This week I was honored to speak at Salim Habib University in Karachi, Pakistan on how students can land jobs at top tier companies.
Universities like Salim Habib are doing a fantastic job at training up students to take on life’s challenges. Seeing all these young faces displaying their projects at the department of bioscience was a wonderful experience.
When I presented on stage I talked about something I like to call “Lean In, Stand Out, Step Up”. This is a technique I practice with my students and is the culmination of my decades of experience in higher education.
Not only does this show potential employers you’re the right candidate for a job, it also makes you a more well-rounded person.
“Learn in” means immersing yourself in the field you care deeply about and networking with others who feel the same way.
Just like how students at Salim Habib University showed their projects to us.
For example, many of the students who presented this week I had the opportunity to speak to wanted to get more immersed in biosciences.
My advice to them is that it’s not just about immersing yourself in the textbooks and clubs, it’s about immersing yourself in everything bioscience.
This means watching documentaries, trying to meet leading bioscientists in their field, or going above and beyond to get as clued in as possible.
“Stand Out” means making yourself valuable in a competitive marketplace.
As a student wanting to apply for an in-demand job, what separates you from the rest of your peers?
After hearing that my company Elite Student Coach helps kids get into the college of their dreams, many of the students that approach ask how to do the same.
My response is almost always:
“What stories can you tell? Who do you already know who goes there? What makes you different?”
This is where your unique advantages come into play.
For example, if you’re interested in robotics, why not make a robot? Try to interview a scientist at Boston Dynamics?
In demand jobs, just like in-demand colleges, want you to show a combination of initiative and ability to get things done.
“Step Up” means actively working towards your goals every day.
When I presented at Future Fest in Lahore I told students, “Identify your five favorite professors or companies, write a one-page business plan…tell them what you can do for them.”
This approach turns the traditional application process on its head, focusing on what you can offer rather than what you can gain.
It’s not about what you can take – it’s always about how you can best help others get what they want.
This is a massive mindset shift I teach my students about. Just like in business, you must make yourself available to the opportunities in front of you and step up to that bat when they call.
It was an amazing experience being in Karachi and meeting the wonderful students and faculty.
Every time I’m in Pakistan I’m reminded of the potential students have to not only get into their dream job – but to truly change the world as we know it.
By being active, participating in clubs and school, and by truly caring about the job they want to have, it’s never been easier to land your dream job.
Thank you for having me and I can’t wait to come back soon!
Dan Ulin mentors exceptional college-bound teens to gain admission to the schools of their dreams and achieve lifelong success.
The admissions landscape has become maddeningly complex for kids and parents alike. Dan addresses this problem by streamlining the process and empowering enterprising teenagers to navigate the college prep and applications hedge maze, earn higher grades and test scores, become confident, world-class communicators, learn how to mentor others, acquire and monetize critical entrepreneurial skills, sharpen their critical thinking faculties, maximize their productivity, and showcase their talents.
