When should you start job-hunting?

Freshman to sophomore year in college is the time to "find yourself" and discover what is your true calling in life. Going through an assortment of classes helps you realize what you are good at and finally declare a major. So when should you start thinking about your future job? The day you declare a major (or earlier if possible)!

By your sophomore year, you should already be researching internships/co-op programs offered through your school's career center. Most internships are geared toward hiring juniors, but there are many programs (even paid ones) that are designed for sophomores. Furthermore, it is always good to get a head start and do the research gradually throughout your academic career instead of waiting until your senior year and frantically searching for anything.

Big Four public accounting firms offer short-term summer programs (usually lasting a few days) for sophomores to learn more about the company and get one-on-one interaction with the need-to-know people of the firm (recruiters, hiring managers, etc.) Apply for these and GO TO THEM!! It is never too early to put your face and name out there on the market. Chances are, you will only increase your likelihood of landing an internship with them in your junior year and ultimately a job.

If you are well-prepared, you can and WILL be sitting through your senior year of classes breezily knowing that the weight is off your shoulders. You already have a job offer. You do not need to panic and get all stressed out like the rest of your classmates. And believe me. It feels GREAT.