"Being well-rounded is important from an employer's standpoint. [Employers] want someone who will be a good fit, whom they can invest in, and who'll be flexible and able to adapt to changing job demands," says Kathleen Clarkin, director of Career Planning and Internship Services at the Office of Career Services at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island.

Fortunately, there are several simple ways you can broaden your interests and experiences in preparation for your future, ranging from the classes you choose to the clubs you join to the internships you seek.

Choose your classes with care
As you thumb through your school's course catalog, Clarkin cautions, remember that "you are not just your major." Many students select their courses strictly with their career direction in mind: they don't stray too far from the familiar path of their departmental offerings. However, career paths and goals frequently change.

"The engineer may go on to law school, or the political science major may want to teach," she says.

Don't be afraid to go a little crazy with the courses you select. Electives give you a chance to explore another side of yourself, so check out a broad range of classes. This can also help you decide your major--a better approach than trying to choose a major right out of high school, when few students know what they want to do! Opting for interesting electives can help you discover your true passion. Even if you already know what you want to do, why not mix things up a little? You may never get another opportunity, or have the time, to take a hip-hop dance class! Or maybe that course in Film Noir will be a welcome break from Calculus, Biology, and Microeconomics.

Clarkin also suggests taking courses you feel will be helpful to you in your future career, even if they don't relate directly your field. After all, says Clarkin, "the key is developing the competencies and skill sets" that can help you out later on--something that's especially important for liberal arts students. For example, even if your college doesn't require a language class, you may want to consider taking one. "Language is an important supplementary skill for [any] profession," says Clarkin.

While looking for ways to enhance your resume, consider picking up a minor or combining your major with a pre-professional program. Also, studying abroad can provide you with many great benefits: not only will you earn course credit, you'll be able to test your language skills and learn about other cultures. An international experience is helpful for students in any major or interest, from business to international affairs to communications.

Get involved and get connected
When it comes to school, Clarkin explains, "your academic record is very important, [but] the total package of how you present yourself is key." That's why getting involved in a variety of activities is helpful--whether you're volunteering at the local soup kitchen, starting a literary journal, or hosting your own show for the campus radio station.

Joining different clubs and organizations is a great way to find out what interests you, meet new friends, and make an impact on others' lives. You never know what you'll discover about yourself: maybe there's a writer somewhere in that aspiring biologist--or a humanitarian buried in that soon-to-be accountant. Plus, if you choose activities that are closely linked to your career goals, you'll build skills that are directly related to your future job. If you're the ambitious type, seeking leadership positions in these groups can be a great way to put yourself ahead of the competition when you're applying for internships and other jobs.

If you have a pretty solid grasp on what you'd like to do for your career, Clarkin also suggests looking into professional organizations. Early on, check organizations' websites for career information or recommendations on graduate programs. Ask about student membership rates and local chapter meetings. Not only can these groups provide you with great leads on internships, they can help you build your networking skills, help you clarify your career objectives, and maybe even land you a job.

"To say that you've attended four professional meetings on a certain topic shows your commitment to your field," explains Clarkin.

Shadow yourself into the spotlight
According to Clarkin, one of the best things you can do to give your future a boost and widen your horizons is to get involved in some sort of activity that will give you a chance to test the waters of your intended career. There are many options available--internships, job shadowing, and cooperative education, to name a few.

Some of these experiences may last only for a day; others, can last for a summer, a semester, a year, or longer. Regardless of their duration, what you take away from these experiences is invaluable. For instance, you can "test drive" several different jobs over the course of several semesters to build skills and professional contacts or just to see what's right for you. Most importantly, though, you can "get experience and an edge in the job market, as well as a sense of the workplace." More and more, internships can lead to a job with the same company later on--and even if they don't, your experience in the field may open another door somewhere else.

Completing the circle
Whether you're learning a new language, helping the needy abroad, or interning at the bank downtown, it's important to be open to new interests and ideas and to make the most of all available opportunities. In the end, "all these experiences build up to a [whole] person," says Clarkin. "They connect the dots."

Article by Amanda Martinez and courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com