Almost every student works towards getting a perfect score in their examination. Through personality development, you can bring out your skills and qualities.
Given this scenario, it is easy to understand that just marks are not good enough to get into top colleges. You need a strong profile for that, and in this, student counselors are of immense help. They guide you throughout and assist you in having a successful career.
While the academic score is the primary/ initial criterion to get into a good university, colleges do take a different approach to select applicants. In an attempt to choose excellent and top-performing candidates, these universities have started looking beyond plain academics.
What is Profile Building?
Profile building is a process of developing projects, skills, and expertise, which can be showcased in your CV. The aim of building a profile is to create a database that can give a picture of your interests. Basically, any activity undertaken to make the other person aware of your expertise, skills, abilities, and involvement to enhance your career is a way to build your profile.
When to begin creating a profile?
Time is of the essence. At a certain point, when your admissions and job roles are critical, it is best to focus on creating a profile. After all, a missed opportunity means an entire year goes in vain. Well, with the speed that the world is moving & changing, this is a big risk!
Thus, students in high school must begin with their profile-building activities so that by the time they take admission, they have ample skills and expertise to showcase.
Critical Components of a Strong Profile
A candidate with a robust & enticing profile is a catch for many top-ranking universities. Below are the key components that will help you create a unique profile. Have a look!
Projects
One of the most valued co-curricular activities is working on different research projects.
The projects you work on needn’t necessarily have to be a part of your curriculum. You can pick up any subject you like, get all the necessary resources, and finally begin your work.
In case you get stuck somewhere, you can always seek help from student counselors, mentors, etc. They are there to guide you so that you complete the projects without facing many issues.
Course Certifications
Universities look for students with a specific set of skills. And the curriculum does not cover everything you need to learn. As a result, students who need to upskill themselves can apply for different courses and get certifications.
This not only helps the students learn about the latest developments but also offers them a chance to demonstrate their skills.
So now, it’s time for you to do the same!
Research Papers
If your curriculum doesn’t make it compulsory to work on a research paper, make sure you take it by yourself.
Creating a research paper requires weeks of grueling research, analysis, and drawing conclusions. But once the paper is finished, you can publish it and see how experts react. This activity will help you have a great learning experience, along with building a strong profile.
Internships
Internships are a great way to build a strong profile and network. While in high school or college, you will have enough time to do part-time and full-time internships during the summers.
Therefore, it’s time to take advantage of this fact – draft your résumé, apply to various companies, and try to get an internship role that synchronizes with your subject of interest.
Apart from learning about your field, you will also gather knowledge of the industry you wish to end up working in.
What’s more? The people you are working with can help you get closer to achieving your goals in the future.
Committee Work
Apart from internships, there is another way to build your network with like-minded people, i.e., joining a committee.
The moment you enter the university, tons of committees will approach you to join them. It could be the theater club, sports club, cultural committee, etc. Name a field, and you will find a lot of people who share similar interests as you!
What’s more? Well, these committees have their own events, where they network with experts, organize different panel talks and create something innovative. Thus, this will not only enhance your profile but will also expand your social and mental horizons!
Community Work
Indulging in community work doesn’t mean you have to sign up for an NGO or volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization, get a certificate, dust it off, and move on!
When students apply to international universities, they show that they have diligently worked for the betterment of people. For instance, many students can include that they have worked at least a year working with children, women, or elderly in need; helping animals; or working towards saving the planet.
Adding community work is a great way to enhance your profile. So, pick a cause, join an NGO, and work with them for a substantial amount of time!
Entrepreneurship
Starting a business of your own will help you build your profile and develop your overall personality.
But sometimes, to know the knick-knacks of entrepreneurship, you need coaching because starting your own business is not smooth sailing. You will encounter numerous business issues, and this is why you will require a one-on-one coach. These coaches will help you gain a deep insight into the entrepreneurship world and will assist you in having a successful business.
Now, returning to the topic, you can learn a lot about yourself through entrepreneurship. For instance, you can know your motivation level, how well you manage finances, and so on.
There are chances that your venture might fail, but if you dare to take risks, it is best to work on your startup idea. And, of course, coaches and mentors are always there to help you out!
Express Yourself
Let’s say you have spent several hours, weeks, or months building your profile. But what’s the use if you don’t put your skills and expertise in your SOP (Statement of Purpose), Résumé, or LOR (Letter of Recommendation)?
Everything you have accomplished must be there in your university application. The more you will express yourself, the better knowledge the university will have of you! So, don’t hesitate and try to mention everything from scratch in your profile.
Extracurricular Activities
Academics and co-curricular activities are just one aspect of who you are. In addition, you might have numerous hobbies and interests outside of your career. And if you have worked hard on honing them, it’s like the cherry on top of your personality.
Be it singing, painting, archery, kickboxing, or any other kind of activity you do outside, don’t forget to mention them in your profile.
And if you still don’t have a hobby, it’s about time you have one!
Social Media Presence
Here’s an activity you can try before we discuss this point in detail – Google your name and see what comes up!
The universities will be looking at your unique online personas. Whether you have written a blog, created a website, or have done podcasts with experienced mentors, it is best to add them to your profile. This will revamp your image on social media and help you meet people with similar interests.
Ready to turn your dreams into reality?
Having an enticing profile is quintessential for ensuring that you land at your dream university. That being said, it also helps you make an impression on potential recruiters.
Thus, if you wish to create a seamless and amazing profile, include the key components mentioned above. Also, ensure you add all the information and make your profile unique enough to stand out from the crowd!
