For the seniors at UTM, the real world is getting all too close.

Portfolios, job searches, resumes, applications, and interviews are becoming very familiar. Combined with the normal rigors of a semester ending, planning a graduation, and oh yes, a social life is supposed to fit in there somewhere, it’s no wonder we don’t find seniors passed out all over campus, just from the sheer stress of it all.

To top it off, although the economy is slowly improving, it’s probably not the easiest time to find a job in the field you love. Don’t give up hope though.

There are jobs out there. The trick is in knowing how to find them. Networking is going to be one of the best ways to find a job. Hopefully in your time at UTM you’ve gotten to know people, both on campus and off, and have been working to get your name out there. Networking is a simple thing, but overlooked by students far too often, until reality hits them in the face. Finding a job is all about getting a foot in the door, no matter where that door may be.

Many students can’t wait to move on and see the world, but many more limit themselves when they refuse to look beyond their own back door. Leave yourself open to all the possibilities out there, and once you’ve gotten your foot in the door and some experience under your belt, then you can look to moving to a part of the country or world where you really want to live. Also, be open minded about working in a field unrelated to your major.

Many graduates find themselves working and loving jobs they had never previously considered. The entire world is open to you right now, and it may be the only time this will happen.

Don’t panic and think that all the good jobs are flying past you while you’re preparing for graduation. Believe in yourself. The best is yet to come.

So gather your things, cherished memories and college debt included, and explore the world, scary as that may seem.