Know, understand, apply

~ Knowing your subject when you are just out of college means knowing what you have been taught in college.

It also means knowing a few things related to the subject/s that are not necessarily found in textbooks.

Furthermore, it means you have really understood, assimilated and at least tried to apply the knowledge to some practical use.

For example, if you are a student of political science, you should not only know there was an election held 10 days ago, you must also be able to analyse what took place then. It shows you are thinking and applying your knowledge to what is in front of you.

~ However, don't start cramming at the last minute; it only makes you more nervous. Sure, you can brush up your knowledge, but if you think you are going to learn the whole college curriculum in five days time, forget it.

~ Being prepared also means having done your research on the company and the job. The Internet or magazine articles are good places to start. This will make enable you to give answers that are relevant.