1) As soon as possible, preferably during your first semester, visit the career services center on your campus and review career-related materials geared to help answer the question, What can I do with a major in .. ?"  As a typical underclassman, you may be unsure of what you want to major in.   Uncertainty about a major at this point is quite normal. 

2) Preferably by October 1 for sophomores, and no later than February 1 for freshmen, your resume should be current and professional, ready to present to employers. 

Employers normally begin their fall recruiting on campus October 1 and their spring recruiting February 1 each year for both full-time and summer internship positions. Your career services center maintains a large database of internship and summer job opportunities available to you. 

3) Attend every career fair held on or near your campus.  Most campus career centers hold one or more career fairs each year.  These are attended by hundreds of employers who hire students from virtually every career field.  The typical underclassmen will learn more about careers and what possibilities may exist for different majors and interests at a career fair than through months of reading and research.  Never miss one!  Generally free, they take but a few hours.  You just might find a good internship or job there! 
 

Bob Stanelle is Director of the Career Services Center at Tulane University.