This is a burning question that most college students often wonder about. Is it your connections that will get you far in life after classes and homework? Or is the skills you learned through the classroom experiences? We've come to the conclusion that it’s a little bit of both and here’s why:

1. Connections Do Matter - We know it sounds lame, but it does pay to know people in high places. Whether it be relatives, family friends, or even fellow classmates. Knowing as many people as possible is never a bad thing when preparing for life after college. Part of looking for a job after you get that diploma is exploring different options available to you through your professional network. These are some good ways to do that:
   
   
   
   • Don't be afraid to call on friends, family and relatives to see if they know of something that would fit best for you since they know you the best.
   
   
   • Start a Linkedin profile, add people you know as well as people in the industry you’re interested in.
   
   
   • Do your best to go to school sponsored career fairs and network and feel out some different options.
   
   
   • Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try different jobs and new things. A lot of us, heck most of us still have no idea what we want to do for the rest of our lives and the only way we can truly figure out what we’re passionate about is through trial and error.
   
   
   
   

1. Knowledge Matters Too - Just because you have some good connects doesn't always secure your spot in the workforce. You must also demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to do the job and do it well. Those classes you slept through might come in handy when asked about profit margins and scalable business models. Remember that success is when preparation meets opportunity, so be ready to impress when looking for a job after college. Here are some good ways to be ready:
   
   
   
   • Read up on the industry you’re interested in to see how it really works behind the scenes and in the press.
   
   
   • Do some research on the leaders in the industry and see if you can’t find a few videos on them.
   
   
   • Know your craft, again knowledge is a powerful tool and knowing about the companies and how they work will give you a big leg up when you start working.
   
   
   • Don't be afraid to ask questions and get involved through blogs and social media.
   
   
   
   

Just because you got out of college doesn't mean you have to completely change how you live. Your apartment can still be similar to your college apartment. Hopefully it will be a more productive space or even a nice spot to relax and un-wind for the day. Remember a place is never complete so don’t freak out if you still need to add some furniture or decorations, the new job you’ll hopefully get because of these tips should pay for some add-ons!