Tweet I graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit in December 1992. At that time, I didn't run around looking for a job, because I thought I had one waiting for me. That previous summer, I finished my second internship at Ross Roy Advertising (part of BBDO today). An executive took me out to lunch one day and told me how everyone was impressed with my work. He asked when I was graduating and he told me if I want to come back, there would be a job waiting for me. I loved working there, so I thought I was set. I did everything right. I got good grades. I did plenty of internships and it finally paid off.

Fast forward to December. Graduation is just around the corner, but I haven't heard from Ross Roy, so I called. That executive? Laid off. The people in my former department? Most of them were gone, too – including the promise of a new job, according to HR.

Graduating in December is tough. If you don't have a job lined up this is your time to plan for the hunt. You've walked down the aisle in your cap and gown and grabbed your diploma. Don't cut off ties to your university yet. The school has given you more than just student loans. As an alum, you should be entitled to their resources forever. Use them.

• Ask professors for a few leads.
• Career fairs and seminars. You may still be entitled to student discounts or free access to events. And if you no longer live in the area, you can go online.
• Get introduced to influential alumni.
• If you're an old alumni, go back. I'm sure resources have greatly improved since you were there.

Networking is everything these days and college is the time when you start recognizing future contacts. Right now you're thinking, "I know," but when people say, "stay in touch," do you? Or do you let a great resource slip by?