As a college student, the important things in life may inevitably include parties, roommates, and cute lab partners. Unfortunately, none of those aspects of your college experience will necessarily land you the perfect job come graduation.

In reality, few college graduates expect to work for a single company or in one position for their entire lives. The common philosophy is that you will spend a few years at a decent job – approximately two or three – until you move up the corporate ladder or decide to relocate to some other company. Some other recent graduates may aspire to pursue graduate study programs; Many more to be accepted into prestigious law or medical schools.

No matter which path you decide to take, it is more important than ever to focus on creating a solid resume. Graduation comes sooner than you think and before you know it, it is time to begin that competitive job search.

Here are some tips to get you focused on finding that entry-level job:

Think about your favorite class: If you are still unsure about what career path to take, look into a class that you really enjoyed taking. Maintaining a good relationship with your professors can prove to be beneficial for the future. I am sure most of them would be more than happy to discuss possible career opportunities relevant to the class material.

Be realistic about location: Most college graduates dream about promptly moving to a big city. Although it sounds ideal, housing and living expenses in metropolitan areas are usually always high. Consider other possible locations where you could actually save yourself some money.

Do a summer internship: Many companies hire recent college graduates during the summer. Find an internship you love, and you may eventually earn yourself a full time position. If you work hard and prove to be an asset to the company, you could secure yourself a prosperous future there.

Step outside the box: It is never too late to figure out what you love doing. Many college graduates find job positions that don’t necessarily relate to their college majors. If you consider other entry-level positions, your career options will not be as limited.

Look into career services: As I’ve mentioned before, take advantage of the resources available at your university or college! They are usually free and can even put you in contact with alumni. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor and polish that resume. There is always room for improvement.