Career Toolkit: From Graduation to Employment
Your career impacts your income, and your income impacts your loan repayment. The more prepared you are, the better positioned you'll be — both professionally and financially.
Build your foundation
Once you have completed your education or training, it is important to have a solid plan for landing a job in your chosen career. Below are some helpful tips to get started.
Resume
- 1–2 pages maximum
- Clear and up-to-date contact information
- Relevant experience only
- Measurable achievements where possible
- No spelling or grammar errors
💡 Quick check: Would you interview this person based on a 30-second scan?
Helpful resume building tools:
Get Set-up on LinkedIn
- Professional photo
- Clear and descriptive headline
- Updated work experience
- At least 50+ connections
- Enable "Open to Work" if you are actively job searching
💡 How to master LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/learning
Apply Strategically
Before hitting apply for a job, make sure you:
- Understand the role and its requirements
- Research the company
- Tailor your resume to the specific position
- Prepare 3–5 professional references
ℹ️ Quality over quantity. A targeted application will always outperform a rushed one.
Where to apply:
Video Resources
Interview Preparation
The interview is where preparation shows. Before every interview, have ready:
- 5 strengths
- 2 weaknesses (framed with a growth mindset)
- 3 examples of leadership or problem-solving
- A clear answer to "Why this company?"
- A clear answer to "Why this role?"
💡 Practice out loud — confidence improves with repetition.
Helpful preparation tools:
- STAR Method Guide — www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-use-the-star-interview-response-technique
- Google Interview Warmup — grow.google/interview-warmup
- UC Davis Interview Resources — careercenter.ucdavis.edu/interviews-and-offers/questions-and-prep
- Revarta Complete Interview Prep Guide 2026 — www.revarta.com/blog/complete-interview-preparation-guide-2026
- Video resources:
- Interview Tips Youtube
- Harvard Business School Youtube
- Job Interview Tips Youtube
Stay Organized
Track every application in a simple spreadsheet or notebook. For each role, record:
- Company name
- Role title
- Date applied
- Follow-up date
- Interview status
Save all confirmation emails and screenshots.
ℹ️ Keeping detailed records of your job search and employment history can also support a forbearance request in the future if needed.
Follow Up
Send a short, professional follow-up message:
- After submitting an application
- Within 24–48 hours after an interview
Following up shows initiative and keeps you top of mind.
Employer Student Loan Benefits
Some employers offer benefits that can directly support your loan repayment, including:
- Student loan repayment assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Signing bonuses
Helpful links:
💡 When negotiating your compensation package, don't forget to ask about these benefits.
Quick Reminders
Preparation reduces stressNetworking increases opportunitiesOrganization increases successIncome stability supports loan repayment
