Beyond MyCAA: Tips For Post-Graduation, Career Advancement & More

We’ve written a lot about how to get your MyCAA scholarship, the best programs for military spouses and the most in-demand industries for a new career, but what do you do after graduating?

A new career is one of the most exciting life transitions you’ll experience so here are six post-graduation tips you’ll need to start strong.

6 Important Post-Graduation Tips to Remember

It might seem like an ending, but graduation is actually the beginning of a new chapter. Below are some things to keep in mind when you enter the workforce with your new credentials.

1. Polish and Update Your Resumé

The average corporate job vacancy gets 250 resumés. Of those 250 candidates, only four to six will get offers to interview. Your resumé is your foot in the door, so it needs to look its best.

Proofread your resumé and format it so it looks professional. Make sure it’s up to date with your most current and relevant training, skills and experience. Highlight any certifications—they inspire confidence in potential employers. Update your resumé as you build experience.

2. Hone Your Interviewing Skills

Your interview skills need to be just as strong as your resumé, if not stronger. Do your research and learn about relevant companies and positions before interviews. Prepare answers in advance for the most common job interview questions.

Preparation is the key to confidence, and confident job candidates always have the advantage.

3. Join a Professional Association

Never underestimate the power of a professional association. They provide unmatched opportunities to network with people at all levels of your industry, from entry-level colleagues to top CEOs. They also give you access to educational opportunities you might not have otherwise.

Association membership looks great on your resumé, too. It shows that you’re community-minded and proactive about your career.

4. Network on Social Media

To make the kinds of connections that will open up career opportunities for you in this day and age, you need to be on social media—especially LinkedIn.

Spruce up your LinkedIn profile and join some groups. Start interacting with posts. Send messages and connection requests to people in your industry, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you don’t know.

5. Keep Learning

Going back to school may not be the first thing you think about when you graduate, but it will become more important the longer you’re in the workforce. Employers want people whose skills and knowledge align with current best practices, particularly in fields like healthcare and IT.

The more you regularly seek out new training and certifications, the more competitive you’ll be as a job candidate.

6. Speak With a Career Coach or Advisor

If you chose MedCerts from among the many MyCAA schools out there, you’re one of the lucky ones. You have access to one-on-one career counseling for a full 12 months from the start date of your program. MedCerts’s personal education consultants help you to develop a career strategy based on your interests, their knowledge of the job market and the program you completed. You’ll also get exclusive access to a personal career toolkit, which provides resume and cover letter templates, interview tips and hours of downloadable content to help you with all the above job search strategies.

Start Your Journey With Confidence

A good resumé, top-notch interview skills and the willingness to make new connections will help you get the best possible launch. On top of those, a commitment to ongoing learning will keep your momentum strong. Get started today with a call to a MedCerts counselor.