CSE Career Captains Yuxuan Zhang, MSBA’24, Djounia Saint-Fleurant, MBA’24, Andrew Mukurazita, MBA/MSBA’25, and Evan Goddard, MSF’24, share their tips for having a relaxing AND productive Thanksgiving Break!
Thanksgiving greetings and advice from the CSE Career Captains!
It’s that time of the year when we can indulge in delicious meals without feeling guilty – it’s Thanksgiving! Go enjoy yourself at the dinner table and spend quality time with friends and family. You deserve it. But at the same time, we can all agree that calories are not the only thing we take in during this precious break. Let’s gobble up ways for career advancement!
– Yuxuan
Below, you will find a list of suggestions from a collective of CSE Career Captains who are just as eager as you are to make the best use of this Thanksgiving Break:
Practice your elevator pitch and small talk with friends and family
According to ABC news, there’s a list of no-go topics for Thanksgiving conversations – think money, politics, religion, and the like. Now, this is pretty much in line with the do’s and don’ts of elevator pitches and small talk, with a twist. Here, you chat about your professional experience, and in return, get the scoop on others’ professional journeys. The key is to not sweat it too much. It’s all about getting comfortable with these chats, so when it’s showtime, you can hark back to these Thanksgiving practice runs. Oh, and if you’ve got family members or friends who are seasoned professionals, especially in the field you’re eyeing? You’ve hit the jackpot! Grab their insights on your communication skills – it’s gold!
Wish your connections happy thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an excellent opportunity to strengthen your professional bonds. A warm and genuine Thanksgiving wish is more than just a message—it can be a gesture that shows you value the connection.
You can leverage the power of social media to extend your Thanksgiving wishes to a broader audience. Posting a message on LinkedIn expressing gratitude to your professional network can create a virtual space for appreciation and connection. One of the best ways to make a lasting impression on your professional network is to take the time to send a personalized email or a thoughtful LinkedIn message to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving during this season. By doing so, you can not only strengthen your existing relationships but also open doors to new networking opportunities.
Additionally, when you wish them a Happy Thanksgiving, take the opportunity to inquire about their holiday plans. This can lead to casual conversations and create opportunities for future collaborations.
Update your LinkedIn Profile
Utilizing the academic break to update your LinkedIn profile is a strategic move to bolster your professional digital footprint. During this downtime, you have the chance to meticulously craft and refine your profile, ensuring it reflects your most recent academic accomplishments and skills. For instance, if you’ve excelled in courses like Corporate Finance, Financial Modeling, or Data Analytics, highlight these on your profile to attract attention from prospective employers in your target industries. Articulate your career objectives clearly, such as aspirations in venture capital, private equity, or data-driven financial analysis.
Update your profile photo to a current, professional image and seek endorsements and recommendations from peers, professors, or industry contacts. Engage with your network by sharing industry-relevant content or insights, demonstrating your active involvement and thought leadership in your field. This proactive approach not only enhances your online presence but also positions you effectively for future career opportunities and networking.
Complete a LinkedIn Learning course
Enrolling in a LinkedIn Learning course can elevate your career through recognized credentialing and industry-relevant content. Certificates from completed courses, displayed on your LinkedIn profile, highlight your commitment to up-skilling and professional development. Employers regard these credentials as a mark of your proactive learning and staying abreast of industry changes. With instruction from experts, the skills you gain are immediately applicable to your job. LinkedIn Learning empowers you to close skill gaps, enhancing your job performance and preparing you for future career opportunities.
What’s more, LinkedIn Learning’s courses are designed to be concise, enabling you to complete them over a short period, and the Thanksgiving holiday break is such a perfect opportunity!
Read industry-related articles and books
Thanksgiving break presents a great opportunity for you to get back to the books, online articles, and writing pieces. These are your silent mentors, from whom you learned about current industry updates, practical job searching/interviewing skills, lessons and insights from industry tycoons. If you are looking for recommendations, here are a list of book recommended by CSE office.
If you’re ambitious enough, devote at least 30 minutes each day to deep reading. Take notes on content that resonates with you, reflect on how you can apply the knowledge in career environments, and share your insights on LinkedIn! You’ll be surprised how your commitment can provide not only a fuel of momentum but also attract recruiters who are looking for students like you, dedicated to learning.
Create a Career Vision Board
Creating a career vision board during an academic break can be an inspiring and clarifying exercise. This visual tool allows you to map out your career aspirations, goals, and the steps needed to achieve them. Start by identifying your long-term professional objectives, such as leading a venture capital firm, excelling in financial analytics, or driving innovation in private equity. Incorporate images and words that represent these goals, including symbols of leadership, financial markets, data analytics, and any specific companies or roles you aspire to. Add elements that reflect the skills you need to develop, like advanced financial modeling, strategic decision-making, or cutting-edge data analysis techniques. Remember to include motivational quotes and personal affirmations that resonate with your career ethos and aspirations.
Placing this vision board in a spot where you frequently see it serves as a constant reminder of your goals and the path you’ve envisioned for yourself. This exercise not only helps in keeping your focus aligned with your career ambitions but also serves as a source of motivation and inspiration as you navigate your academic and professional journey.
Apply, apply, apply!
Applying to a wide range of jobs during an academic break is a proactive strategy to kickstart your career. This approach not only increases your chances of landing a job but also provides valuable insights into the job market and your own career preferences. Begin by identifying a diverse range of roles that align with your skills and interests, such as positions in venture capital, private equity, financial analysis, or data analytics. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting relevant coursework and any relevant projects or internships.
Leverage your network by reaching out to alumni, professors, or professionals in your field for insights or referrals. Utilize job search platforms and LinkedIn to discover opportunities, and don’t hesitate to apply for roles that may seem like a stretch – they can often turn into unexpected learning experiences or career paths. Remember, each application is a chance to refine your interview skills and understand more about what you’re looking for in a role. Stay organized by tracking your applications and follow-ups. This intensive job application process is not just about securing a position, but also about understanding the vast landscape of opportunities available to you in your field, and honing your professional goals and preferences.
Finally – rest, relax, and enjoy some good food!
We hope you find these tips helpful.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!
– Yuxuan, Djounia, Andrew, Evan
