It doesn't matter if you are reading this as a freshman in college, or even if you are still in high school. If you have an idea of what you want to do professionally, start working towards it.

I can't tell you how badly I wish I started organizing either a portfolio, a website or a LinkedIn account earlier. The importance of making connections and essentially being an entrepreneur to market yourself isn't stressed enough in school.

Start meeting with a teacher, counselor, professor or any professional who can give you advice about putting together a resume and professional profile as soon as you can.

Start building relationships with professionals now. Don't be one of those students who leave a high school, college or internship thinking you'll never see these people again because chances are, you'll need their advice or recommendations in the future, so don't let them forget about you.

Don't think just because you are still in high school that you shouldn't start taking professional connections and profiles seriously.

Even if you aren't sure what you want to do yet, or haven't had much work experience, make a profile and add any relevant course/classwork, extracurricular activities, awards, add your interests, etc. Sell yourself.

It will make your life so much easier when you start applying for internships and even entry level jobs because you can just keep adding to and editing your profiles and resumes instead of starting from square one when you're ready to start working. You'll have no idea where to begin, and it will simply slow you down.

Start building a professional network ASAP and you'll definitely thank yourself later. It never hurt to be proactive.