The value of proactivity prior to graduation

One quality you’ll see employers calling for in many job descriptions is “self-starter.” If you’ve completed a couple internships, you’re likely qualified in that regard.

But what if you went a step further and started your own internship of sorts, where you are both the supervisor and the intern?

If you’re looking to add more “meat” to your portfolio, speculative work (or “spec work”) is a great way to learn-while-doing, and you’re completely in control. I’m not referring to the controversial spec work in the graphic design field. The spec work I’m advocating is where you come up with an idea from scratch, plan the project, complete the tasks and evaluate the work all on your own time. You aren’t working within the limits of company protocol or a class rubric and you aren’t answering to a supervisor or professor. You can tailor the project to fill any holes you think might be in your portfolio. Think of the limitless possibilities!

While in college, you have the luxury of technology, computer programs and other resources that you may not have access to once you’re off campus. Consider how you can leverage those to create a meaningful portfolio piece and learn something new.

If you read our Intern in Action story about Alyssa Andrews, you saw an example of how proactivity and spec work can have a significant impact on career trajectory. Any student in any major can do this.

Maybe you’re a marketing major, and you draft a business proposal for a company you dream of opening one day. Maybe you’re an advertising and sales major, and you create a campaign for a business you invent. Maybe you’re a computer science major and you design a video game.

Portfolio pieces also don’t have to be formal, academic or even directly related to your career field. Hobbies can even give you experiences and clips that an employer might find valuable. Do you write music? Volunteer with political campaigns? Develop study materials in order to mentor young students? Experiences like these provide you with hard examples to show your transferrable skills, proactivity and strong work ethic.

The bottom line with spec work or other voluntary activities is that you did something of value on your own initiative, not because someone told you to do it. If you have stories like that to share with an interviewer, you will quickly stand out from the crowd.