Free guides · College students

College checklist: from first year to graduation

College is four years of chances to build experience. Students who plan each year graduate with skills, references and offers.

First year

• Find two professors and one older student you can ask for advice.
• Visit the career center in your first semester, not your last.

Second year

• Choose a major using career data and conversations, not guesses.
• Get your first relevant experience: a project, part-time job or research role.

Third year

• Internships matter most here. When employers compare equal candidates, internship experience is often the deciding factor.
• Build your network: 20 meaningful connections in your field.

Final year

• Start the job search in the fall.
• Practise interviews with real feedback.

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