Outdistance Yourself During Spring Break

Achieving your goals often requires you to delay pleasure. It's difficult, but worth doing.

Now is the perfect time to attack some of the simple mechanics of a job search. You have a week free of lectures, student organization meetings and school requirements. Why not take the opportunity to break apart from the pack?

Here are five things to do instead of wasting away your break:

1. Update your resume and develop the working structure of a cover letter.
2. Reach out to local industry experts and set the stage for a low-risk experiment.
3. Develop a professional online presence (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
4. Conduct a few informational and interviews and refine your sweet spot.
5. Send a Thank You note to everyone who has helped you get to where you are today.

There you go! Five simple steps that could have huge payoffs at a later date. They wont occupy your entire break and you'll be that much closer to your desired results.

Enjoy your break!

Get Called To The Big Leagues

Chances are if you've tried a few low-risk experiments, you've found your sweet spot and have determined the value you bring to an organization. Don't stop here.

Keep refining, practicing and committing yourself to topping your past performance. Don't wait to be given permission and don't expect any favors.

When the time is right, you'll be called to the big leagues (land a job) and when you do, return the favor by helping those around you achieve their dreams.

Low-Risk Experiments

Trying sushi, a new outfit and going on a blind date are all low-risk experiments.
So is an internship.

Chances are you've never experienced the practical application of your eduction. If you wait to approach a specific field or industry without experience, you might find that you have no joy in performing the tasks centered around education and expertise. Even worse, you may find your chosen field repulsing. Seeking low-risk opportunities to explore is the key for long term happiness.

Try new things, document what works and refine your focus moving forward.