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By Amy Rossi
Question: "I'm finishing my degree next semester. What should I do to prepare for the job search and my career?"
First, congratulations on this impending accomplishment!
Setting and meeting your educational goals is an important part of creating the career you want. As you finish your education, it’s necessary to plan and think ahead. People often make the mistake of waiting until they’ve graduated to start the next phase of their professional life—which wastes valuable and precious time. Waiting can often lead to months (and sometimes years) between graduation and employment.
Take the following steps to get ready to put that degree to use.
Gain Experience.
If it’s not too late, try to intern in order to gain some practical experience in your field. Having both the education and some work experience in your field can give you a leg up on other applicants—especially if you are just starting out in a field. Interning can also provide you with experience to help you better understand what kind of work you want (and don’t want) to do in your field and examples to discuss in future interviews. If an internship isn’t an option, you may be able to volunteer in your field to gain some practical (albeit unpaid) experience.
Remember, having the degree and some experience is better than just having the degree.
Plus, experience can lead to networks and connections in your field.