December Grads: How To Land A Job Before You Graduate

This article was originally published on ComeRecommended.com.

The Class of 2013 is not quite finished yet. Many of its members are still working through their final semester before they can graduate in December. Just because they’re not graduating at the standard time of year does not mean their job search will be any different once they get that diploma.

It’s important to get ahead of the game. There are certain steps you can take while you’re still in school to land a job. You might even be able to land one before you graduate. Here’s what you need to do to make the most of your last semester before you graduate in December:

Meet with your career adviser.

Between classes, internships, and senior bucket lists, you’ve got a lot on your plate this semester. That doesn’t mean you can’t make time for a visit to your adviser. Believe it or not, university career advisers are extremely helpful. They have tons of resources they can share with you, like exclusive job postings, professional contacts, and really great advice. Seriously, they help students like you for a living. They want you to land a job just as much as you want it. In the grand scheme of things, setting up an appoint with your adviser will take maybe a half-hour out of your semester, so not having enough time is no excuse. You’ll be surprised by how much they have to offer.

Attend career fairs.

Many colleges put together career fairs for their students during the fall. These can be big, university-wide career fairs or small, major-specific ones. Either way, they are the perfect resource for you to get in a little networking. Find out when your college (or a nearby college, for that matter) is hosting a career fair this fall and sign up. Before you arrive at the fair, be sure to do some research on the companies that will be there. Find how who will be there, what positions are open, and any other details you can think of. Come prepared with some questions for the recruiters. Even if you don’t see a company you like, an extra networking opportunity can never hurt.

Reach out to alumni.

Another great resource you have is your college’s alumni network. Professionals love to help out other professionals from their own school, so reaching out to alumni is a great method for your job search, especially right before you graduate. See if you can gain access to a list of alumni through your college. If this isn’t an option, head for social media. Do a search for alumni in your ideal company, city, or industry. You can either email these new contacts directly, or connect with them on social media. However you do it, let them know you’re graduating in December and would love to learn more about what they do. Many of them will be happy to help out a fellow *insert your mascot here*.

These are just a few options you have to get started on your job search now. December will be here before you know it and if you don’t act now, you might end up scrambling at the finish line.

What other advice do you have for students to land a job before they graduate?

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