Kickstart Your Semester: 5 Career Moves to Make in Week One
It’s August. Summer internships are wrapping up, and a new school year is about to begin. Whether you’re a freshman just arriving on campus or a senior heading into your final recruiting season, the first weeks of the semester set the tone for your career readiness. Employers notice students who take initiative early.
According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), more than 80% of employers prefer to hire candidates they’ve met through career fairs, campus events, or internships. And with many companies finalizing summer 2025 hiring before Thanksgiving, what you do in August and September can make or break your internship or job search.
Here are five steps you should take in Week One to position yourself for success:
1. Introduce Yourself to Professors
Your professors aren’t just teachers - they’re connectors. In week one, introduce yourself after class with a quick hello. Share your major, your interests, and one goal for the semester. Building these relationships can lead to research opportunities, recommendations, and unexpected career connections.
Tip: Draft a 30-second “mini-intro” before you walk into class so you’re confident and clear.
2. Update and Polish Your Resume & LinkedIn
Don’t let your summer work disappear into memory. Add internships, projects, and new skills to your resume and LinkedIn profile now. Recruiters expect to see updated information by September.
Stat to know: According to LinkedIn, profiles with updated experience get 5x more connection requests and 10x more profile views.
3. Get Ready for Career Fairs
Campus career fairs often start in early September. Don’t wait until the night before to prepare. Research which companies will attend, identify 5–6 top targets, and craft tailored questions.
Tip: Practice your “career fair pitch” with a friend. One sentence about who you are, one about what you’re interested in, and one question to ask.
4. Build Your Network Early
Every week, aim to connect with at least one new classmate, professor, or alum on LinkedIn. Small, consistent steps add up. Networking isn’t about asking for a job, it’s about learning and building relationships.
Stat to know: 70–80% of jobs are filled through networking (Forbes).
5. Get Future-Ready by Learning Real Tools
Employers don’t just want classroom knowledge; they want students who can use the tools of the trade. From Excel and Tableau to AI productivity platforms, take time this semester to explore what’s actually used in your field.
Tip: Start small. Pick one tool (like ChatGPT for drafting ideas or Excel for organizing data) and practice weekly. Future-ready students stand out.
Your career journey isn’t something to delay until senior year. The first week of this semester is your opportunity to take ownership of your future. Small, intentional steps now build momentum that will carry through internships, interviews, and job offers.