Top Ways to Boost Your CV: Gaining Skills and Experience
Whether you’re just starting your career journey or looking to make a change, there are numerous ways to make your CV shine. Let’s explore some top strategies to boost your CV and make it more attractive to potential employers.
- Internships and Work Placements
Gain Practical Experience
Internships and work placements are excellent ways to gain hands-on experience in your field. They allow you to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, develop industry-specific skills, and make valuable connections.
- Summer Internships: Many companies offer summer internships that provide intensive, full-time experience over a few months.
- Part-Time Work Placements: Balancing part-time work with your studies can provide ongoing practical experience and enhance your time management skills.
Make sure you check out the FASS Internship Scheme as we provide excellent paid opportunities exclusively for students studying Arts and Social Sciences here at Lancaster University.
- Volunteering
Showcase Your Commitment
Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and can help you develop a range of transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Local Organisations: Engage with local charities, community centres, or non-profits. Your contribution can make a significant impact and provide you with valuable experience.
- University Societies: Get involved with university clubs and societies that align with your interests. Exec roles within these groups can particularly enhance your CV.
- Online Courses and Certifications
Expand Your Skill Set
Online courses and certifications are a convenient way to acquire new skills and knowledge. They allow you to learn at your own pace and can be tailored to your career goals.
- Platforms: Websites like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on various subjects. As a Lancaster student you have access to all the incredible courses available through LinkedIn Learning.
- Industry-Specific Certifications: Look for certifications that are recognised in your industry, such as project management, digital marketing, or software development.
- Freelancing and Gig Work
Build a Portfolio
Freelancing and gig work can provide real-world experience and help you build a professional portfolio. This is particularly valuable in creative fields such as writing, graphic design, or digital marketing.
- Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer opportunities to work on a variety of projects.
- Networking: Use your personal and professional networks to find freelance opportunities.
- Extracurricular Activities
Develop Transferable Skills
Participation in extracurricular activities can help you develop a wide range of transferable skills, from leadership and teamwork to project management and communication.
- Sports Teams: Being part of a sports team can demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and maintain discipline.
- Arts and Culture Groups: Involvement in arts and culture groups can showcase your creativity and organisational skills.
- Part-Time Jobs
Gain Work Experience
Part-time jobs, even those not directly related to your field of study, can provide valuable work experience and develop skills such as customer service, time management, and problem-solving.
- On-Campus Jobs: Look for part-time positions on campus, such as working in the library, student union, or administrative offices. Many on campus roles are recruited through the Employment and Recruitment service here at Lancaster.
- Retail and Hospitality: Jobs in retail and hospitality can enhance your interpersonal skills and demonstrate your ability to handle responsibility.
- Networking
Build Professional Relationships
Networking is crucial for career development. Building relationships with professionals in your field can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable advice.
- Industry Events: Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to meet professionals and learn about the latest trends.
- Alumni Networks: Connect with Lancaster University alumni working in your desired field for insights and potential job leads.
- Personal Projects
Showcase Your Initiative
Personal projects can demonstrate your passion and initiative. Whether it’s starting a blog, creating a portfolio website, or developing a personal project, these endeavours can set you apart from other candidates.
- Creative Projects: If you’re in a creative field, personal projects like art portfolios, writing samples, or coding projects can showcase your skills.
- Research Projects: Conducting independent research or contributing to academic publications can be particularly impressive in academic and research-oriented fields.
Final Thoughts
Boosting your CV is an ongoing process that involves gaining new skills, experiences, and connections. By engaging in internships, volunteering, taking online courses, freelancing, participating in extracurricular activities, working part-time, networking, and pursuing personal projects, you can create a compelling CV that stands out to potential employers.
Remember, every experience counts, and the skills you develop along the way are valuable assets in your career journey. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to me at the FASS Employability Hub. We’re here to support you every step of the way!