5 Things to Do Before Graduation

As I’ve said before, I’m finally taking my last semester of classes. This has made me realize I have a lot to think about before I feel like I’m “prepared” for the real world. Graduates this coming May or December need to be especially ready when it comes to looking for a job because there’s a lot of competition out there. A few things I would suggest to be ready for job seeking:

1. Get your network in order. I have been making a point to save contact information for everyone I have worked with or become friends with in my last few years at college. It seems trivial, especially with everyone having Facebook in our generation. But if they delete their account or change their phone number, how will you get ahold of them? I suggest requesting connections with these people on LinkedIn and Twitter, just to be safe.

2. Prepare your resume, cover letter and portfolio. This isn’t emphasized enough in classes, in my opinion. Make sure to keep track of everything you have accomplished throughout your school career and get your resume in order. Have a generic cover letter ready, but be sure to tailor it to each job you apply for. And start saving anything done in internships, classes or volunteer work for your portfolio.

3. Decide on what you really want to do. If your major is pretty broad, make sure you have an idea of what specific type of job you want after graduation, and why. Don’t just go into it with an “I’ll-take-what-I-can-get” attitude. Also, have you had experience in this area? Be sure to try out a few niches until you know it’s something you enjoy.

4. Get as much experience as you can. Volunteer to help an organization with something you’re good at. Participate in internships (yes, even if they are unpaid).

5. Know where you want to live. Are you moving home for a semester or two? Where do you want to live afterward? I would suggest looking at housing costs and typical salaries in your ideal area. That way, you know whether it is feasible to move there, or you would be better off staying somewhere with lower costs until you have saved enough.