2016: The Year to be Career Driven

Hello lovelies!

It's that time of the year again. 

The time where I look at the calendar and say "Oh man I haven't blogged in 3 weeks!"

Just kidding. (Although, it is partially true)

No, it's the time where the new year is just around the corner and everyone is scratching their heads thinking of resolutions.  A new year means a clean slate for many people. Maybe you want to be lucky in love, befriend your local gym (for real this time) or become more organized.

Is it possible to roll over last year's resolution into the new year? If so, my old resolution still stands. My second and more realistic resolution this year is to become more career driven. It's a scary thought, but with only 3 semesters left of college...it's also a practical one. 

I'm lucky enough to have an affinity for job searching, LinkedIn profiles and resumes, but it's time to put this knowledge into overdrive; to stop dreaming and start doing!

Here's a list for all of us to start planning for the big, scary adult world:

1. The Muse

There's job searching, then there's The Muse. If having a typical 9-5 job or internship makes you weary, this is the website for you. I have never found more relevant and helpful job advice in one spot. In making an account, you are given access to tons of advice and job listings. I also love that The Muse profiles different companies all across the country. Who knew there were so many awesome places to work?

2. I Want Her Job

The name says it all.  I Want Her Job profiles professionals on the reg, most with jobs you never knew existed- sparking a desire to learn more. I'm hooked.

3. 9 Ways To Figure Out What You're "Meant" To Do

It's hard to know where you're going when you don't even know where to start! Listen, here I am, a third year communications major, and I'm still not 100% sure what I want to do. (hence this particular post) In today's world that is totally fine and I'm happy this article from Bustle helps set the ground work for something great. I particularly like the first 3 tips and will be doing them ASAP.

4. LinkedIn's Field of Study Explorer

Even being a die hard LinkedIn advocate, I've never heard of this tool. Under the 'Education' section on your homepage there's a sub section called 'Field of Study Explorer.' LinkedIn will search your connections, your major and even your college or past jobs and show you where other people with the same credentials work, their job titles, their location etc. It's a new level of stalking in the best way possible. Start making a list and check it twice... and then follow through with sending out some invitations to connect.

5.  Becoming the Boss by Lindsey Pollak

Last year, Lindsey Pollak was a guest speaker at my school's Sophomore Symposium. I absolutely loved everything that she talked about. She even, ever so kindly, gave each student a copy of her book, Becoming the Boss. And while I know it isn't an acceptable excuse, life and sheer laziness got in the way of me picking up this book until now. Nevertheless, I'm now hooked can't put the book down. I can't wait to end 2015 and start 2016 on a strong note due to all of Lindsey's career advice and life tips. Better late than never, right? Go find this book!

Did you find this list helpful? Are there any guides/tips/ influencers you regularly turn to? Let me know! Learning all of this is a guilty pleasure.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and absolutely unforgettable new year,