The real world is scary.
And getting a job?In your chosen career field?That pays a livable wage?
Right out of the gate?
Chris Hanks, a senior, left, talks with Jamie Chilton, a USF career consultant with the College of Engineering, at Career Services at USF. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder
Well now thats a whole new level of terrifying.
Heard of These Money-Making Hacks?
Ready to find out how some folks effortlessly earn the big bucks?
Millions of Americans ignorethese easy tipsthat could have you padding your wallet in no time.
Go to Career Services…
Yesterday
Your career isnt a destination its a journey.
At least, thats how Dr. Chilton explained it to me.
Your career path is happening now, she said.
Getting a job is an ongoing process from the moment you step on campus.
Make Career Services your first stop after moving into your dorm.
Take this time to explore things that excite you and confirm youre on a career track youre happy with.
you’re free to, and you should!
But that doesnt mean you should be lax about your future career!
Find an Internship (or Two or Three!)
Nows the time to start the search for internship opportunities.
But having three internships?
Thats what makes you competitive.
4. online grid!
Start putting your name and face out there.
Attend career fairs, and start collecting business cards from everyone you meet.
Create a LinkedIn account to keep track of the contacts youre making.
Not everyone will be a potential employer, but everyone will know someone who knows someone who might be.
Also, remember all those organizations you joined in your freshman year?
Dr. Chilton explained that employers go directly to student organizations when theyre looking for new talent.
Which, she points out, is a direct link to help you jumpstart that networking process.
Need a Hand With Bills?
Listen, we know its tough out there.
But theres no shame in asking for help.
These companiesmake it easy to help yourself and your bank account.
Senior Year
Cue the tears.
Take advantage of career services mock job interviews.
Dr. Chilton encourages students to begin practicing their interview skills early and often.
Plus, youll start to learn how to read employers and more importantly, how theyre reading you.
And why wouldnt they?
Finally, work on curating a professional portfolio.
Need Some Quick Cash?
If youre looking to boost your income this month, weve got just the thing for you.
Get Ready to Graduate!
Your career path begins during your freshman year not after graduation.
That way, when graduation rolls around, youll be ready to take on the working world.
Grace Schweizer is a junior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
