Advice for the Juniors

By Mark Love ‘16

With Spring Break behind us, we only have five weeks left until this school year comes to a close. For seniors, their times of juvenile hijinks and inconsequential party behaviors will cease – unless they’re attending graduate school – as they delve into the real world. Freshmen and sophomores can steer clear of any stress since these teenyboppers have over a year left to attempt to figure out their lives. And then there’s the juniors, like myself, who are lingering at the crossroads. We can choose to engorge ourselves with alcohol and chill out as summer approaches, but deep down, we know that walk across the graduation stage is right around the corner. It can be a confusing time for us soon-to-be seniors, so I have some advice for those who are at the same stage in their lives as me.

1. Get a LinkedIn account (if you don’t already have one).

Think of LinkedIn as Facebook, accept your friend list will comprise of fellow classmates, colleagues, and possible employers. It’s a great way to present yourself in a professional manner, showcase your past experiences and skill sets, and network with like-minded individuals and potential bosses who can land you a job.

2. Update your resume and cover letter.

Honestly, you should have a resume and cover letter handy via laptop at all times at this point. If you don’t, it’s not too late to make one. Even if you’ve never had a job, create an academic resume to broadcast your intellect and any community service work you have done.

3. Get an internship

I don’t think I can accurately stress the importance of interning during your undergraduate years. Internships provides you with valuable experience than trumps any 4.0 GPA. Intellect is key, but ultimately, employers are looking for candidates who have performed similar tasks required for the job.

4. Study abroad

I wish I could have taken my own advice on this one, but I transferred and wanted to spend as much time at USC as possible. However, under normal circumstances, I highly encourage juniors to study abroad if they have not already. I had the privilege to travel to the Philippines during high school, and the opportunity to immerse yourself into another culture and lifestyle is grand. Plus, it gives you a chance to party in another country,

5. Enjoy your last year!

Relish the final times you have to spend with your friends before graduation forces everyone to drift apart. Oh, and appreciate the money you have now before the government demands those pesky loan payments.