Cody Baldwin, an assistant professor and program lead in the Faculty of Business and Government, said newly graduated students often struggle when looking for their first jobs. He said, “Trying to find a job can be a stressful experience. It is emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausting- especially if it is taking longer than you planned.”
Jana Osburne, a recent BYUH graduate from Washington, said it is “hard to find a job coming straight out of school with a bachelor’s degree.” She said she plans to attend graduate school to help her find jobs in the future.
Baldwin said students like Osburne who struggle to find jobs after graduation, inspired him to create 10 tips for getting that first job or an internship ranging from networking and learning new software to staying in shape.
1. Pray for help, study the scriptures and attend the temple
According to Baldwin, this is the most important step. He said because searching for a job can be stressful, it is important to attend the temple regularly to recharge. Baldwin said, “Although you may be busy, don’t neglect your personal prayer and scripture study. Doing this does not mean your job search will be quick or easy, but it will go much smoother.”
2. Start networking and talk to everyone
Baldwin, said networking is one of the most important aspects of the job search. “Most jobs come through referrals from people within your network.” Baldwin said it is crucial to talk to as many people as possible. “Connect with them on LinkedIn. See if they can introduce you to others who work in your chosen profession.”When asked how networking has helped him, Phillip Hansen, a sophomore from Virginia majoring in accounting, said, “At the end of the day, it’s the people who hire you. So the more positive interactions and relationships you have with the right people, the better off you’ll be.”
3. Ask Career Services to review your resume and take your photo
Baldwin said, “Your resume is one of the most important documents you will ever create. You should maintain it throughout your career. It has to be excellent, and Career Services can help.”
Located in the Aloha Center, Career Services offers assistance to students by reviewing their resumes and giving feedback on how to improve them. Career Services also provides free professional portraits.
4. Review lots of job posting and identify skills you need
Baldwin said students often come to him and ask about experience. Baldwin recommended using indeed.com and searching for entry level jobs.“As you find jobs, start writing down the skills companies need that you do not currently have. Start learning as many of those skills as possible over the next 30 days and update your resume to reflect that.”
5. Master your elevator pitch
“Having a great resume and a referral doesn’t get you a job, they get you an interview. If you want the job you need to ensure the interview goes smoothly.” He said you can do this by creating an “elevator pitch.”
He said an elevator pitch is “a 30-second statement that quickly and clearly explains why you are the best fit for the position.” Baldwin said to master your elevator pitch it is important to practice it out loud and it should be crisp and have an impact.
6. Learn to use software popular in your chosen profession
An easy way to learn about what software is being used, according to Baldwin, is to review job postings and identify the software tools requested. “[Then] select one or more to learn and spend a weekend using them.” Software companies often offer free trials.
Baldwin said if students apply this skill, they can have experience with those tools on their resumes. He said, “Obviously you wouldn’t say you’re an expert, but that you feel comfortable using them.”
7. Seek advice from your professors
Baldwin said professors have worked in the fields students hope to enter and students can seek their advice on how to make themselves marketable. Baldwin said in some cases professors can also write letters of recommendation or act as a reference. He said, “However, it’s hard to do that if you never come to speak with us. Our office hours are for you. We can help.”
8. Read and write articles related to your chosen profession
By keeping up with the current news in your chosen profession, Baldwin said, it gives students something to talk about as they network and interview. It shows students have knowledge and can be a valuable addition to the company. Hansen said, “Honestly I like reading about business, so it’s easy for me to keep up with the news. But it’s super important because then you show them you actually know something that doesn’t just come from the classroom.”
9. Strengthen your Microsoft Excel skills
A former student of Baldwin’s, Sara Zacher, a sophomore from Canada majoring in education, said, “I’m so glad I learned Excel, just cause it’s so useful. I use it at my job at the bookstore, and even at home to make budgets and to plan. It’s so useful.”
Baldwin said, “[Excel] is needed for almost every business related job. If you want to be competitive, you need to continue to improve your skills.” Baldwin provides students with a free one-hour training course for Excel here: rebrand.ly/byuhexcel. Baldwin said after completing the course students can update their resumes to show they have experience with Excel.
10. Exercise, get enough sleep and eat healthy
Looking for a job or internship can take an emotional, physical and mental toll on people, said Baldwin. He said to keep from breaking down emotionally, remember to exercise often, get enough sleep, and eat healthy.
Baldwin said it’s important to remember to have fun. “Plan something special after each interview. It will give you something to look forward to, which may make the interview go smoother.”
In closing, Baldwin said, “Be patient and don't give up.” He said to remember what President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “It all works out. Don’t worry... put your trust in God and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.”
Date Published
December 5, 2019
Last Edited
December 5, 2019
Campus & Community