What does it take to launch a successful career in the 2020s? Besides creating a detailed plan of attack, it’s imperative for college students to build up their credit scores in every way they can.
One way to do that is to apply for a special card designed especially for students. Additionally, youngsters should aim to land summer jobs and internships that develop long-term career skills.
Getting good grades is the mainstay of a successful academic career, but students also need to avoid getting into legal trouble during college.
Here are details about the most relevant steps to success for young adults who want to build careers and long-term financial security.
Make a Realistic Career Plan
Consult a professional career counselor at school or online. Ask them for career tips and to help guide you toward a line of work that suits your preferences and abilities.
Licensed advisors conduct testing and interviews with their clients to help them develop detailed and realistic career plans.
Explore at least three different fields based on the kinds of activities you enjoy, remembering to align plans with abilities and income goals as well.
Apply for a Student Card
Young adults who know how to manage their personal budgets are a step ahead of most college-age adults, most of whom rely on parents to pay their bills and supply them with spending money.
However, for those who are responsible enough to handle their own finances, it makes good sense to explore credit cards for students, a smart way to establish a financial history of on-time bill payments. But finding the card that suits your needs can be a challenge.
The best way to review all the options, pros, and cons is to evaluate the various offers in a comprehensive student guide.
Be careful to compare all the features of cards that are specifically designed for young people. Read the fine print on agreements, checking to see what the issuers charge for late payments, over limit purchases, annual membership dues, etc.
Cards all come with dozens of unique aspects, so take the time to review a helpful guide that compares them side-by-side.
Work with a Purpose
One thing that sets successful young adults apart from others is that they pursue jobs that offer valuable training. The art of landing a worthwhile summer position is worth learning.
Approach the interview phase with intention, and evaluate jobs based on what you can learn and the contacts you can make.
There’s nothing wrong with earning money any way you can, but an internship in a local bank is a better choice than a fast-food gig, even if the latter pays a bit more per hour.
Avoid accepting a position just because it pays the most. Instead, look at the whole opportunity and try to figure out how it serves your long-term career goals.
That’s one reason paid internships in a specific field of study are so desirable. They offer a regular paycheck, the chance to build a professional network, and a way to learn essential skills that beef up your formal resume.
Additionally, take no-cost or inexpensive online seminars that teach core job skills like computer coding and interview techniques.
