This post was written after several requests from my classmates. And how am I qualified to write this? Well, I’m about to start my 10th (!!) internship next week, I’m editor in chief of the campus newspaper, I’ve been awarded department honors, and I have a host of other accomplishments.

For many people, it seems the biggest obstacle to becoming a student rockstar is just knowing what to do next. So here’s my list of things every communication studies major (aka mass communication, strategic communication, corporate or organizational communication, public relations, etc) should do before they graduate.

This list does NOT include the basics, such as:

Taking classes in public speaking, journalism, public relations, or other communications classes — you’re already taking them. (If you’re not, talk to your academic adviser about what classes benefit you.)

Getting an internship – this is essential, and if you don’t know why, Google it.

A general plea to “get involved.”

A list of campus resources everyone should already know like the career center, etc. etc.

Basic business skills such as Microsoft Office.

Common sense.

I haven’t ever found a list like mine online, so without further ado: the seven things you NEED to do before graduation as a comm major.

1. Get involved with theater production.

Many communications jobs require event planning, especially in the nonprofit sector. Even if you aren’t directly involved with the planning, you may be part of the staff on the day of the event, making sure everything goes as planned. This is where theater experience is invaluable.

As a theater production volunteer (not acting but backstage), you’ll be forced to learn how to ensure the show goes on without the audience knowing anything happened. Props go missing, people go to the bathroom right before their entrance, someone spills chocolate milk on their white costume, or another disaster happens. And they will happen – even in professional theater, things go wrong.

When you successfully navigate the performers through a crisis, you’ll be able to say you’re ready to help with events.

2. Work for student media.

Journalism students usually have this one down — in their favorite outlet. If you are considering going into professional communications, you absolutely need to have portfolio pieces from the campus newspaper, television station, and radio.

In nearly every internship interview I’ve gone on, they’ve asked me for writing and multimedia samples. Corporate communications is not all event planning, idea generation, and cocktail hours – there is a TON of writing, and – for many positions – a good deal of content creation responsibilities, as well.

Bonus points: Take on assignments outside your stereotype. I went to a sports journalism seminar only to discover I was the only woman signed up. Talk about the opportunity to stand out and shine!

3. Join a professional organization and actually go to the events.

Many professional communication organizations – such as PRSA, AAF, IABC, DMA, or others – offer student rates. Sign up and actually go to the events. You’ll start meeting professionals in your area as well as learning about the industry “in the now” as opposed to in the textbooks.

Plus. people love helping students. You will never be in such a good place to network as right now.

4. Take a statistics class.

Even if it’s not required.

Communication majors are frequently teased for only having soft skills or for being poor students outside of their niche. In reality, communication jobs require both creativity and logic, because if you can’t prove your services benefit the company, you won’t be around long.

Keep your stats skills sharp by analyzing your own blog statistics or conducting research.

5. Practice on yourself.

The #1 way to prove you know your stuff? Use your skills to promote your own personal brand.

Write a blog (on any safe-for-work topic – from communication ideas to baking cupcakes)

Post your portfolio online

Use social media wisely and for promotional purposes (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc). Get involved with LinkedIn groups. Tweet content relevant to your career interests. Post your blog entries on Facebook.

6. Learn basic HTML and CSS.

HTML and CSS are web programming languages. While you might not ever be good enough at them to build a website, these are incredibly valuable to know because you might have to tweak code on your employer’s website or Facebook landing page – or even in your blog’s design theme.

Just last week, I took a web template and tweaked the CSS to change the color scheme for my mom’s website. Without these skills, she would have been stuck with a weird green color instead of a bright coral.

7. Design something beautiful.

In smaller departments, just a couple people may be responsible for all outgoing communications. It’s beneficial to you to know how to use design software (like Photoshop and InDesign) to create something professional.

Remember, your skills continue to add value to what you offer an employer, and not all employers can afford to hire you and a graphic designer. Become at least passably decent at design.

BONUS: Keep your portfolio updated, always.

You never know when you’ll have an opportunity to send someone the link to your online portfolio or when a great internship opens and they want to see your book today.

Keep your portfolio in hard copy in a professional binder (find those at the office supply store) and online on your blog or personal website.

I know a lot of students who wait until spring of their senior year to start assembling their portfolio, and it’s totally overwhelming – and they’ve lost track of what they’ve done. Don’t let that be you.

Any more ideas for what communication majors should do before graduation? Leave your suggestions in the comments – good ones will be added to this list! (And credited to you, of course.)