Job Searching and Beyond
So, your near graduation. What are the next steps? You could look for a job or consider graduate school. Either way, we are here to help. See below for different things to consider for your future after IUPUI.
Recruiters
Recruiters are one avenue to help you find a job in the media, design and themed entertainment industries. When you work with a recruiter you first meet with them, show them your resume and explain your skills and talents. They then they go out and try to help you find freelance, part-time, or full-time work, connecting you with companies in need of your specific skill set. The downside is they will take a cut of what the company decides to pay you. But the upside is they do a lot of the job-hunting leg-work and help you to negotiate pay. Here are a few local creative talent agencies:
Companies
If there are companies you are interested in working with, bookmark and check their web sites regularly for new job postings. Sometimes they will pop up for very brief time frames. If they offer a notification service for new jobs, sign up to be notified when new jobs open up.
Job Posting Sites:
Many of these services offer job notifications. You provide specific keywords and locations and you will receive daily or weekly emails on positions as they become available.
Social Media
Both LinkedIn and Twitter are helpful for finding job possibilities through your friends, coworkers, or connections. Many jobs are posted by individuals through these networks perhaps even before it becomes an official job posting.
LinkedIn is best for networking with others through a business minded medium. Follow companies you are interested in on Twitter and maybe you will see an early job posting. This is also a great place to follow companies local to you. You can see the kinds of projects, conferences, or events they are involved with.
Helpful articles:
- What Recruiters are Looking for on your LinkedIn Profile
- Make Networking Easier by Using LinkedIn
- 9 Ways to Make LinkedIn Work for Your Job Search
- 7 Ways to Make LinkedIn Help You Find a Job
- How to Bag Yourself a Job Using Twitter
- Get Active on Twitter
Job Fairs
Watch for school announcements, social media, and news for local career fairs. Print several copies of your resume, dress to impress, and come see what companies are looking for.
Conferences
Attend conferences like IAAPA, Adobe Max, SIGGRAPH, Smashing, or others to rub shoulders with industry players and company managers. Often there are student discount prices to attend, or look for student volunteer opportunities well in advance of the conference for free or reduced cost access.
Continue Your Education?
Maybe you would like to continue your education further. Do you realize that many graduate schools offer full-tuition assistantships and fellowships in exchange for work, research, or by being a teaching assistance? First, look further into grad school here at IUPUI, Purdue, or Indiana University.