The big transition to college life is over. It's time for your son or daughter to explore and experience career paths. Internships and volunteer work offer opportunities to "try out" a profession or industry and start building a professional network. Nurturing relationships with faculty is another great way to connect with a field of study. With a little planning, each year of college can bring exciting new discoveries and prospects.

Here are some ideas to guide your son or daughter:

Sophomore Year - Explore Career Paths

• Reapply for Federal financial aid immediately after January 1st at fafsa.ed.gov.
• Reapply for CompleteEd loan, if needed.
• Meet with campus advisor.
• Start attending career fairs and workshops.
• Volunteer during school year and/or summer.
• Try to get a summer internship or job related to career interests.
• Consider international study opportunities for junior year.
• Continue saving.

Junior Year - Focus Interests

• Reapply for Federal financial aid immediately after January 1st at fafsa.ed.gov.
• Reapply for CompleteEd loan, if needed.
• Create plan with campus advisor.
• Write a resume.
• Try to get a summer internship or job related to career plan.
• Network with faculty and alumni.
• Continue attending career fairs & workshops.
• Plan for post-graduate study.
• Note dates for grad school exams, internship applications, etc.
• Prepare for LSAT/GMAT/MCAT/GRE.
• Continue saving.

Senior Year - Look Forward

• Create a career or graduate degree plan.
• Meet regularly with campus advisor to identify job interview opportunities on- and off- campus.
• Update resume and cover letter.
• Line up references.
• Network with members of the alumni association.
• Practice interviewing skills.
• Attend career fairs & workshops.
• Take LSAT/GMAT/MCAT/GRE.
• Apply to graduate school.
• Calculate loan repayment plan.
• Get advice on loan consolidation from a financial advisor.