Should I start career preparation before my third year?

Yes. It is not mandatory, but starting gradually before your third year can give you time to explore industries and roles, build experience and basic skills through coursework or extracurricular activities, and feel less rushed from the third year onward. You can begin by trying self-assessment, company research, and application-document preparation while balancing your studies. Recruitment timing varies by industry and year, so also check official information from prospective employers and your university.