Summer is here with a vengeance. The temperature is expected to hit 96 today in the northeast.

The heat is also on for those of you who have recently graduated and people are beginning to ask, "So, what are your plans?" When I graduated, I had no plans, much to my family's dismay. I remember my father setting me up on an interview with a financial services firm. I also remember thinking: did anyone ask me what I wanted to do? What interested me? What I was especially good at? Let me give you a hint: they did not.

So, how can you avoid being pushed into something that may not be your first choice? Stay ahead of the curve and set your goals before they are set for you.

First, think about your past experiences- part time jobs, internships, volunteer opportunities. Which ones did you like the best? Why? What skills were required for success? Did your favorite experiences require you to research and solve a problem? Did they require creativity and thinking outside the box? Think about which ones you excelled at--this is different from the ones you like. You can be good at something but not be especially interested in it.

Next, think about what you need from a job. Do you need to work independently or do you prefer structure? Do you enjoy solving a problem or do you prefer to help others?

The answers to these questions will tell you who YOU are: what you like, what you're good at and what you need from a job. Whatever path you pursue should include all of these skills, interests and needs.

Finally, go online to see what types of jobs and companies will meet your needs. Job boards such as CollegeRecruiter.com can be a huge help to see the types of jobs that are available as well as who the hiring companies are.

Now you can set your goals so that every time someone asks you what your plans are, you can answer the question as well as ask them for help.

BTW... I did get the job at the financial services firm and I ended up loving it. But, most people are not that lucky. Make sure you're one of the lucky ones.

Article by, Susan Kennedy and courtesy of Kennedy Baker Associates, job coaching for young professionals.