Ambassador (or Join Unwritten!)

Shameless plug, but no matter your major, showing that you can follow through with a deadline, be creative, and be your own boss is always admirable. Not interested writing? Become a campus ambassador or campus rep! (Pro Tip: So you’re favorite store doesn’t offer a Campus Ambassador program? Call them! Be the first and the only! The only thing better than being apart of a team, is running a team!) Being able to sell a product on your campus will not only help put money in your pocket but it will show recruiters that you are well-connected, a great talker, and a hard worker!

Create Something

So you’re more of an introvert? That’s fine! Take this semester to work on something personal to you. Rework your resume, (Pro Tip: This should be done every semester!) create a blog, a YouTube channel, a Tumblr account, an app, create something that is different from anything else! Show that you have interests outside of just your classes, build up a small following, and show that you are an asset to any team that you choose to join.

Attend Networking Events

Although intimidating and a little scary, networking is very important! It’s a skill and just like any other skill it takes practice. The only way you will get better is if you put yourself out there! Look online and sign up on a day that works for you. Get up and go make connections that will last you a lifetime!

Finding an internship can be difficult! It’s time-consuming, sometimes a little depressing, and always stressful. You are allowed to say that going to class and working on you is enough. You may not have an internship this semester, but that doesn’t mean you should just sit around. Get up and get going!

Featured image via Rachel Connell

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