Launch To Success: The Junior Year Checklist

As summer is coming to an end, as well as our tanned skin and sun kissed hair, its officially time to head back to school for another year of fun. I mean studying. And if you're like me, you are heading into the final countdown of your college career. Yep, graduation is a mere four semesters away. Now just let that sit in for a moment. Besides begging for time to slow down, this is the year us juniors must start to prep for the real world. No I'm not saying to put the fun on hold just yet, but it is time we start to check some things off our list. What "list" am I talking about? Well, let me help you out.

1. Cleaning up our social media.

Yes, I love to reminisce in my freshman year memories on Facebook or Instagram just like the rest of us, but I know my employer won't find the picture of my friends and I at an ABC party as amusing as I do. So before you send out applications for internships or jobs, do yourself a favor and delete those photos or statuses that might turn your employer to the next applicant.

2. Update our Linked In profiles.

And if you don't have one yet, no worries! But I highly suggest gaining a profile soon. Now that job searching has become mostly online, employers and recruiters will go these web sites like Linked In looking for their ideal applicant. So, build your profile and brag about your accomplishments, it will only help you!

3. Raise our grades.

Although GPA's aren't the only thing employers look at, it is a great addition to a well- written resume. So if you aren't particularly proud of your GPA at this point, use these last semesters to put in your full effort. Skip a party or two to study for a test coming up, I promise the hard work will pay off in the end.

4. Land an internship.

Experience is crucial to the job world. So, dip your toes into the job world slowly but surely. And if it's unpaid, no biggie! You never know if that summer internship will transition into a future job! Always put in your best effort and make a lasting impression.

Alright guys, this may look like a daunting list of things to get done, but I assure you, it's completely doable! And if you have already accomplished some of the list items, you're ahead of the game. Just remember, stay focused this year and you will be on the track to success!