How to Create a Student Business Card
A business card is a professional way to get yourself out into the business world. When starting on your business card, think about how it is a mini version of you for people to take with them. You want to make it memorable, so it’s okay to spend extra time putting it together.
As a student, having a business card is very impressive to employers. Plus, it’s good to create a business card early, to get an idea of how you may want to change it in the future. Here’s what you need to know:
Basic Contact Info
Your business card should always include your contact information: name, phone number, and email address so you can be easily contacted.
Include Social Media
It is good to include your social media information on the card as well, i.e. Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. This shows that you are active and up-to-date with the social world as it progressively growing. However, make sure that your social networks are professional (i.e. no profanity or inappropriate pictures or comments) and relevant to what you want to do. For example, don’t add your Instagram information if you only post selfies.
Don’t be Afraid to Use Icons/Pictures
Social media icons are easily recognizable to anyone. Try to fit them on your business card, but don’t worry about it if you can’t. You don’t want your card to look cluttered.
You can also decide if you want to add a picture. This can be tricky, because you don’t want to have a random or irrelevant image. Try to find one that is related to what you want to do, or represents who you are. Again, if you can’t fit an image (or don’t want one), that’s okay too!
Make it Clear and Easy to Read
There are many ways to customize your business card. Whatever font and color you choose, be sure that your card is easy to read and understand.
What You Can Add
Sometimes it’s hard for students to decide what to put on their business card. If you currently have a job related to your career goals, you can add that. I, for example, produce and direct a show at my school, so I would add that to my card. If you are currently interning, you can add that as well. On the other hand, you can just say something like, “Student, (name of school)”.
Don’t Copy/Paste Your Résumé
Remember, your business card is not your résumé. You shouldn’t add all of your personal information and experience. You only want the most important information and links to the social media accounts that represent you best. From there, people can contact you and look online for further information.
Tagline
You may choose to add a tagline to your business card if you like. Google has plenty of examples for student business card taglines. An example would be, “currently seeking opportunities.” Find one that best fits what you’re doing or looking for.
Be Creative
Your business card is not just about getting the right information on there. Be creative, and test different ways that will make your card stand out from the rest. Maybe you want a red or black card with white letters. Maybe you want a shiny finish or a thicker card. Whatever you choose, make sure your card is easy to read. I would also suggest keeping the back side of your card white. People tend to use that space for notes to remember where they met you, or some other important information about you.
Feel Free to Use the Back
It’s not a bad idea to use the back of your card. But again, you don’t want too much information on there. Perhaps that is where you can put your social media information. Just make sure you save extra room for others to take notes.
Keep Cards in Your Wallet
It is a good idea to keep a few cards in your wallet and to give out as many as you can. You want to use every opportunity to expand your professional network.
Don’t forget you that you are not stuck with the same card forever. You can update it and customize a new one when you’re ready. In that case, order a minimum amount of cards.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask your professors or the campus career center what they think before producing the final version. They may have some great tips for you.
Your business card is something you should be proud to give. And once you start, you’ll be giving them out to everyone you meet!