Career Planning for Students: Your Winter Break Game Plan

Yesterday marked the beginning of my finals week, and I realized something scary: I graduate with my master's degree in about six months. Then, I noticed that I wasn't as nervous as when I was when I got my BA in 2009. At this time two years ago, I literally felt lost and afraid of what the future would bring. This time, I feel a little bit more prepared because I have an idea of what I want to do, and I now have the skills to back it up. In 2009, I only had my liberal arts degree-- which I loved-- but career planning with it was undeniably tough because my skills didn't translate into a tangible career trajectory, and I honestly loved anything and everything.  In December 2008, health insurance reform hadn't yet kicked in, and I needed a job by graduation to make sure that my medical expenses were covered since my family couldn't afford COBRA for very long. Two years ago, I was terrified.

College students: now, you can stay in your parents' plans until you're 26, which means that you have some time and flexibility to choose the right job. While you might encounter some financial constraints, your health coverage is one thing that shouldn't force you into a full time job. Even if you haven't started looking or applying to on-campus recruiting positions, you're alright. While on-campus recruiting positions are ideal for helping you line up a job or internship, they are rare because the majority of employers only hire when they have an immediate need. If you didn't have a position lined up in November, you're fine because plenty more opportunities will emerge in May and June when you graduate. Regardless, you shouldn't procrastinate your job search until then.You should maintain a regular routine of feeling out the industry, networking, and watching companies that interest you.

If you're an undergraduate, this is your last winter break before you enter the real world, so enjoy it. You might never again find yourself with a month to do whatever you want. Even though I'm in school again, I'm going to be working, researching my master's thesis, and studying for upcoming quarter. So really, you should embrace your time off.

At the same time, you should take a few steps in your career planning each day.

Start answering the following questions: (1) Where do you want to be? (2) Do you want to apply for a fellowship, graduate school (it's not too late!), or a job? (3) What industries interest you most? (4) How many years do you want to work if you intend on going back to school? (5) How much money that you want to make?

Start researching industries to see what types of jobs interest you. Trust me, applying for anything and everything isn't the best strategy-- I did that, and it was very inefficient because I wasn't able to tailor my resumes and cover letter to the best extent possible. My efforts were more successful when I narrowed down my focus. Be honest when you tell yourself whether you can see yourself doing the job and whether that job will make you happy.

Start making a list of who you know and where they are. Even though I've only been in the workforce for a year, I hear about open positions all the time. Chances are that others in your network are in the same situation. Talk to people and tell them that you're interested in the work that they do and that you are graduating soon. When the timing is right, they will put two and two together. Don't expect someone in your network to hire you instantaneously -- that is the wrong approach.

Monitor job postings to see what is trending and to see what is out there. You need to have a realistic sense of what the economy will accommodate. You may have all the dreams in the world, but it may take some time before they materialize. Right now, you may need to take your wishes back a little bit. Or, you may realize the opposite: that there are plenty of ways to do what you love.

Best wishes for your winter break career planning, students!

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