I am currently going through a personal dilemma and I find that this article is the perfect place to fully spill on the problem I am having. Fashion students have the option of doing a co-op work term during the summers between the years of our program.

Unfortunately, lacking motivation, I have been completely unable to find the drive to do anything — no, seriously... anything.

So for all you slowpokes like myself, this is my guide to getting off your ass and getting on with things.

Step one: Hit em' where it hurts
Step one requires hardly any effort at all; e-mails are these great little personalized messages that say “I care.” When writing an email, think very diligently about who can help you not be lazy. I find the easy way to do this is to have people clarify what you need to do. By clarifying, you're making things more straightforward; you're saying, “What do I need to do to get where I want to be?” Emailing the counseling services at the school or the co-op department is a great way to start — they are here to help you. The counseling services can help you narrow your search so you can figure out what it is you're looking for. On the other hand, the co-op department is great at helping students get where they want. This is definitely an important first step.

Step two: Polish and spiffy up
Get your shit together. Go into that folder on your computer that might be labeled “professional shit,” “work related” or some other title that tells you exactly what's in there and find your resume. Open that document and read it. Would you hire yourself? To be honest, my resume is in desperate need of some polishing; it's covered in cobwebs of the past and it needs a little refreshing. When fixing up your resume, make it your own. Jazz it up! Make it professional and slightly personalized — obviously the level of personalization depends on what you're applying for. Realistically, no matter where you're applying to, they're getting more than just your qualifications, they're getting your personality as well. Show them who you are through unique borders, interesting page textures and, if you must, pull an Elle Woods and spray it with your favourite perfume.

Step three: Cool and quenched
As I write these steps, I think about all the things I am going to do this week to get my own shit in line. The most important lessons my parents have taught me are the following: always call back a friend, be courteous and, most importantly, if you want something badly enough, be persistent and SHOW them that you want it. When I applied for my first job, I went in and handed in my resume. Then three days later, I called. After they didn't call me back, I called back four days later. They called me in the next day for an interview. Hired me on the spot. Started the next day. After I had been working there for about a year, they told me they hired me because I kept calling back and they knew I was serious. Someone doesn't call back repeatedly because they don't want the job. After you apply or send out your email, make sure you follow up, but do so gently — there is no need for you to pester someone who has a ‘Not Hiring' sign in his front window.

So when you find yourself hunting for a job, a paid work term or whatever it may be, get real and get on it. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was Anna Wintour's career. Happy hunting!