Job and internship searching can be an overwhelming experience, but it is also an exciting way to learn who you are as you start to get more involved in activities on and around campus.

“Students who have meaningful and relevant experiences are more successful in finding jobs and internships,” Courtney Ball, a career advisor at the University of Oregon career center, said. “Being a part of a student group on campus can be a meaningful way to start building your resume for future employers.”

According to NACE (National Association of College and Employers), approximately 74 percent of employers across industries are looking for college candidates with relevant experience, particularly experience in which students have demonstrated communication, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork competencies.

Getting more involved with a student group is a great way to gain these skills. These leadership roles demonstrate to employers that you do more than just attend the meetings each week or month.

Also according to NACE, 80 percent of jobs are never posted and are instead found and filled through networking and relevant experience. In addition, according to Internship.com, 70 percent of internships were turned into jobs last year. The recruiting process has shifted and career success depends on how strategically you network to find and engage in relevant experience.

Another main concern for students looking for jobs is their GPA.

“Some employers, particularly in the corporate sector, have a minimum GPA requirement,” Daniel Pascoe Aguilar, Director of the Career Center, said. GPA is seen as a “filtering” criterion some employers use to find talent. However, values, specialized skills or knowledge and passion are what employers consider important criteria when looking at top candidates.

“Students will be most successful in their job search if they understand it in the context of a larger picture,” Ball said. “A resume is as strong as the relevant experiences it includes. Resume development requires engaging in experiences or ‘making your story,’ in the way employers for whom you want work want to see the candidates they hire.”

For students who are still looking to discover what they’re passionate about, the Career Center’s doors are always open. “If you wake up anxious, remind yourself that there is a group on campus that is committed to making students successful,” Senior Career Advisor Clarice Wilsey said.

The Career Center offers weekly workshops, open to all students, on writing an effective resume and cover letter. In addition, students can meet with an advisor in the Career Center individually to review their resume. A resume is a very important aspect in the job search, but it isn’t the only one.

“In my opinion, student group involvement is supposed to be a fun way for you to explore your interests and passions, so strike a balance between getting relevant experience and doing something you really enjoy as a hobby or non-work related interest,” Ball said.