Sure an editorial assistant position at a New York magazine sounds great, but you have to consider the difference in the cost of living. If you took a job paying $25,000 in A2, you would need to make almost $50,000 to live at the same standard in the Big Apple. Things are a little more reasonable in Seattle, where you'd need about $27,000, or Chicago where $35,000 would do the trick. You can figure out your money needs at http://www.homefair.com/.

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Looking for a job in this depressed economy makes things a bit tough, but that doesn't mean there are no jobs. You just need to do a little homework. Read up on your potential employer, make sure your resume shines, and brush up on your interview skills and etiquette. The U's Career Planning and Placement Office will host "Researching Employers: Being a Smart Candidate in a Tight Economy" on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Union. For more info on the seminar, visit http://www.cpp.umich.edu/cpp/students/events.html.

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Depending on the type of health insurance your parents have and what's offered by your future employer, you may find yourself without insurance for a while-which is never good. A freak bike accident or a case of appendicitis can leave you in debt for a long time if you're not covered. Check with your parents about their policy and be sure to ask about it when you get a job offer.

If you do need a short-term solution, the Alumni Association offers its members discounts on short-term health insurance through Seabury & Smith. The policies are billed monthly so it won't break your budget, and it's great peace of mind. The best part is that graduating seniors get a free one-year membership in the Alumni Association, which saves you even more cash. Sign up for your free year at http://www.umich.edu/~umalumni/students/senior-membership.html.

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When you graduate, you'll become one of more than 400,000 living Michigan alumni---one of the largest alumni bodies in the world!

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