Yesterday, we had a meeting organized by ODTÜ KAF, where graduates and students came together to share experiences. We had interesting conversations, focusing on questions like, "I face many difficulties getting an interview, what can I do to increase my chances? How should I present myself in an interview?"
On the self-development front, strive to be a rational, decent human being who lives in reality, not in the fantasy we are all susceptible to creating for ourselves. Some helpful books are Thinking Fast and Slow, Getting Things Done, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. For more books, click here. In your university courses, get good grades, aim for a CGPA of 3 out of 4 (75%).
While looking for a job, focus on jobs related to your field of study, not so much on your dreams. For example, if you're studying food engineering, don’t try to break into digital marketing or software engineering, as the competition there can be overwhelming for you. Once you’ve established a strong foothold in your field, you can try branching out into other areas. Remember that the position you start in is not your destiny; I have made dramatic career changes three times while staying at the same institution for the past 28 years, transitioning from mechanical engineer to simulation engineer to software engineer.
Don't just blindly send CVs, use LinkedIn to directly message people working in companies you're interested in. Ask them about the company and how you could contribute. Seek advice on improving your chances of securing an interview and being accepted. Inquire about the approximate salary range for the position you're targeting. Most people will respond positively. Since LinkedIn shows whether any of your contacts are connected to the people you want to reach, you can ask your contact for an introduction or message them on your behalf. Work on personal projects that are aligned with those companies and share your progress on social media to increase your chance of getting noticed because it is an effective way to show your interest and capabilities in the field and your presentation skills.
During the interview, avoid saying mundane things like "I like to learn" or "I am a team player". Emphasize that your goal is to create as much value as possible for the people around you and the company, and provide examples (by citing examples from your LinkedIn research) of how you could achieve that.
When you get a job, ask yourself, "How can I create maximum value for the people I interact with?" You can even ask them this question directly; they'll likely appreciate your initiative. These individuals will become your internal network, whose support is crucial. Of course, they need to be people you respect, as your quality of life depends more on them than on the company as a whole. Don’t obsess over what others earn; focus on how you can become more effective in your job. If after a few months, you realize that you dislike the job or don't respect the team, seek advice from an experienced mentor, like me. If your mentor agrees that the problem is not you but the job/team, consider alternatives such as transferring to another department or company.
After I explained how I assist students with their studies, help them find internships and jobs, and provide guidance throughout their careers, I was asked why I help others. I've always been fortunate in many respects, such as having a loving family and living in a relatively stable part of the world. I feel indebted, want to give back, and create value. I already have a comfortable life and don’t need many material possessions. Much of life's meaning lies in helping others navigate this complex world and reducing suffering when it's within my power to do so with little effort.
