I’m sure you’ve all been told this before, “It’s all about who you know.”

It’s surprisingly true, much to my chagrin. Most people with awesome internships didn’t just apply for them and get them because of their outstanding ability to charm a recruiter; they got them by knowing someone. I will admit, I am a part of this group. I currently am an intern at a large company in the Northern Virginia area, and the main reason I got the job was because my cousin worked there. Through her recommendation, my name was sent to a recruiter and from there, I was chosen for the job. The other interns I work with have similar stories. Everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows the person to get you in.

 I always thought that your resume was important, but I wasn’t aware of the depth of its importance. Through a single a piece of paper, you can either make or break yourself. One of the girls I intern with, Charlotte, pulled out her resume and we each had our current job listed on her resume; however, the difference between the two was astounding. I would have hired her in a heartbeat over myself! Luckily for me, she has shared some of knowledge with me in order to improve my networking skills for future job opportunities. Lucky for you, I am going to share. 

First, get a LinkedIn account. You’re in college and we live in this amazing technology age that can either harm you or help you. Instead of trying to meet people on Facebook, take advantage of this professional social networking site that allows you to connect yourself to other professionals. 

Here are my tips for your LinkedIn account:

1) Choose a professional, conservative photo. No game day photos with a temporary USC tattoo on your face.  

2) Write a summary about yourself. Talk about your major and your future career goals.  

3) Join your sorority or fraternity page. This will allow you to connect with your fellow members and alumni across this nation. 

4) Elaborate on the skills you have. Are you proficient in Microsoft Excel? Great, add it.  5) DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT link this with your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram account.               

Social media is a great tool to help you network with others, but once you’ve made a connection, you still have to have a great resume to back this up. Instead of winging it and making your resume on your own, try seeing a Career Guide at USC. They can help you build your resume and beef up some titles that you have held in order to get the most out of them.

 If you don’t have access to the career center, look on Pinterest. I was surprised when Charlotte showed me the amount of cover letters and resume examples there were to be found! There is plenty of information at your fingertips just waiting for you to take advantage of it. So go out there, build your resume, and get that job of your dreams!