So this is the final stretch of your winter break. Some students are finally back into the swing of things and some of our students don't have to break open the books for another few weeks. Thankfully these tips can be implemented during any season or vacation to help prepare you for the workforce!

The economic climate may look incredibly bleak if you're underprepared. We know that our Rainmakers recognize this as a time of opportunity, to do their research and empower themselves. Education -- and not just "seat-time" in a classroom -- is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for your dream career.

1. Where do your passions lie? Does it include helping others, writing, traveling, speaking multiple languages a day? What kind of things do you see yourself doing? What organizations or causes would your values align with?
2. What does your dream career entail? How do you see yourself spending your time? Do you see yourself working with lots of people or on your own? Knowing what you want out of your career makes it easier to reach your goals.
   
3. What kind of jobs are related to your dream career? Keeping your options open about the kinds of work you're interested in will allow for lots of career flexibility later on. Coming out of school may have to start somewhere else on the totem pole: perhaps you're very interested in sports marketing but only a position in sports advertising sales is available. Experience and cross-training in a related field will help immensely when it comes time to land the position of your dreams.
   
4. Make sure that your skill sets match the fields you want to work in. If they don't currently match, brush up! That seems to be a no-brainer. As a student this is a perfect time to research and solidify your skills before you enter the workforce -- There's no real pressure as to the amount and speed at which you learn.

The secret of success in life is for you to be ready for your opportunity when it comes. (Benjamin Disraeli said it, not us.) This is the time!