As a student, you might feel that forging a successful career begins only after you graduate, but nothing could be further from the truth. By taking deliberate action, gaining valuable experience, and building a network before you receive your diploma, you can set yourself apart from your peers and get a head start on your career trajectory. In this article, we explore five actionable ways to fast-track your career while still in school. Start early, and you’ll be amazed by how far you can go.
1. Opt for an accelerated degree
An accelerated degree allows you to complete your course faster than a traditional degree. For example, if you’re wondering how to become a nurse fast, and already have a bachelor’s degree, you can complete an Accelerated Bachelor of Science Nursing (ABSN). ABSNs leverage your previous education, crediting you for the general education requirements you have already earned preventing duplication of content in the accelerated curriculum. These types of degrees are available for people who don’t want to spend several years and money to get a qualification.
However, the workload of accelerated degrees is much more than the usual degree pathway. But that should not refrain you from going down on this path as it shows employers that you can perform under pressure and you have great time management skills.
2. Volunteer and do Internships to build your resume
Volunteering and taking on internships can significantly advance your long-term career goals. While classroom learning provides essential theoretical knowledge, hands-on experiences gained through internships and volunteer work allow you to apply that knowledge in practical settings.
Beyond skill development, these opportunities help you build professional connections, increase your chances of securing full-time positions, boost your confidence, and strengthen your résumé with real-world experience.
To find volunteer and internship openings, consider attending career fairs, regularly checking the careers pages of companies that interest you, and reaching out directly to human resource managers to inquire about any available positions.
3. Get a relevant part-time job while you study
Securing a part-time job that aligns with your desired career path can greatly increase your chances of landing full-time roles later on. Such positions allow you to develop essential professional skills, including effective communication, analytical thinking, planning, organization, time management, creativity, and self-awareness. Additionally, you can gain valuable soft skills like teamwork, leadership, negotiation, and patience. Keep in mind that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, part-time work generally involves 1 to 34 hours per week. Make sure you don’t exceed 35 hours per week to maintain your status as a part-time employee.
4. Network as much as you can
Networking serves as a bridge, seamlessly connecting you to your future career path. Employers often prefer hiring candidates they already know or who come recommended by trusted connections, as this approach can help maintain work quality. Many job openings are shared informally through word-of-mouth, and a strong network grants you access to these hidden opportunities, often speeding up your job search.
Regular networking also fosters professional growth, offering valuable insights, guidance, and updated information on industry trends and desired skills. In fact, roughly 80% of working professionals attribute their job-hunting success to the networks they’ve cultivated.
Networking tips:
Knowing how to network can be daunting at first. However, the following proven techniques will bootstrap the process for you:
- Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops
- Join professional organizations related to your field of study
- Reach out to alumni from your university
- Step out of your comfort zone
- Maintain and build existing relationships
- Show gratitude for the people you meet by sending follow-up emails
- Use social networks such as LinkedIn
- Be patient in building networks
5. Create a plan and stick to it
Finding a job can be challenging, but don’t let that discourage you from putting in the effort. Establishing a clear strategy for your job search before you graduate can significantly increase your chances of landing a position. A well-structured plan provides focus, clarity, efficiency, a competitive advantage, and greatly reduces the stress often associated with finding work.
Consider the following suggestions as you develop your plan:
Set clear job goals.
- Use a Gantt chart to stay on track.
- Create a list of target companies.
- Research available roles at those companies.
- Set up job alerts.
- Strengthen your personal brand.
- Focus on networking.
Remember, sticking to your plan is crucial. Without consistent dedication, it’s easy to fall short of your goals.
By taking these steps now, you’ll set yourself up for a successful career long before graduation day. Whether you choose to speed up your degree, gain valuable hands-on experience through internships and volunteering, pick up a part-time job in your field, grow your professional network, or create a clear job search plan—every action you take now puts you one step ahead of the competition. Start investing in yourself today, and you’ll build a foundation that makes the transition into your dream career smoother, faster, and more rewarding. Embrace the journey and watch your future unfold.
