Since the job market has become so competitive, it’s right to think of your career to help give you an idea what kind of job opportunities are available once it’s time to make a decision.

Here are some reasons why it’s important to think of your career and your future early:

You’ll have more time to build your network. If you’ve decided to pursue a specific industry, this will give you more time to build a network. You can go to school-sponsored events, local meetings, and you can connect with important people that can help support you in college admissions and beyond. Professional contacts during high school are important — they can give you opportunities after graduating high school.

You’ll be more competitive when applying for college. Your experience or part-time job can build a strong profile for you as an applicant. Your experience over the summer, including joining clubs and other events can make you stand out among the crowd. Once the admissions committee thinks you’re motivated enough to be successful, more opportunities will be there for you along the way.

You won’t find it hard to figure out what you really want after graduating high school. Once you have enough work experience, it’ll be easier for you to think about what majors you will be interested in college. This can save you from career mistakes, and save you time and money.

You’ll learn a lot. Applying for internships is great experience. You will be exposed to more valuable decision-making lessons, which may come in handy once you enter college. At the same time, you’ll gain self-esteem and confidence, while being able to relate to different kinds of people. This is great for understanding the real world.

Early preparation for your career is always a good decision — even if you think it’s too early. The earlier you’re clear, the more errors you’ll likely avoid along the way. Don’t just blend in with the crowd; instead, start exploring what you really want out of life and your career.