Are you finding your internship/job search draining? Do you feel like you spend all your time applying online and sending LinkedIn messages to which you never receive a response? If so, it is time to mix it up with some additional search methods! First, take a moment and consider, what gives you energy in your day to day?
Second, is there a way to work what gives you energy into your search? Are you energized by: connecting with others? learning something new? creating something new? something else? Here are some possibilities to get you started:
Connect
- Engage with local, regional, national, and/or global associations and communities that interest you. Here is a list of associations and communities for Engineering Master’s students.
- Attend and/or present at a conference in an area of interest to you. If conferences are in person, reach out to conference organizers to see if there is an opportunity to volunteer.
- Interact with an organization and individuals of interest to you on social media. Learn more about Twitter HashtagChats and how you can connect with industry thought leaders through this article from The Muse.
- Join Slack channels and GitHub groups in areas of interest for you. Here is a list of 400 possible Slack channels that you are able to join.
- Find and join LinkedIn groups in areas of interest to you. Joining a group allows you to message group members prior to connecting. Here are some tips on finding and joining a LinkedIn group.
*As you connect with others, find resources to help you practice and refine your introduction in Talk About Yourself.
Learn
- Attend a seminar, workshop, or Duke event. A list of upcoming opportunities is found on the Duke Events Calendar. At events, connect with the folks around you (if in person) and through LinkedIn if it is virtual.
- Start your own company – or just take the first step by connecting with Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E).
- Learn a new something. As your learning that new thing, get to know people around you and don’t be afraid to let them know what your looking for in your search or ask for advice along the way.
Create
- Create an online portfolio, here are some tips on getting started.
- Record a video resume to highlight your strengths, motivation, and alignment for a role. Here are some tips on creating a video resume from The Balance Careers.
- Write an article to post on LinkedIn, here is a recent blog post to get you started.
Challenge yourself to incorporate at least one of the above additional methods into your internship/job search strategy while continuing to submit online applications and conduct targeted outreach. As you reflect and adapt your search plan, schedule a chat with your Engineering Master’s career coaches.
