How to have a great senior year

Caroline

As I've mentioned, my stepdaughter is about to start her senior year in college. Boy, these last three years have gone by quickly!

I can't help but think back to the beginning of my senior year in college — not the best time for me. I was filled with panic, actually. I had just completed a time-consuming but unrewarding summer internship that left me feeling like I was completely unprepared to land a job after graduation.

Thinking back on it, there are some things I did and some things I wish I had done to have a more productive senior year in college. Here are just a few:

• Find a mentor . If you haven't already cultivated some relationships with professors or professionals in your field, it's not too late. Talk with your academic advisor, join a club related to your field, stay connected to coworkers from your internship — get creative about seeking out professionals who have achieved the kinds of things you'd like to in your life. They can help you get there.

• Work on your resume  early. Don't wait until May to get started on this document. Take the pressure off and start working on it this fall. This gives you time to get help fine-tuning it before your job-hunt starts in earnest in the spring.

• Try something new. This is your last chance to soak in all college has to offer. So don't get stuck in the same old rut. Go to a music performance, lecture or sporting event you've never attended before. Work out at the fitness center or join a club or activity you've never made time for in the past.

• Get a handle on your finances. Don't wait until you land your first job to start thinking about money management. Take a look at any debt you may have accumulated while in school (both in student loans and on your credit card) and start planning how you'll tackle it. (Will you make some student loan payments while in your grace period? Or will you try to whittle down your credit card debt before your student loan payments come due?)

• Make a plan A, B and C for post-graduation. I posted about this earlier. Be ready with a backup plan if your dream job doesn't come through. Set a time limit if you're moving back in with your parents. Anything to keep you moving forward as you step into your new life.

• Make some memories. Senior year can be an anxious time. Don't get so stressed that you forget to have fun! It's likely the last time you'll live in such close proximity to so many of your friends, so enjoy!