Career Guide

A Guide to Kickstarting Your Career

Dr Sadia Saleem Cheema
If you are in the last year of school or a fresh graduate, trying to land an internship or job, this is for you!
With a constantly evolving job market and student turnout exceeding vacancies, success in Pakistan requires a blend of preparation, persistence, and malleability. Learn how to empower yourself with actionable strategies to transition confidently from academia to employment.
With proper planning and resources, you can overcome any obstacles and pave the way to a fulfilling career.
Career Planning
Before diving into job applications, it’s absolutely essential to identify your career goals first. Start by reflecting on yourself; your skills and your interests. Are you passionate about something? What drives your motivation and subdues procrastination? Do you excel in a niche other than the subject of your degree? Understand yourself to find your strengths and selling points, it will help you align your goals with the market.
Utilize resources like career counsellors, online platforms like CareerFitter and SkillScan to assess potential career paths, and mentorship programmes through Linkedin or initiatives like the Pakistan Mentorship Programme to gain valuable insights.
Clear your expectations before you navigate your career path or paths.
Networking
Networking is the cornerstone of career success. We often hear success stories of peers getting their first job through a reference, emphasized by the "references" section in our curriculum vitae (CV) when applying for new jobs. It is factual that building meaningful connections can open doors to opportunities that are otherwise "locked". As a student, start with these approaches: • Alumni Networks: Leverage your university’s alumni networks to connect with graduates working in your desired industry. Attend alumni events or engage with them on LinkedIn. • LinkedIn: No matter what the internet says, optimize your profile with a professional photo, a concise headline, and detailed achievements. Share posts about your learning journey and activities that align with your career interests, and engage with industry content. • Internships and Job Fairs: Participate in career fairs organized by platforms like Rozee.pk or events hosted by tech hubs such as NIC Karachi, NIC Islamabad, etc.
Pro-tip: Research shows that 80 per cent of professionals believe follow-up messages play a critical role in building strong connections, as they reinforce interest and professionalism (Forbes, 2022).
Building a Strong CV
A well-crafted CV is your ticket to the interview. Here’s a guide including the valuable insights: • Summary: Write a brief statement summarizing your skills and career aspirations. AVOID the extensive use of the word "passionate" because every CV has it in it. • Education: Apart from your degree and institution, highlight any relevant coursework, certificates, awards, etc. • Experience: List internships, part-time jobs, or projects. Focus on achievements rather than responsibilities. How did you do what you did, highlighting your perceptive and original solutions to problems you faced? • Skills: Mention technical and soft skills relevant to the job you are applying to. and MOST IMPORTANTLY, • Tailor Each CV for the job you are applying to.
You can access resources like BrightSpyre. Avoid common mistakes such as using a generic template or including irrelevant information like casts, languages etc. There is no such thing as a good CV/Resume template, just the content!
Job Interview Tips
Preparing for interviews is crucial to make a good impression. Follow these steps: • Research the Company: Study the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. It demonstrates your interest and preparation. • Showcase Soft Skills: Employers value communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Share examples relevant to the job that highlight these traits. • Post-Interview Etiquette: After the interview, send a thank-you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity irrespective of the outcome.
Confidence and professionalism are key during interviews. Practice mock interviews with peers or mentors to refine your responses and body language.
Upskilling and Internships
In today’s competitive market, continuous learning sets you apart. Invest in online courses or certifications in areas relevant to your interests. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Digiskills.pk offer affordable learning options.
Internships provide hands-on experience and a glimpse into your chosen industry. They are an excellent way to build your network, enhance your skills, and showcase your abilities to potential employers. Search for internships through portals like Interns.pk, LinkedIn Jobs, or Business Incubation Centers in universities near you, such as Vyro.ai, a student-led startup at NSTP, NUST Islamabad.
Never forget that your greatest allies are versatility and resilience. Never discount your abilities, be proactive, and accept learning. Although there may be obstacles along the way, you can achieve your goals if you are determined and utilize the tools available. Good luck with your exceptional endeavours!
Dr Sadia Saleem Cheema is an assistant professor and in charge of the Computer Sciences department at the Islamic International University.