The best thing you can do?

Between your research papers and senior parties, work on finding a job now!

It can be daunting at times, but you’d be surprised how much you can enjoy job searching … with the right attitude, of course. Matching your skills to job postings can be exciting. But starting is always a challenge, so we have some tips on how to start finding that great job after college:

1. Work on your resume.

Before you do anything else, think about your education and work experience.

• What are your strongest skills?
• What are you most knowledgeable about?
• What did you do at your past jobs?
• What did you like best about them?
• What skills did you gain?

Take notes on your thoughts for your own reference, and start constructing a resume. Keep in mind that resumes for recent graduates should be only one page. If you’re having trouble, consider a professionally written resume.

2. Go to your college career office.

If you haven’t already, check out what your college’s career services center has to offer. These job market experts are there to help you find a job, and they can even help you with:

• Networking for jobs
• Job interview tips
• Resume writing tips
• Finding an internship
• Choosing the best resume references

3. Scan job sites.

Even if you’re not sure exactly what job you want or where you’ll want to live, start browsing job sites. Click on different opportunities, even if they’re not entry level, so you get a feel for what companies are looking for and expect from applicants and employees. Sign up with sites so you can post your resume. Of course, if you find a job that interests you, apply!

4. Don’t dismiss internships! They’re not just for students.

Not always, anyway. Recent graduates are definitely in demand. Internships always look great on a resume because they show that you’re committed to the work, not just the money. Plus, for companies that like to hire from within, an internship could turn into a salaried job! Just make sure that if you are considering unpaid internships, you can afford to be income-free for a few months.

While finding a job after college may be the last thing you want to think about while savoring these last pre-graduation moments, starting your job search now can help relieve uncertainty you may have about what you want to do and where you want to go. By having a better idea of what’s out there — and starting to apply — the whole process of finding a job after college will be less terrifying, more reassuring, and will make these last few weeks a little sweeter!

Worried that your communications major is too vague? Relax! Combined with the right skills, there are many entry-level jobs you can get with a communications degree.

Here are a few examples:

1. Public Relations Assistant

Entering the public relations field as a PR assistant is a great choice for communications graduates. A solid writing ability, great organizational skills and a personable demeanor (on the phone and in-person) are all essential characteristics you should bring to the job, alongside your communications degree. If you can gain experience in some concrete PR-related skills, like writing press releases (maybe you can take a course at your college), that’s an added plus.

2. Junior Advertising Copywriter

Another one of the fun jobs you can get with a communications degree is a position in advertising, such as junior copywriter. Copywriters write the ad copy for all kinds of things, from corporate brochures to products (like the backs of cereal boxes).

A way with words and creativity are the two big must-haves for this job. If you can, try to score an internship at an advertising agency while you’re in college to help tailor your communications degree to a career in advertising.

3. Marketing Assistant

Another good communications degree job is that of a marketing assistant. From maintaining contact with clients to sending out marketing emails and assisting in the conception and organization of marketing campaigns, a marketing assistant has a variety of duties.

If you can concentrate your communications degree in marketing or add a marketing minor to your degree, you will be well-prepared to enter this field. Excellent networking abilities will also help you as a marketing assistant.

4. Editorial Assistant

If you want to enter the publishing field, an editorial assistant job is a good place to put your communications degree to use. Editorial assistants sort and read incoming manuscripts, coordinate contact with authors and agents and help in the editing of manuscripts.

Aside from a communications degree, you should possess a superior knowledge of English grammar and writing if you want to break into the editorial field. Classes in topics like copy editing can be especially useful, as are internships in the publishing world — you could even turn that internship experience into a job!

5. Journalist

Depending on the type of communications degree you choose to pursue, certain journalism jobs may be perfect for you. For example, some schools offer concentrations in areas like broadcast communications, a major that will prepare you for journalism careers in television and radio.

Given the growing importance of online media, a concentration in online or internet communications is a great choice to maximize the value of a communications degree.

Journalism jobs often require expert knowledge in a specific field; if you can double major in communications and another field, like business or public health, you can pave the way for a journalism job focused on reporting on these topics.

6. Human Resources Assistant

Working in human resources can involve anything from recruiting new employees to leading seminars for current employees about communication and sensitivity. To get human resources jobs with your communications degree, you will also need good interpersonal and speaking skills. Some schools even offer communications degrees with a focus on interpersonal communications, which can be a great asset in a human resources department.

7. Hospitality Communications Positions

From cruise lines to restaurant chains and hotels, many organizations in the hospitality industry offer jobs you can get with a communications degree. Hospitality jobs in the communications sector could range from addressing customer complaints to promoting the organization through work in the marketing department.

Since the hospitality industry often caters to a global audience, knowledge of a second language is a great way to set yourself apart as you search for hospitality jobs with your communications degree.

Avoid blunders with thorough preparation: By following basic interview tips and anticipating some of the hardest interview questions in advance, you can avoid that heart-pounding, sweaty-palmed “uh-oh” moment of stumbling through an answer to a tricky question.

1. Why did you get fired from a job?

First of all, if you got fired, don’t bother trying to hide it. Nine times out of ten, your employer will find out – there are companies that exist solely for the purpose of checking the accuracy of people’s resumes. (I know because my friend worked for one — and caught some major resume lies.)

Though this is one of the hardest interview questions you’ll likely be asked, be upfront: did you miss too many days or constantly show up late? Explain that you had scheduling problems but have since learned to manage your time better. Whatever the reason, own up to it and demonstrate how you’ve learned from — and won’t repeat — former mistakes.

2. How was your relationship with your supervisor/boss?

Again, be honest but use diplomatic language. Never trash-talk a former supervisor/boss to a potential employer; this just makes you look immature and unprofessional. Highlight the positive aspects of the relationship — you can have a boss you hated (don’t say that) but who still taught you a lot (say that!).

3. As a professional, do you have any disappointments?

This is one of the hardest interview questions, but it also provides a great opportunity to highlight all sorts of positive traits — growth, maturity, motivation, ambition and more. If you messed up a previous opportunity (for example, passing on a job in another city in order to stay with a loved one) and regret it, now is the time to move forward: recognize your previous mistakes, explain how they changed you and point to the positive outcome (i.e., now you are at a point where you put your career before relationships).

4. What do you look for in a boss?

The hardest interview questions, like this one, are asking you to be honest — but professional at the same time. Yes, a boss can be an inspiration or a mentor, but don’t expect your boss to be your best friend. The most valuable bosses can be the toughest: the ones who motivate and push you to do your best. Your boss doesn’t have to be sweet and friendly, but there’s no harm in saying you look for a boss who is fair and receptive to employees’ needs.

5. What do you know about this company?

This will only be one of the hardest interview questions you get asked if you allow it to be. The best way to prepare for your job interview — and this question — is simply to do your research. Find out about the company’s history, who the key players are (and their backgrounds), what sort of work the company does (i.e., who some major clients are) and whatever else might be relevant.

If you really want to be prepared, memorize essential information about the company. Make flashcards and quiz yourself if you have to. It can only help you in the interview.

6. Why do you want to work for this company?

Again, getting this one right is all about doing your research. Pinpoint specific things about the company that you like. From their corporate philosophy to the clients they work with, there must be something that you can find about the company that appeals to you and makes it stand out from other companies in the same field.

7. What’s your greatest weakness as a professional?

This one is hard because it’s so common, meaning that everyone prepares for this interview question and tends to fall back on the clichéd responses that sound good but are actually duds: “I’m a workaholic” and “I can be obsessive about details” are the types of faux “weaknesses” that will simply make seasoned HR professionals roll their eyes.

Pick a legitimate weakness (for instance, your disorganization), but point to how you are improving (you started setting aside 15 minutes at the start of every work day just to clean your desk and schedule your day). This honest response will go over better than a non-answer that every HR rep has heard hundreds of times before.

Though these may seem tough, the hardest interview questions are usually ones you can actually prepare for in advance — so get going!

Employers use group interviews to meet several potential employees at once, a comparative approach that helps to immediately filter out the okay candidates from the outstanding ones.

In addition to following the basic steps of how to prepare for a job interview, follow these 7 group interview tips to help ensure that you are the candidate standing out from the crowd and sticking in your future employer’s memory.

1. Give unique personal details.

One of the best ways to stand out in a group interview is to share personal details that emphasize your capabilities and passions.

Often in a group interview, everyone will be asked to give a brief introductory biography. Make sure you prepare this in advance so you can highlight relevant experiences and unique aspects that make you a great fit for the job. And, of course, be prepared to answer other common job interview questions you’ll probably be asked.

2. Let your voice be heard.

It can be tough to stand out in group interviews where you aren’t given a lot of individual time to talk. That’s why you need to speak up when you get the chance. For example, if they ask if anyone has questions, make sure you have some prepared! Asking insightful questions and letting your voice be heard will make you more memorable than if you just sit quietly.

3. Show off your social skills.

Often there will be downtime before the interview starts while you’re waiting for everyone to arrive. Rather than sitting quietly, get to know your fellow candidates. Yes, it can feel like you’re fraternizing with the enemy, but chatting up your fellow interviewees can actually make a good impression on interviewers who might be watching. Employers love employers who communicate well with others – so don’t be shy!

4. Dress to impress.

Your qualifications and personality are more important to getting the job than your appearance, but dressing for success for a job interview can make a difference, especially in group interviews. Basic tips aside (i.e. wear something appropriately professional, no chewing gum), it can help to wear something eye-catching to stand out from the dark-suit crowd in a group interview. I definitely don’t mean that you have to show up looking like Lady Gaga! Try something like a red scarf, which is eye-catching in a subtle way.

5. Bring your documents.

Just like on any interview, it’s important to bring all necessary documents for group interviews. Bring a copy of your resume (and make sure your resume looks great!), reference letters, and any other papers they might ask for. You don’t want to be caught off guard, especially in a group interview where you have to work harder to make a great impression.

6. Arrive early.

This group interview tip is also essential to making sure you don’t stand out from the crowd in a bad way! You definitely do not want to get to an interview late and have to slink into the room after the interview is already under way – embarrassing and unprofessional! By showing up early, you also have the chance to compose yourself, show off your social skills (see tip #3!), and possibly even get some individual chat time in with the interviewer.

7. Don’t forget to send a thank you note!

As with any job interview, sending a thank-you letter after the group interview is done is another great tip to follow.

But did you know that there are actual laws in place that keep companies from truly taking unfair advantage of their interns?

You should be aware of these laws when you apply for an internship so you can avoid companies that disregard unpaid internship laws, unfairly and illegally exploiting interns.

The US Department of Labor has developed criteria to help evaluate whether a position meets unpaid internship laws. I’ve broken down the most important points for you here. Ask yourself these 3 questions to help determine if your internship follows the law:

1. Are you getting real training?

This is the major aspect emphasized in multiple points of the unpaid internship laws. The point of an internship is to train you in your field of interest (and bulk up your college student resume while you’re at it!). In fact, the US Department of Labor goes so far as to specify that this training should be similar to what a student at a vocational school or academic educational institute would receive.

If you have a graphic design internship that promised you training in a particular graphic design program, your intern provider should follow through. Almost every internship will include some menial duties  like answering phones – but you should be getting real hands-on training in your field as well.

2. Was the employer clear about the internship’s benefits?

One aspect of an unpaid internship is that interns are not automatically entitled to a job upon completion of their internship. Watch out for false promises from employers trying to lure you into an unpaid internship. It’s also essential that the employer and the intern both understand that the internship is unpaid from the start in order for an unpaid internship to be legal.

3. Is your internship a job in disguise?

A major point of the unpaid internship laws is that an internship should not be used to disguise a regular job. In other words, companies can’t liquidate a position and then just hire an unpaid intern to do the same job without pay. Beware of “intern mills,” where companies continually hire a rotation of interns for a single position that could just as well be a full-time (paying!) job.

The Bottom Line: Take Control of Your Internship

A recent New York Times article about the illegal exploitation of unpaid interns reports that the Labor Department is working on cracking down on internships not meeting the criteria of unpaid internship laws. Hopefully this means that the number of students exploited by illegal internships in the future will decrease.

The number of internships offered abroad and in the US is huge, however, and at the end of the day it’s up to you to verify that your unpaid internship is actually benefiting you.

If you feel your internship is beneficial, then go for it! Like I said, many unpaid internships are legitimate and are excellent learning opportunities. There are many things you could do to maximize the benefits of your internship that will help you make the most of it.

However, if you feel that your position does not meet the unpaid internship laws and isn’t doing anything for you personally or professionally, don’t be scared to speak up or simply walk away — and try to find something better.

If you want to get ahead of the pack and really maximize the benefits of your internship, it will require more effort than simply showing up for work each day!

These six surprising tricks of the trade will help you maximize the benefits of your internship experience.

1. Be punctual, put together and professional.

These three seem completely obvious, but it’s easy to forget the three big P’s – punctual, put together and professional – when you’re just starting out. Keep in mind that your superiors will later write letters of recommendation. The last thing you want them remembering is your sub par appearance or inappropriate office chit chat. So keep the grubby Converse sneakers and hard-partying anecdotes at home!

2. Ask to be taught.

Just because you’re an unpaid intern, doesn’t mean you have the right to be any less professional than the rest of the office – however you do have the right to know less than everyone else in the office! Internships are all about learning, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Don’t be shy about approaching coworkers to ask for help. A bit of gentle flattery never hurts: “I’d really like to know more about xyz – you know so much about it that I was hoping you could teach me a thing or two.”

3. Show off your best work.

One big mistake interns often make is viewing their internship as little more than a way to fill up their resume and get a letter of reference. Especially for unpaid internships, it can be totally tempting to do the bare minimum – trust me, I’ve been there! Avoid the temptation to do anything less than your best.

Your efforts can make the difference between simply getting a reference letter versus having your supervisor go through her contact list to personally put you in touch with future employers.

4. Demand extra responsibility.

In addition to asking your superiors to help you learn more, you should also ask for more responsibilities at work. You will learn new skills, and your boss will take notice of the intern that is eager to contribute that little bit extra.

5. Socialize!

If there’s some type of happy hour or event going on outside of office hours, you should always join. You’ll be able to connect personally with your coworkers and build a more meaningful, memorable connection with them — and network for jobs at the same time! Just make sure to keep it professional (aka don’t drink too much or share inappropriate personal details)!

6. Don’t lose touch.

Once you’ve completed your internship and followed the checklist above, it may be tempting to just grab your stellar letter of reference and run. Make an effort to keep in touch with both your boss and coworkers, however – these are people with industry know-how and contacts, and they might just help you land your first job after college!

This will help keep you fresh in their memories – and that’s really the main goal of these tips to maximize your internship’s benefits: learning as much as possible, while making a lasting impression on people who can help you down the line.

Let’s be honest: most college kids are too busy enogh trying to keep up with school and maintain a social life to worry about their post-college career, especially during the first three years of school when post-grad life seems like its eons away. But it’s never too early to take advantage of your school’s career counseling services. Check out these five fantastic ways that career counseling for students can help you -– and discover why you should take advantage of these services now rather than waiting until your final semester when “the real world” is suddenly looming ahead of you.

Career counseling can help you …

1. Figure Out What You Want

When you’re starting college, choosing a major seems like a big enough challenge, let alone deciding on a potential career. While it’s not necessary to have your whole life planned by the end of your first semester, having some idea of what careers interest you can actually help with those other college choices, like what classes to take.

If you have absolutely no idea as to where your interests lie, career counseling for students can help. Most career offices have loads of literature about all kinds of jobs, and they can give you a test that assesses your skills and interests in order to pinpoint possible careers for you.

2. Find Opportunities

Career counseling services can help you find opportunities not only after you’ve donned the cap and gown but also while you’re still in school. Summer jobs and internships are a fantastic way to find out what areas interest you – and to gain valuable experience and contacts which help in finding a job after graduation.

Career counseling offices for students usually have job and internship postings, many of which are listed exclusively within the school’s system, meaning that competition is far less fierce. Instead of just perusing postings on your own, take the time to visit the office and talk to a counselor about what areas interest you.

3. Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter

After you’ve found a position that interests you comes the pain of actually applying for the job. This can seem daunting … especially if it’s your first time going through the job application process. Trust me, I remember struggling for hours over my first resume and, to be honest, it ended up looking pretty amateurish.

Avoid that mistake and turn to your career counseling office for help. Most career centers offer workshops on US resume formatting and cover letter writing. Often you can even make an appointment for a one-on-one consultation to improve your job app documents. Or, a simpler (and often quicker) option is to turn to a professional resume writing service.

4. Practice Your Handshake

Many career counseling services for students also offer free student job interview practice . From perfecting your confidant “this-job-is-mine!” handshake to learning how to handle the toughest interview questions, this kind of interview practice is well worth the effort.

Even if you’re not applying to jobs while in school, take advantage of this opportunity while you can: this is your chance to get consultation from experts and it won’t cost you a cent.

5. Get Two Words: Moral Support!

While your future career may be the last thing on your mind while you’re busy pulling all-nighters and studying for exams, career counseling for students is still something you should take advantage of.

In addition to all the reasons listed above, career counseling can offer you some much-needed moral support when it comes to the job hunt. Talking to experts about your career options in advance of graduation will save you lots of stress down the line. So take some time between studying and partying to step into your school’s career counseling center – you’ll be glad you did.

1. Get a Foot in the Door

An unpaid internship is the easiest way to get your foot in the door of any industry. If you’re lucky, you’ll get real hands-on experience and be able to learn all about the field from professionals who have loads of experience.

This is also a great way to explore potential career options. A temporary internship will give you a taste of what life in a certain job might be like, without committing you to anything permanent –- sort of like a free sample (and who doesn’t love those?).

2. Pump up Your Resume

Many people are saying that a bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma, as in everyone has one. Meaning? Scoring a cushy post-grad job with just an undergrad degree may not be as easy as you’d hope.

Unpaid internships can help set your entry-level post-grad resume apart from the pack. Having relevant work experience on your resume – even if it’s in the form of an unpaid student internship – can play a huge factor in getting the job after graduation.

3. Build a Network

In addition to looking great on your resume, unpaid internships are a huge help in making contacts that will help you find work down the line. A single (unpaid) magazine internship I did during undergrad not only gave me my first hands-on journalism experience, it helped me score work after school was over.

Thanks to that one internship, I already had significant experience which helped me score my first journalism job after school. What’s more, I got a great reference letter from the editor-in-chief of the magazine I interned for and, to this day, she helps me out by providing me with contacts and recommending me for jobs.

4. Get College Credit

If the idea of unpaid student internships is still totally difficult to stomach, be aware that you may be able to count your internship as college credit, making the benefits a little more immediately tangible.

Most schools offer credit for relevant internships. Find out about your school’s policy and talk to a departmental adviser about which types of internships can be counted for credit toward your degree.

5. Have Fun (Seriously!)

Yeah, working for free in an unpaid student internship — especially over summer break — seems like the furthest thing from fun. However internships can offer amazing experiences, as you’ll have the chance to learn new skills and simply do things you’ve never done before.

My magazine internship was full-time, sort of scary at times and totally frustrating at others -– and it was all gratis. But I loved it. I was given responsibilities that I never thought I would have, like writing little blurbs for the magazine. Before the gig was up, I even got to write a longer article and see my name in print –- which made the whole summer of work totally worth it.

If you find an internship in a field you’re interested in, these kinds of perks can make the blood, sweat and tears (kidding!) of an unpaid internship well worth the work. There are so many types of internships available — you can even do internships abroad! You’re sure to find something you want to do.

Not sure where to look for one? Depending on the career you intend to pursue, the answer to that question might change. However, here are a few student summer internship ideas that are sure to look great on any resume — no matter what job you want after you graduate.

1. Write for Your Local Paper

A lot of small, local papers will host student summer internships for those who are interested in writing, journalism and media. Depending on your interest and college major, you might get to cover a local event, take photos or help out in production. There’s never a shortage of news, so these student summer internships are often available.

2. Volunteer at a Charity

There are plenty of charities out there, and they can always use an extra hand! Find a charity that interests you and apply for a student summer internship there. Though you might primarily be carrying files and going on coffee runs, you’ll be boosting your resume and helping out a good cause. Plus, learning how to handle paperwork and use basic office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) are internship skills that will seriously pay off later on in your career.

3. Fundraise

Fundraisers happen rather sporadically, and for many reasons. Scour Craigslist for upcoming fundraisers for the arts, sports, schools, and anything else that is relevant to your career. Offer to make cold calls, help design programs, and anything else they need help with. This student summer internship will give you great sales experience, and allow you to network with many people.

No matter where you intern this summer, it’s better than sitting at home and doing nothing. You may be able to get college credit as well as experience in your field!  So, what are you waiting for? Make the most of your months off by doing a student summer internship this year!

There are many reasons to be interested in an internship abroad. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, the chance to practice a foreign language, or preparation for an international career, an internship abroad is a great way to go about it.

Finding an internship abroad is easier than you think. Don’t procrastinate! The best time to look for an internship abroad is while you are still a student or shortly after graduation. Follow these 5 steps and find the internship abroad that’s right for you.

1. Choose a Field

When applying for an internship abroad, it’s important to know what field you want to work in so that your job search will be easier and your work experience will carry over the most value.

Are you interested in social work? The medical field? Education? Whatever career you’re pursuing, you will likely be able to find an internship abroad to advance it.

2. Choose a Destination

Internships abroad are available in hundreds of countries around the world. Is there a particular language you want to practice? A culture that you’re fascinated with? When deciding the destination of your internship abroad, choose several countries you’re interested in working in.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of countries, check for specific internship listings online. Which have internships with your particular field of interest?

3. Choose the Duration

Internships abroad vary in duration anywhere from two weeks to a year. How much time are you able to dedicate? What is your college budget and how much money are you able to spend on fees?

Based on the answers to those questions, you will be able to narrow down your list even further.

4. Do Some Research

Once you’ve chosen an internship abroad, do some research! Find out as much as you can about the country in which you’ll be living and working. What is the capital city? What is its historical background? What is their traditional food?

To get the most out of your internship abroad, it’s important to know the country’s cultural history and traditions as well as understand contemporary trends.

5. Practice the Language

In order to be successful in your internship abroad, you must be able to communicate with the locals. When you choose the country you will be interning in, try to learn their language!

Practice speaking it with audio guides, a language class or better yet, friends who are native speakers! Though you may not be fluent by the time you leave for your internship abroad, you’ll be able to communicate the basics–and the locals will appreciate your effort!

An internship abroad is a great experience, during which you’ll be having an adventure and simultaneously advancing your career. It’s not as hard as it may seem! By following these 5 steps, you’ll quickly find the internship abroad that’s right for you.