Two years of your university studies have been completed. By this time, your core classes are hopefully (mostly) done. You probably have taken at least a class or two which go towards your major(s) and possible minor(s). By now, you have most likely cemented membership in a few clubs or organizations. If you are not working, you are probably applying to jobs or that glamorous internship you are yearning for. Studying abroad is something you have either already done or are planning to do in the near future. Research with a professor is also a likely possibility. To sum it up, you are halfway there. You have achieved much, but you still have two (or maybe three) years to go. And much more to do to prepare for the post-graduate world a.k.a. (actual) adulthood.

Now it’s time to take your future more seriously. Do not panic, you still have some time. This does not mean you should be totally lax on organizing your future plans, though. At this point, it’s best to at least be semi-cognizant of the future. Whether you are planning on attending a graduate school or going straight into the workforce after you receive that degree, there are certain aspects of your life that you need to focus on.

The first task on the list is getting good grades. This is a pretty obvious one. It’s important that you are receiving excellent grades in your classes, especially in those courses geared towards your major(s) and minor(s), if you have one. If you are planning on attending a graduate/professional school, this is especially important since it is crucial in the selection process for admission. If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, you should be acing your classes, for example. (And your MCAT or LSAT). Even if you decide to go straight into building a career, your grades should still be up to par with these standards. Also, getting A’s should not translate into monotonous studying to do well in a specific course. You should be absorbing the information you learn and applying it to future courses and other facets of both your professional and personal life. It’s an enriching experience to complete a degree(s) in higher education. Do not take it for granted. Think about it: Don’t you want to do well at your future career? Study hard, expand the corners of your intellect, explore your surroundings, and you shall definitely find success.

The second task, one which is almost as equally essential, is the building of the resume. Previously, I mentioned clubs/organizations, jobs, internships, etc. The key is to be well involved in at least one of each of these activities for a long amount of time. Therefore, your resume should be a reflection of your skills, expertise, and knowledge. It should also include a pretty substantial amount of proof of experience in those specific areas that you are portraying on the document. A great resume is important, regardless of what direction you go after finishing college. If your resume showcases you in a positive manner, your future should only go in a positive direction.

Once your transcript and resume are both equally pristine, the last task one should think about is future arrangements. What kind of jobs do you want to apply to after you graduate? Which graduate schools are you applying to (if applicable)? Do you want to continue living in your college town or move back home? Or, would you like to move to a completely different town, state, or country? Are your finances in order? These are some questions you should be asking yourself and keeping in the back of your mind as you proceed towards graduation.

Remember, if you keep all of this in mind, everything should run smoothly. Best of luck with your junior year of college, you will do greater than you expect!