Getting the Most out of Your University Experience
Some people like to go through every single option in a new cell phone just to see what cool freebies and gadgets it includes.  Most of these little options never get used, but they at least check them out.  The same can be said of education. Whether they have a full ride or have to shell out $50K a year, many people try to take full advantage of every resource available.  They check out library services, computer IT help, gym facilities, office hours, and even study abroad programs, all within their first few weeks.  But you know what the most valuable, but often overlooked aspect of higher education is?

Career services.

The Department of Alumni and Career Services
Often an extension or close partner of the alumni office, the department of career services provides advice and counseling on internships, jobs, interview preparation, mentor programs, and resume writing.  The administrators in this office can put you in touch with alumni and contacts in your given industry, and in some cases, in your preferred company.  Having that “in” can help open many more doors than cold calling can.

Remember Why You’re Going to School in the First Place
Because one of the primary goals of college and university is career advancement, it seems odd that so many students overlook the importance of “career services.”  You can use this to your advantage though.  Because so many students do ignore the department of career services, you can potentially stand out as you develop a digital Rolodex of useful contacts.  Don’t wait until your last semester to begin buddying up either.  Mentors, counselors, and alums can potentially steer you in the right direction from day one:

“Be sure to take Professor Johnson’s class in accounting & finance…. The training I received in her class proved invaluable to my career.”

“Don’t make the same mistake I did.  I took too many marketing classes, when I should have been taking more Web design classes instead.”

There’s no excuse for not using career services.  Call, email, or visit as soon as you can.  Doing so could be the difference between months of job searching versus a nice plum position the day after graduation.