There's always that one person who graduates and it just seems like the whole world fell in their lap, but all they did in college was... well, no one is really sure what they did. Here's a list of things to do to set your future up for success.
1. Meet Your School's President
The president's job is to be available for students. Find a way to "bump" into them. If they always attend school activities, you have a better chance. Just go up and introduce yourself, tell him/her what your major is and what you wanna do. The president can't really turn you away unless they're super busy. If you don't think you could just go up and introduce yourself like that, think of a question to ask them. Ask him/her about an upcoming event, what he/she does on a day to day basis, if he/she watched the game last night, etc.Then the president will probably ask you about what you're doing, why you chose the school and what you're studying. Once the initial relationship is built, be sure to keep up with him. Wish him a happy holiday via email over winter break. His or her email won't be as crowded like it would be during the school year, so you're more likely to get a response.
The president knows a lot of important people, and one day you could be one of the important people he knows. Getting on a first name basis with arguably the most important person on campus is a big deal. The president could introduce you to one or more of the important people he knows. Then those important people are going to think you're important (which you are).
2. Meet Your Major's Staff
Find out their office hours and just pop in. Most professors are dying to have people come to their office hours. If you haven't had class with them or aren't in class with them now, it could be a little awkward. All you need to do is ask them about themselves. Where'd you go to school? What was your major? How'd you end up here? Did you always see yourself being a professor? Then they will ask you questions, and chances are they could know some people that could help you get to where you want to go. If not, you've built the foundation of a relationship that could come in handy down the road. Now just go down the hall and find another faculty member and make friends!
3. Be An Intern
A lot of companies really love having interns. Sometimes they love interns so much that they're willing to pay. Companies aren't just looking to get some free labor, they also hope that you get something out of it too. The internship should be in something you are interested in (obviously), but sometimes your dream company won't have an internship position. Go out and be an intern in a similar company, then after that internship, call your dream company and ask them if they are interested in having an intern. Make sure to call the right person, try to find the highest up person you can and call them. Be sure to know exactly what you're going to say, be sure to slip in something like: "Would you mind giving me your email address, so I could send you my resume for your review? I think you'll find that the skills and experience I gained with (last internship/job) will serve your company well." Have a resume prepped and ready to go. Need help? See No. 4.
4. Visit Your Career Services Center
They are literally there for you. They are there to help with resumes, cover letters, applications, LinkedIn profiles, interviews and to help you find an internship. They want to help you succeed and help you get to where you want to go. They could also know a lot of people considering they've probably helped quite a few people get a job before they graduated. You know where those people are now? Where you want to be. Having a relationship with an alumni is great because they know how it feels to be where you are, and they're going to do whatever they can to make sure someone gives you a job. So, sk your career services advisor if they know anyone that has done the same thing you want to do, and then just sit back and watch their magic happen.
5. Do Yourself a Favor and Get a LinkedIn Now
LinkedIn is basically a huge pool of successful people that all connect in one way or another. No more than 24 hours after you meet someone successful (even if it's in a completely unrelated field t what you want to do) ask them to connect on LinkedIn. Once again, you never know who someone else is going to know, and if they like you, they are going to help you.
5 ½. You Can Do This!
This is your future. Meet as many people as you can. You never know where that relationship can go. The worst anyone is going to tell you is no. The best they're going to say is, "I have a position that would be perfect for you. Let me know when you graduate." Psst.. That's how the whole world fell in that one guy's lap. Now, it can fall in yours.
