What most don’t realize is that college is the first impression you make on your adult life. Going from a high schooler with minimal responsibility to a college student who needs to take care of things on their own, it could feel like a very overwhelming change. But once you’re already in the swing of college life, where does one go from there?

College is so much more than the overnighters and work that’s put in in the classroom. It’s about making connections with peers and networking with people who might help you get jobs in the future. After all, college is meant to further your career, but how can a student with minimal experience get started in their field of choice?

Internships are the key! These are the windows of opportunity that allow you to explore your field, gain experience and make you a more marketable future employee. Whether you receive school credit, a paycheck or just experience it’s something that helps prepare you for the future.

But how does a student prepare themselves for the internship process?

Well here’s a few tips:

1. Start the process by keeping up your GPA and remaining passionate about what you want to do. It’s the easiest way for a company to see that you’re really serious about the field you’re interested in taking the time to learn about.

2. Any related experience is a great way to boost your resume. It doesn’t have to be working experience either. Taking part in extracurricular activities related to your field of interest shows you’re taking free time and putting in extra work.

3. Do your research on the place you wish to apply. It doesn’t hurt to know the companies mission or a little bit of their history. Things like this make you stand out against those who probably have no idea what the companies all about.

4. Make sure to get applications for internships in on time. Write down deadlines to be sure you remain organized and less stressed. This is your first impression on a potential employer and who doesn’t want it to be a good one?

5. Lastly, if you get called for an interview, go prepared. Think about questions you may get asked such as “Why do you want to intern with us?”, “What sets you apart from others?” and how you would answer them. But be yourself! Employers want you for the great work you can do, not for how impressive you’re trying to seem.

I used these five things to help me land my first internship and it was one of the best and least stressful experiences of my life. The process could come off very stressful and confusing if you’ve thought college is only about the work your professors give you. But it doesn’t have to be so long as you go into it prepared.

I was always under the impression that the only thing I had to think about were my assignments, but I wasn’t utilizing all that college had to offer. This is the time to explore what you want to do, to be sure you’re happy in the field you’ve chosen, and gain some once in a lifetime experiences that will make you a great employee.

Once I started interning, it made a world of difference with my outlook on college. Make your college experience more than just the classroom and take your learning to the field.