Knowing yourself, telling your story in a compelling way, and convincing an employer about the talents you can offer make all the difference when you are seeking an internship or job. Understanding opportunities and how you fit into the hiring landscape sets you up for success in a challenging job search. This self-knowledge is often referred to as your personal narrative, your story, or your “brand.”
How has your path thus far contributed to all the knowledge, drive, creativity, and skills that you can bring to a job or graduate school? We build what we have to offer by trying things out, reflecting on our experiences, pursuing curiosity, and then trying again. Your brand is the way you choose to communicate your story. Talking with mentors, seeking career advising, and hearing stories from established professionals can help you start to define your story and tell it in meaningful ways.
Questions
What can I do to take stock of my skills and interests?
UMass Amherst career advisors and career websites offer you self-assessment tools to think about your story in preparation for career choices.
I think I know what I could offer an employer, but how do I test that out?
Experiential opportunities—campus jobs, internships, leadership opportunities, community-based learning—are among the most important ways to envision yourself as a future professional.
Register with Handshake to find internships.
How can I practice a conversation with an employer?
UMass Amherst central Career Services offers interview tools to help you practice, practice, practice.