In the year 2000 and beyond, many employers will be approaching you even before you spend one day on campus. Some employers will be offering internships or summer positions as a part of a financial aid package - this means, of course, that some freshmen will enter college with two or three months of actual working experience. Clearly, there is no time to waste. If you are to be an unqualified success when you are a senior, then you must take these steps today.

May, June, and July, before you begin your freshman year - do not, I repeat, do not think you can relax from the rigors of high school before you enter college. Getting a good start in college is very important if you are to make an academic impact. More and more, grades are the determining factor in getting and keeping your financial aid package. If you start college without aid, then good grades could be your ticket to receiving a scholarship or other financial assistance.

When you arrive on campus, you would be wise to limit your extracurricular activities until you actually start classes and plan your study schedule. You will find that your college class schedule will allow you to have hours and sometimes days in which you do not have class activities scheduled. Many freshmen have found that too much time on one’s hands can be a big problem if this time is not used constructively. Unlike high school when parents made you go to class, get your sleep, and to stay focused, generally, no such guidance will exist during your college career. Force yourself into making "smart" decisions as a freshman and this process will continue throughout your tenure at college.

Explore where you can get help. Read your student activities or student life publications to find out about the various organizations which may spark your interest. Your participation in student organizations can be a big plus if your participation does not distract from your classes and does not become too time consuming. Never lose sight of the fact that you are attending college primarily for an education. Participation in the right organization(s) can provide you with leadership opportunities, as well as, provide excellent networking possibilities for the future.

During September or October, visit your career services or career development office. With the use of your computer, it may or may not be necessary for you to physically visit the office to find out about their programs and services. Regardless, if some information is available over the Internet, it is wise to visit the facility and meet a staff member who may be able to assist you in the future.

In November and December, begin you initial search, after you have created a resume, for an internship or summer position. Many good internships have deadline dates as early as January or February. Starting your search early can greatly increase your opportunities and may also give you an opportunity to interview during the Christmas holidays.

In January, if you still do not have a position for the summer, intensify your search by talking to your professors and friends. Also, do not forget your family in your networking plans. Pay close attention to your studies in your freshman year. You will find that it is very difficult to raise your GPA if you have gotten low or poor grades. As a freshman, think of your first year as building the foundation for your future and lay the best foundation possible.

During the months of February, March, and April, you, hopefully, will have settled in a solid study mode and are preparing for mid-term examinations. Remember that your academic progress (good grades) may be your only selling point in obtaining that "great" summer job or internship. In April, if by chance you still have not been successful, you may plan to use your entire "spring break" to aggressively pursue employment. Your freshman year of your college days can be the most important of your life if you systematically plan for your future in the very beginning.