W01 Learning Activity: Explore Employers
Overview
This semester you will be learning about employment opportunities in your field. In particular, you are expected to complete at least three informational interviews. You will learn more about informational interviews in the next lesson.
To prepare for future informational interviews, during this learning activity you will learn about creating an Employer List of possible companies and people that you could contact in the future.
These assignments are here to help you reach your goals
Remember that each assignment in this course is for your benefit to help you reach your career goals. Please take them seriously and use them as an opportunity for your own growth an development.
It would be very easy to get a "good grade" in this course by spending very little time or thought on these assignments, but that will not help you much in the long run. Instead, take the time to think and research opportunities that fit your individual interests and circumstances.
Instructions
Watch each of the following videos.
How to Use an Employer List
This video will explain what an employer list is and how to use it in your job search.
[Direct Video Link | Transcript]
The employer list provides a starting point of professionals and alumni you can reach out to, to conduct an informational interview.
Download the employer list template to help you get started.
Tips for Creating an Employer List
It might feel overwhelming to find 40 companies to write down on your employer list. This video can help provide some tips.
[Direct Video Link | Transcript]
Finding Alumni on LinkedIn
Learn how you can use LinkedIn to find BYU-Idaho alumni.
[Direct Video Link | Transcript]
Other Countries and Limited Alumni Networks
Many of the videos talk about finding BYU-Idaho alumni who work in your area, and some of the tools mentioned may only be available in the United States. What should you do if you live in another country or do not have many BYU-Idaho alumni near you?
Most importantly, do your best. Remember the items in these videos are suggestions, not all of them will be a perfect fit for your circumstances and you may also have additional ideas.
If you do not feel like there are many BYU-Idaho alumni near you:
- Check anyway. You might be surprised to learn how many BYU-Idaho alumni are living and working all over the world.
- Remember that you may be one of the "pioneers" in this area. As you become successful, you will be in a position to help people that come after you.
- Remember that you can still connect with BYU-Idaho alumni, even if they do not live in your area. There are many remote job opportunities out there, and even if a company does not hire remote employees, you can still connect with people and learn from them regardless of where you live.
- Consider people at church as your alumni network as well. Talk with them to see if they work in a field you are interested in, or if they know anyone who does.
Entrepreneurs
Not all jobs will come from working for someone else, and you might be interested in starting your own business. Remember that you can include people on your employer list who are successful business owners, self-employed workers, or independent consultants. Even if they are not directly in your particular field, they can have great advice for you.
Submission
After you have finished this learning activity, return to Canvas and submit the associated quiz there.
Other Links:
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