So, you’ve finally reached the finish line – or so you think! Although your college career may soon be coming to a close, a new chapter in your life is just beginning. Enter Phase Two: The Working World.

In these tough economic times, you may be feeling anxious or worried about finding work. The good news is that you can take comfort in the fact that college graduates have a huge edge in the workforce over their counterparts without a degree. Despite the recession, there ARE jobs out there for you, and the following tips can help put you on the path towards the career of your dreams!

Tip #1 : Network for success
Networking is a powerful tool that can help you find the perfect career. If think that you don’t have enough connections to help you find a job, think again! After all, everyone has a network. Sit down and make a list of all the people you know who may have job leads in your desired industry. Family, friends, friends-of-friends are all fair-game. Registering at online job sites such as LinkedIn will also make your education and work experience accessible to all prospective employers.

Tip #2 : Visit your college career center before you graduate
College career centers offer a wealth of advice to students and recent graduates. It is the job of a career counselor to help you break into your industry, so make sure to take advantage of free career advice! Universities will conduct career fairs, offer networking opportunities, and contact alumni on your behalf.

Tip #3 : Consider an internship or an apprenticeship
Many employers like to see that you have previous work experience in your desired field. While it’s great to have desire and ambition, you’ll be able to gain a really competitive edge with an internship or apprenticeship. These entry-level jobs (paid or unpaid) are frequently short-term, but give you great exposure to contacts and hands-on knowledge about your industry. Often, an internship can lead to a job opportunity! So, if you’re a recent graduate or are someone who is looking to switch careers, an internship is a great way to get your feet wet in your chosen field.

Tip #4 : Review your resume
A professional resume is a critical part of job-hunting. If you put the time and effort into making your resume look as appealing as possible, you will really stand out to a potential employer. A jumbled resume with spelling and grammatical errors will not help you win over an employer! Try to make it as brief as you can, but make sure to include details like your education information, work experience, and key strengths.

Tip # 5 : Do your homework
If you have secured an interview, do all you can to research the company. Find out its mission statement, what they do, who their competitors are, and who their clients are. Your knowledge of the company will go a long way to impress your interviewers. Lastly, don’t forget to ask questions—it shows you are interested in the position and reflects on your ability to think critically!