The midway point in the semester has passed, and fall break has been crossed off of October calendars.

Now, with the professional clock ticking for December grads, all that's left for seniors -- other than passing their classes -- is finding their niche in the "real world."

To some students, this task is easier said than done.

In the meantime, the excitement of finally completing more than 15 years of schooling is hard to contain, said Melissa St. Fleur (senior-journalism). But, for St. Fleur and other students graduating in December, with joy also comes trepidation and concern.

"I can't wait to get out and start my life," she said. "But I'm worried about graduating and worried about not getting the grades I need."

St. Fleur, a fifth-year senior, added that job hunting, making connections and just figuring out what she wants for her future are also keeping her busy.

Bob Martin, director of career placement and internships for the College of Communications, said that now is the time for seniors to begin marketing themselves to people in their field.

"To be connected is essential," Martin said. "[Seniors] should start their job search strategy; start developing different search paths, which will not only find you job leads, but contacts," Martin said.

And one way to do so is through internships.

Both St. Fleur and Martin said internships are a vital part of landing a career because of what they can provide -- experience and contacts. St. Fleur added that not applying for internships is something she regrets.

"If I had a summer where I interned for a company, that would have helped me learn how to apply what I learned in the classroom," she said. "I think students should have to, because you can't just go to the 'real world' without experience."

Jeff Berger (senior-chemical engineering) is also graduating this year and said networking in his field is essential to finding a job. "I had research internships the last three summers, and that definitely help me make connections," Berger said.

Bill Stoltz (senior-human development and family sciences) said that before he graduates in the spring, he will make up for the fact that he has not had a single internship.

"Actually, that's all I'm doing next semester," Stoltz said, referring to a 12-credit internship program through Penn State. "This way, I can get some good experience ... and put something on my résumé."

Paul Poissant, executive director of MBA career management and corporate relations, said the foundations of succeeding in business are preparation and opportunity.

"On-campus events, like career fairs, are there for students to reach out to [company] individuals," Poissant said. "And once you get in to interview and have the research, it's going to pay off."

Regardless of a student's graduation date, Poissant said these steps are crucial. "[Finding a job] takes time, but you should still be out there ... to prepare and network ... It's never too early to start," he added.