First off, it’s useful to gain context. Read through BlueDot’s Future of AI course, and this post which points to helpful attitudes towards working in high-impact roles.
Consider demonstrating that you “get stuff done.” Say “Yes!” to volunteer opportunities, and take ownership where you can. Read through these incredible pieces of advice that my colleague Laura put together.
Build networks from where to learn and find opportunities, and your own personal portfolio to make your skills legible. Both of these are also ways to get feedback on your own thinking/output, so invite/encourage folks to do so.
Apply to things! Yes, things are competitive, and usually one should expect that the most likely outcome is that you don’t get a role, but it still makes sense to engage with application processes, for a number of reasons, e.g. (i) they can be cheap and deliver a huge return if you get any feedback at all; (ii) they can force you learn about orgs and their work, building context; (iii) they can potentially build network and get you on someone’s radar for future opportunities, (iv) interviewing is a skill like any other, and requires practice.
As you make progress with the above actions, you’ll get a better sense of what it is that you’re excited to do, and where you’d be a good fit.
If you’d like to explore more strategies and options, read our career guide, or consider applying for advising!
Hi Jenny, thanks for writing in.
First off, it’s useful to gain context. Read through BlueDot’s Future of AI course, and this post which points to helpful attitudes towards working in high-impact roles.
Consider demonstrating that you “get stuff done.” Say “Yes!” to volunteer opportunities, and take ownership where you can. Read through these incredible pieces of advice that my colleague Laura put together.
Build networks from where to learn and find opportunities, and your own personal portfolio to make your skills legible. Both of these are also ways to get feedback on your own thinking/output, so invite/encourage folks to do so.
Apply to things! Yes, things are competitive, and usually one should expect that the most likely outcome is that you don’t get a role, but it still makes sense to engage with application processes, for a number of reasons, e.g. (i) they can be cheap and deliver a huge return if you get any feedback at all; (ii) they can force you learn about orgs and their work, building context; (iii) they can potentially build network and get you on someone’s radar for future opportunities, (iv) interviewing is a skill like any other, and requires practice.
As you make progress with the above actions, you’ll get a better sense of what it is that you’re excited to do, and where you’d be a good fit.
If you’d like to explore more strategies and options, read our career guide, or consider applying for advising!