Create the best opportunity for yourself now

As my last semester starts, I can already feel the pressures of graduation and entering the "real world." As I've tried to prepare myself as much as possible for life after college, I still cannot help but feel nervous and a bit overwhelmed for my own future.

The media and in fact Viterbo itself haven't helped my anxiety much. Every week there is a report in the news about the how the economy is doing, and how jobs are few and far in between. This is not good news to a soon-to-be graduate.

Amid this seemingly grim outlook, I have been able to see a few positive signs. Despite what many of us have come to believe about possibly being unemployed with our college degrees, I have found that there are many jobs out there for recent college graduates, you just have to be willing to look beyond a specific job designed for your major.

Keep in mind that you will need to be the one to take the initiative in finding (hopefully) a job that you will end up loving and being successful at. You cannot wait and expect employers to find you. You are the one that needs to impress and convince everyone why you are the best candidate and why you should be hired.

While still at Viterbo, students should be taking advantage of the Career Services center. They can help you with your resume, find an internship, and give career advice. I would also highly recommend getting as much experience as you can during your college career. Get a part-time job, find an internship or two before you graduate to gain more experience and to find out what career suits you best after you graduate. Going to college is a big milestone in life—don't let it go to waste.