Second year
- Start networking - Your network is going to be your most important source of job leads and references, so start building it early. See the tips I have later in this chapter. There is a list of suggestions on where to find people and questions you want to ask them. Don't forget to tap family and friends. Networking takes time. Start now.
- Join on-campus clubs and activities - Even if they aren't career-related, being involved in clubs and helping to plan activities will give you experience in working with people and will help you demonstrate leadership skills. It can also help to build your network.
- Check out Stanford's Guided Career Path Planning - This is a good guide with exercises and tips to help you move through the career-planning process. After completing the steps, you'll end up with a list of your career interests and specific ways to explore and pursue those interests. [Apr 2015: Sometimes I get a server error message when trying to access this site. If you do, click on 'Advanced' on the page and proceed to the site anyway.]
- Snoop around professional organization websites - This link lists every known professional organization from the Association for Computing Machinery to the Young Home Furnishings Professionals. Browse through them and check out the sites. You'll find some really weird professions and helpful career advice.
- Think about an internship - The two biggest factors in getting the job you want are your network and your internships. Get one in sophomore year if you can. Even if you hate the job, it's better to find out when you're an intern than when you're a full-time employee.
