Five things to do to build your CV while at university

Worried about not having enough work experience under your belt when you’re applying for internships and grad schemes? Here’s how to improve your student CV.

Check out what to do this uni term to boost your CV’s credentials (and your confidence):

1. Become a society committee member
2. Volunteer for a good cause
3. Do job shadowing
4. Take on part-time work
5. Strive for academic awards

Being part of a society looks good on your CV. Society involvement shows your passions and your skills. Potential employers will know you’re a strong communicator if you’re part of the debating society, for example. They’ll also know you’re serious about the arts if you’re a regular at Shakespeare meet-ups. What looks even better than joining a society though? Being a committee member.

Uni societies are run like mini businesses. As part of a committee, you’ll develop financial, operational and communication know-how – and many more key skills. Whether you’re President, Secretary or a general committee member, you’ll get an insight into the challenges senior leaders face in a company. And you’ll learn how to solve those problems head-on.

On your CV, focus on the impact you made as part of the committee. It doesn’t matter if your society is related to your degree or your favourite musician. Whatever the society is, highlight your involvement in decisions, activities and events.

If you’re already part of a society, find out how to become a committee member. It’ll usually be by appointment or election.

If you’re yet to find your niche, why not start your own group? Setting up a society will show initiative and entrepreneurial flair.

Corporate social responsibility is a hot topic in business. As a result, graduate recruiters are on the lookout for candidates who show concern for the world we live in. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with a good cause at university – student-led societies, local organisations and global charities are all active on campuses.

Sign up to volunteer with an organisation and become an active member. Alternatively, fundraise around a personal challenge such as a sporting event. It’s an excellent way to show endurance and determination on your CV – core skills businesses look for in future employees.

Want our suggestions to make that application pop? Read more on how to make your CV stand out.

Learn about a sector or role first-hand by shadowing somebody’s working day. Your university will likely have ties to organisations that are happy to have students around to observe and learn. Pop to your uni careers service for a chat about the options available to you.

Got something specific in mind? Feel free to reach out to a business. Research companies of interest and get in touch via email or LinkedIn. The right match will appreciate your resourcefulness.

Think your part-time bar job isn’t relevant to the corporate career you’re working towards? Wrong. Recruiters look for transferable skills such as teamwork, organisation and problem-solving. You’ll learn loads of them in a high-pressure job like working in a busy pub or café. So, even if you’ve got no interest in climbing the ladder in the hospitality industry, you’re still boosting your CV.

Dealing with a difficult customer will shape your conflict resolution skills. And when your manager’s off sick at the weekend and you’re working your socks off to serve everyone, you’re showing your ability to work under pressure.

Remember – a job’s a job. Taking on work throughout uni, even if it’s not in the sector you want to build your career, tells an employer that you’re hard-working. Plus, whatever role you do, you’ll be gaining experience that’ll come in handy in the future.

You’ll use skills from your degree throughout your career. Let your impressive academic record shine even brighter by being selected for an award. Most faculties offer prizes throughout the year for excellent coursework and exceptional exam results. Some awards are self-nominating – look out for opportunities to put yourself forward. You’ve got to be in it to win it.

Listing academic prizes on your CV will grab the attention of leading employers.

Lots of uni students worry about not having enough to say on their CV when they graduate. However, there are ways to improve your CV while at uni.

A university student’s CV will be sure to impress if it includes evidence of society involvement, volunteer, job shadowing, part-time work and academic awards. Of course, you don’t have to do all those things but any of them will impress – and all of them will wow.