Build your references.

One thing most students forget about when they are studying is the importance of references. Once you finish your degree, you are going to try  and find more permanent work . A good (or bad) reference can literally make or break your job application.

Most graduate programs (see ANZ) require at least three references. Because of this you need to start thinking about your references long before you graduate.

Here are some tips on building your references:

• Volunteer somewhere - not for profits rely on volunteers, they will be more than happy to give you a written reference and their contact details for helping out. Plus you get to feel good about yourself. It reflects positively on your character as a worker.
• Internships - Getting yourself an internship is by far the best way to score yourself an awesome reference. It gets you work experience in an industry you are interested in (unless you got an internship at the local coffee hut when you are interested in being an investment banker).
• University/college - At the start of each semester I always make contact with all of my lecturers (usually I ask them to clarify something I don't understand). Most students will only make contact with their lecturer if they need something (an extension or help with exam study). If you make contact early and often you are more likely to get help when you need it and if you do well in the subject you might be able to get a reference from them.
• Minimum wage jobs (It doesn't have to be a minimum wage job, but thats what most students are stuck with). - If you work hard and do your job properly, most managers at McJobs will be happy to give you a reference. Try and help them out when they need it most (work Christmas eve one year). They are more likely to give you a glowing reference.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Don't ask family members or friends
• Make sure you ask before citing somebody as a reference
• Don't ask somebody unless you are sure they will give you a positive review
• Only ask people who know you well (people you did work experience with in year ten aren't the right people to ask)
• Try to spread your references. (For example, don't have three work related references. Try to get an academic reference like a lecturer.)

I'll be writing a lot more about the importance of references. Where I currently work I am sometimes involved in hiring and recruiting, I rarely read resumes. (Mostly because they are filled with dirty dirty lies.) I skip straight to the references and see what people have to say about the person.