The big picture - portfolios, resumes, internships and interviews - can sometimes be overwhelming. Focus on what you can do now to fortify the foundation of your future.

Helping yourself:

Get involved. On-campus journalism organizations invite professional guest speakers who offer advice regarding interviewing and real-world jobs. You also can attend training workshops on PowerPoint and desktop publishing programs.

Get a job. Explore employment opportunities at campus media operations: the University Daily Kansan, Jayplay and KUJH-TV. These organizations will help build your portfolio and resume.

Volunteer. Employers are particularly interested in your investment in the community and the lives of others. The added bonus - it can be rewarding.

Learn about computers. More and more businesses are becoming computer-based, and the Internet continues to be a growing source of advertising and communication. Employers will expect you to have basic, if not advanced, computer knowledge. Take a computer class and learn about desktop design, word processing, database management and more. In addition to workshops offered by journalism organizations, check out the schedule of classes offered by the University's Academic Computing Services.

Visit the Journalism Career Center. We can help you get started. Come with questions, come with wishes - just come and check us out!

Going the extra mile:

"Luck" in the business world means "opportunity meeting preparation." You'll be prepared when opportunity knocks if you do a little extra work.

Keep your resume updated - and accurate. Get several opinions about the format, and make sure your resume has been proofread by at least three sets of eyes (not including your own). A resume that contains typos, spelling errors or glitchy formatting is headed straight for the "NO" stack.

Schedule interviews with recruiters. Don't be shy. Even if you don't think you're interested in the job, you might be surprised. And every bit of interviewing experience builds your confidence.

Get to know professionals. When professional guest speakers visit classes or speak on campus, get their business cards. Introduce yourself. Begin today building your own personal network, and don't be afraid to use it.

Get to know yourself. Complete interest surveys to pinpoint your areas of special interest and aptitude.