If you're in college as a full-time student, you've got a lot on your plate. Classes take up tons of time for studying, writing papers, and finishing up projects. But I've got some hard-truth news for you: Your classes alone don't teach you what you need to know.

Before you go crazy contemplating if college is even worth it, YES it is. But, if you want to truly make yourself a prime candidate for jobs in your market, you've got to go a little above and beyond. I'm talking about putting skills to work so you have real examples of your talents.

If you only go to class and study the books for your next test, you aren't really using your skills to their full potential. When you start to explore leadership positions in clubs or organizations, you'll experience the true well-rounded education you need.

Expanding your resume is not just a term people say to make you get involved. They seriously know what it takes to land a job after graduation, and they want you to get ahead by filling up your extra time with ways to enhance your skills.

If you're a communication major, start submitting articles to online publications. If you're a biology major, ask a professor to help them with research. If your an education major, look for volunteer opportunities in the local school system. There are plenty of opportunities for every major out there.

You may learn about strategies and tactics from behind a desk, but you won't really harness those skills until you put them to practice. It's one thing to know a concept or a strategy, but it's a whole other thing to say you've implemented it in multiple ways.

If you're a college student who's focusing on just your classes, I need you to listen closely. Employers do not care about how well you know a textbook or how you aced a test. They want to see you putting your knowledge to use in practical ways.

The key to having a successful career in the future is to focus all your time and energy on your passions. When you love what you do, you can't help but do it all the time. Personally, I fell in love with communication and I write all day long. I'm a full-time advertising copywriter, an Odyssey Editor in Chief, and I have my own personal blog.

These things are all advancing my career and my passions. So if you don't love your career, it might be time to refocus. But if you're perfectly happy where you are, it's time to branch out and experience something new.

Start by looking for a club or organization to join. You'll not only get ways to advance your skill set, but you'll also be networking with people for friendships and future career connections. You never know who might end up in a top position and gives you a call one day.

Build your skills and lengthen your resume this year. I promise it'll be worth it when it's all said and done.