The thought of entering the real world post graduation can be a scary thought. While in your free time you’d probably rather catch up on sleep, or binge watch your favorite Netflix series, one of the most valuable things you can do with your down time in college is to land an internship or two.

While GPA and extracurriculars are important, having actual work experience is one of the key factors employers take into consideration when looking for full-time candidates. Interning can be a powerful gateway toward a real career. So, power on your laptop and follow these steps toward the quest for your dream job.

1. Start early.

Thinking about the number of students on the prowl for internships can be intimidating. The earlier you start looking, the better your chances of getting something are, plain and simple. Seeking a summer position? A good time to apply is right around winter break (some of the most competitive companies post positions as early as November!). So, while you’re probably busy stocking up on free alcohol at family events or horsing down leftover Christmas cookies, do something proactive with your month off and use the time to internship hunt.

2. Revamp your resume.

We’ve all heard this one before, but your resume is literally you on a piece of paper. It’s one of the first things an employer looks at. Highlighting your strengths while developing a powerful objective statement are just two of the key factors to having a bang-up resume. If you feel lost, many universities offer resume critiques at career services locations on campus. Even certain websites, such as rezscore.com, can give you a letter grade and feedback. Your resume is something you should be proud of. It’s a timeline of your experiences and accomplishments. Make it meaningful to you!

3. Hop on the social media bandwagon.

Everyone feels pretty good when their Instagram photo reaches 100 likes. However, social media is more powerful than you might think. It’s changing the way companies operate and how employers look into applicants. That being said, it’s easier than ever for businesses to creep on your Facebook to learn a bit more about you. If you wouldn’t want your grandma to see that picture of you doing a keg stand last weekend, you probably shouldn’t post it. More importantly, make sure you create a LinkedIn profile. Not only can you develop an online portfolio of your academic and work experience, but browsing for jobs is faster than ever. Having a positive presence on social media is key.

4. Do your homework.

Before going into an interview, research your employer as much as possible. Being well-informed about the position and the culture of the corporation will take you far. Make sure to always ask questions at the end! This shows you’re interested in the job, but also care about what’s going on within the company. Plus, people love talking about themselves. Ask about your interviewer’s experience, too. Be proactive; don’t be afraid to reach out after an interview. Sending a follow-up thank you note is not only courteous but will prove you are genuinely interested in the position.

If anything, scoring an internship can help build your resume. Best case scenario, it can even lead to something full-time after graduation. With the job market being fiercely competitive for everyone, having as much experience as possible will help move your application to the top of the stack. Following these simple steps will allow you to gain an internship, but will also help you learn about yourself, what you like, what you don’t like, and your goals for both today and the future.