What is your goal once you graduate from college? The question seems to be one passed around by friends, extended family, colleagues and our parents, seemingly from the moment of our acceptance to a four-year institution. And most students confidently answer, “I have no freaking clue.”

Or maybe you’ve known from birth that you want to be an aquatic veterinarian specializing in the care of sperm whales, I don’t know.

Either way, I think most students can concede that college is a time to develop your interests and a course of action for your looming future.

Once you enter, however, we are distracted (rightly so) by the late night runs to Dunkin’ Donut and Royal Farms, the coursework and obviously, worrying about our bank accounts.

We tend not to think ahead as to what might provide us with the best career experience, but rather to the just the next week, which could be filled with that next research paper or that next shift at work.

Sooner or later, you should look outside the university.

Consider the connections you’ve made here a springboard to career opportunities.

Your professor who gave you that A could be an invaluable resource if you keep in contact, and maintain a professional, but personal relationship – they could write a recommendation letter that could secure you your dream internship. Someone will always put in more effort if he or she knows you personally.

Or you being the president of that one club, which, hey, may not be the most prominent on-campus, could be a point of interest on your résumé.

I joined The Towerlight freshman year to find a niche on campus in which I was comfortable.

That’s great.

Everyone should feel engaged in the institution they attend – and to this day, I still love my work, my paper and the interaction I gain among sources and my audience.

But I would be lying if I didn’t say that I hope The Towerlight helps me in my professional future.

All my editors commit tirelessly to their sections, generate ideas and carefully consider each issue what content makes the cut. And The Towerlight serves them, too.

My point in all this is: consider what’s best for you. With the remainder of summer, it’s important to use the time wisely to finalize academic schedule changes, and apply for internships.

Some students say “hey, I deserve a rest. I got a 3.987 my first year of college – why shouldn’t I play Mass Effect 3 for a few months.” Some even work their butts off to gain some savings. But will that retail position actually benefit you? Or is it worth taking that chance, applying for an unpaid internship, broadening your horizons and not being scared to succeed.

The job market is undeniably perilous, but there are always opportunities, if you know how to market yourself and you have budgeted your time.

Have a safe summer, Towson. See you back here soon.