Thanksgiving break is often viewed as a time to recharge, enjoy home-cooked meals, and catch up with family and friends. While this is certainly important, the break also presents a unique and valuable opportunity for career exploration and advancing your job or internship search. I encourage students to use this time wisely! Engaging in meaningful conversations and networking with those around you can jump start your exploration and search efforts. By tapping into the collective wisdom and experiences of your network, you can uncover insights, opportunities, and even new mentors.
The Power of Informal Conversations
Thanksgiving gatherings often bring together people from diverse backgrounds, professions, and industries. Your uncle might be a lawyer, your cousin could work in marketing, and your family friend might own a small business. These informal settings allow for natural, pressure-free conversations about their career paths, day-to-day responsibilities, and challenges in their fields.
These discussions can offer a clearer picture of what different careers entail and help you identify industries or roles that align with your interests and skills. Additionally, they provide a chance to learn about less visible aspects of jobs—such as company culture, work-life balance, and industry trends—that you might not find in a job description or from a recruiter at a career fair. Not sure where to start? Here’s some questions that can help you initiate these conversations.
Expanding Your Network
Thanksgiving also offers an excellent opportunity to grow your professional network. Family and friends often know people outside your immediate circle who might be valuable contacts in your field of interest.
Don’t hesitate to ask if they can introduce you to someone in your desired industry or role. These referrals can open doors to informational interviews or even job opportunities. Networking is often cited as one of the most effective ways to land a job, with many positions filled through referrals rather than traditional applications.
Learning from Different Perspectives
One of the key benefits of engaging with a broad spectrum of people is gaining multiple perspectives on the job market. Someone in a managerial role might provide insights on what employers look for in candidates, while a recent graduate could share tips on standing out in a competitive field. By listening to these varied experiences, you’ll gain a more nuanced understanding of how to position yourself as a strong candidate.
Moreover, these conversations can help you refine your own career goals. Hearing about different paths might spark interest in fields you hadn’t considered before or affirm your current aspirations. You may also find that simply telling your own story to others helps you to clarify your goals! After the break, extend your exploration by including our alumni using our Bobcat Connect tool!
Making Your Intentions Known
It’s essential to communicate your career goals and interests clearly. Let your network know that you are seeking internships or entry-level positions in specific areas. The more specific you are, the easier it is for others to help. For example, instead of saying, “I’m looking for a job in publishing,” specify, “I’m interested in social media management within the publishing industry, ideally at a place like Random House or Hachette.” If you’ve already set up and built a LinkedIn profile, you might also be able to search for specific companies of interest and see exactly where your friends and relatives have connections and ask for specific referrals.
By articulating your goals, you increase the likelihood that your network will remember you when opportunities arise. Check out these tips!
Following Up
After the break, make sure to follow up with any new contacts or connections. Send a thank-you email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and insights. If they’ve offered to connect you with someone, follow through promptly and professionally. These small but meaningful gestures can leave a lasting impression and strengthen your professional relationships. Connecting on LinkedIn can be a great way to maintain a connection and gain additional exposure to future connections.
Action Steps for Students:
- Set Goals Before Engaging in Conversations
Identify your career interests and prepare a list of questions to guide your conversations during the break. - Engage in Career-Focused Conversations
Take advantage of family gatherings to learn about different career paths, industries, and roles. Be curious and ask thoughtful questions. - Expand Your Network
Ask family and friends if they can introduce you to professionals in your area of interest. Leverage these connections for informational interviews. - Articulate Your Career Goals
Clearly communicate what types of jobs or internships you’re seeking to make it easier for others to help. - Follow Up After the Break
Reach out to new contacts with a thank-you message, connect on LinkedIn, and maintain those relationships by keeping them updated on your career progress.
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it’s a chance to take actionable steps toward your future career. By blending meaningful conversations with intentional networking, you’ll return from the break with valuable insights, new connections, and a clearer path forward. Need help? Come visit us in the CAS Advising Commons in-person or by Zoom!
