If you are working towards being a part of a large corporate company, or striving to get accepted into a prestigious graduate school. Maybe you are even looking to work with well known professionals who master in the trait you are pursuing, then you know that at times, as a student, it can be extremely difficult to get noticed and to get your name out into the professional world.

We live in a society nowadays where we are told we can achieve anything, and we can, but not without hard work and determination. Becoming a part of one of the examples listed above is a dream to many young people, and the majority may not ever see that dream come true. The exclusivity that is a part of the world of such jobs can be intimidating at times and discouraging.

Although, when put in perspective, that CEO, that Editor, that successful professional of any kind, started right where you are now too. Becoming successful in a competitive industry is challenging, and maybe none of us will get those “Dream Jobs”… but what if we did? What if we did become a part of that prestigious group of people. Without taking the chance and giving our dreams their full potential we would never know.

I have come up with a list of helpful tips that I, myself, have been using to get recognized professionally in my dream career. I have slowly started to make connections, and I am more driven and inspired to further my chances of working in a completive field now more than ever.

1. Create a website with your domain name. 

Here you can post your resume, any recent work, awards and recognition as well as anything you would like a potential employer to know about you. This is great because when you meet someone who might be interested in your work, you can give them a one stop source where they can find out everything they need to know about you. This also shows an employer you are technologically savvy and are able to create networking through online resources.

2. Get business cards! 

This one might sound silly considering were only in college, but trust me, when you meet someone who might have a connection to the work you are interested in, you want to be able to give them something where they can see all of the hard work you have done on your website, as well as have accessible contact information so they can follow up with you.

3. The points above lead me to what may be the most important step, NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. 

It doesn't matter what job you are interested in, in all competitive companies it is all about the people that you know. You want to take advantage of every opportunity that is thrown your way, even if it means volunteering at an event where your dream employer may be a guest or tweeting to someone who works for them in hopes of a response. It all comes down to how much you decide to put yourself out there and how many times you choose to go to pointless events and get nothing out of it, but continue to go for that one rare time you actually make a connection with someone in that business who can actually help you.

4. Networking leads to internships! 

Internships are so important to students because they help the company see, on a small scale, what you are capable of. If you make a good impression, who knows maybe once you graduate school you could be offered a paid position. Internships can also be found by doing your research. Go online and look up local internships in the business you are interested and apply for them!

5. Lastly, stay determined. 

In the professional world, especially with large companies, at times you will do all of this work and see no results. But if this is your “dream,” you should never give up on it, no matter how many times people tell you too. You never know when an amazing opportunity may be thrown right at you.