I graduated about a month ago, and looking back, there are a lot of things I wish someone had told me going into college. Four years ago I was extremely naive, and I thought that you could just get your diploma and you'd be all set for the real world. Whether you haven't decided where to go yet, or whether you're a college senior, you may have something to learn from my experiences.
Where do you go?
Maybe you already have a list of colleges in mind, maybe you don't. Either one is okay, but keep in mind the opportunities that college creates.
1. Opportunity to Travel
Don't let far-off schools intimidate you. University is a perfect excuse to live somewhere you've always wanted to live! Maybe it's New York, San Fransisco, Hawaii, or even Europe. Let's face it. At college you'll have a dorm set up, a meal plan in place, and an opportunity to explore a new place. Traveling when you're young helps to break down barriers, gives a new perspective of the world, and forces you to live outside your bubble and become more independent. There are more things to think about if you're planning to attend somewhere out of state, however. Tuition could be more expensive. Can you afford the drive/flight there, and possible drives/flights back? If you're close with your family, the distance could be a struggle. Nevertheless, not limiting yourself by location can open a world of possibilities (literally).
2. Money
We all know the cost of college can be horrendous. When you can, I strongly recommend looking for scholarships because it can save a lot in the long run. There are even apps for it now! So do that from the get-go, and never stop looking. For the unfortunate (like myself), a majority might be borrowed using federal loans. A good piece of advice is if you're borrowing more than $10,000 a year for school, then switch to one that's less expensive. Overall, don't borrow more than your expected starting salary after you graduate. Keep in mind you might still be working entry-level jobs after graduation. When the grace period ends, and you have to start making payments on your education, you'll want to be ready. Another option could be to start at a community college. Community schools are usually much more more affordable, and you can transfer the credits to a university.
Necessities in College
Besides living it up and making friends, there are some things you need to make sure you do to prepare yourself for post-graduation.
1. Start Networking
Being the introverted selectively-social person that I am, networking isn't exactly my favorite thing to do. But while you're in school, you have a wealth of relationships at your fingertips every day. Don't be afraid to ask your friends, your teachers, TA's, and counselors for advice. In fact, that's exactly what you should be doing. If you have a career in mind, ask your teachers what you should be doing to prepare for it. Seriously, probe them for their experiences, and you'll learn a lot about your own journey. These connections could also lead you to new connections as well. Want to become a prolific journalist? Talk to your english professor, your journalism professor, heck, maybe even your math teacher. They could know somebody that they wouldn't mind getting you in contact with. If you let people know what you want to do, more opportunities may open themselves up to you.
2. Forget About Money and Prestige
Why are we going to college? To get a high-paying job! No! You better reconsider your life if you're going into college just to make 6-figures. Of course you'll likely argue that there are other reasons for your career choice, but there are a lot more important things than money and prestige. I originally went in to undergraduate thinking I wanted to be a doctor. I had a knack for biology and I absolutely loved physiology and anatomy. Not everyone can say that, so I figured a doctor would be the right profession. To be truthful, I really wanted the title "Dr." in front of my name and the salary that came with it as well. In my junior year, I started thinking would I even be happy as a doctor? I know I love my down time, and I knew I wanted to have a family and possibly coach my daughter's softball team in the future. I realized having a standard 9 to 5 and weekends off would suit my personality better. Thinking about medical school, completing residency, possibly having to move far away, and being on-call and stressed out for many years to come were all things I thought of as having to 'just get through it'. At some point, it became too many 'just get through its'. I realized this decision that would affect the rest of my life wasn't based on something that I was absolutely passionate about. I'm telling you to forget about what you 'should' do, and go out there and do what you want to do. Forget about about the money, because if you're following your passion, money will follow too.
3. Get a Job
For some of us its a necessity to get a job, for others not so much. Either way, getting a part time job or doing work-study will give you real-world experience and something to put on your resume when you're struggling to fill up one page. Even 'regular' jobs potentially look good on a resume. For example, I took a job as a barista for about 3 years during college. It gave me experience in customer service, handling difficult people, managing small stores, and being a leader in the workplace. Based on my experiences, I stayed too long at this job. It did give me some good applicable experience, and allowed me to pay for, you know, food... but it wasn't exactly in my field of study. If you have a dream career, look at the qualifications for it. Search for jobs based on these qualifications and your experience will look much better to employers. Even if your career goals shift (which they most likely will), you have a better chance of the job(s) you take on looking better on a resume. Don't forget about letters of recommendation and references. Jobs are perfect resources to gain those because you'll often work closely with people for roughly 20 hours a week.
4. Take Advantage of Career Centers
Seriously. It's a free resource. Most colleges have a career center, or something like it on campus. All you have to do is walk in! Freshman in college and have no idea what you want to do? The career center is perfect for you. Are you a senior and just finding out the career you thought you wanted is no longer the right fit? The career center can be your lifeline. I would also look up 'financial literacy' to see if your campus has an office or resource for that. They can also give you really good tips that will stay with you through college and beyond.
5. Take Different Classes
I don't understand why no one ever told me to do this. College is about broadening your interests and understanding. Along with your curriculum, you have a certain amount of room for extracurricular courses. I sincerely recommend taking classes that sound interesting to you, no matter the subject, no matter if its related to your career goals. I happened to do this kind of by accident, and I ended up finding a passion for things I never would have even considered. Make sure you're taking everything you need and are on-track to graduate, but please take classes that you might actually give a shit about. How about a renewable energy course? Urban planning? Drawing? A semester-long/quarter-long course on volcanoes? Sex education? Do it!!! You won't regret it!
6. Extra-Curriculars
Wait? You're supposed to go to school full time, get a job, AND have extracurriculars on the side? Yeah, but it's okay! For example, I volunteered at an animal shelter for a few months, and the requirements were 3 hours a week. That's it! Plus I got to pet kittens and pups and it was kind of a stress-reliever. It is manageable, and I guarantee it will give you more life experiences, more friends, more things to add to your resume, and more resources for references and letters of rec. Again, look at your dream career's list of qualifications, and narrow down your options based on that list.
After the 4 Year Adventure
Now I'm pretty fresh out of the oven, but I have a few pieces of advice based on my experiences over the last month.
1. Network
Yeah, there it is again. Even before you graduate, you should begin kicking this up a notch. In fact, you can google "how to network" and get some good tips, no shame in that. Really pull on the connections you've made over the last 4 years. I'm sure many of your teachers would be more than happy to help get you started and possibly connected with a couple of industry workers. You should be writing emails and applying to jobs every day, because it's kind of scary how suddenly you're no longer in school. Again look up "how to write a networking email" so you decrease your odds of getting the cold shoulder. Remember that people you may be contacting do not have to message you back or give you any of their time.
2. Look for Entry-Level Jobs
This really may vary based on your chosen profession, but look for a place to get your foot in the door. Applicable experience is good experience, even if it's not really what you want to be doing. If you want to be in the Parks and Recreation Department, apply for that office assistant position there, even if the thought makes you cringe just a little. Think about a position based on what you may learn and the people you will meet, more so than what you'll actually be doing.
3. Spruce Up Your Linked In Account
If you don't have one, make one. It might suck, but really spend time on it to make it brilliant and reflect the person you want to become. Again, google "how to make a successful LinkedIn account". It will probably give you tips on using keywords and how to best market yourself. Upload a professional profile picture because people who don't have pictures have a tendency to get skipped over. By adding all the people that you already know on it, it can open doors to new connections that may have something to offer you. You can even follow people that have your dream career. If you want to be a public health professional, you can look at people's profiles who have careers in public health and look at the experiences they've had and the places they've worked. This could give you some inside knowledge about the kinds of experiences you should be getting (and where you could possibly get them). Having connections in common could also give you an in to talk to some interesting people, much better than just cold-calling.
This is not an exhaustive list
Although all of this information seems like common sense now, I know for a fact that it wouldn't have looked the same 4 years ago. Remember to ask your family, friends, coworkers, and teachers for advice on getting started in the working wold, because literally everyone has something to teach you.
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