In the Freshmean year, most students are tempted to party, skip classes and do all the crazy things young and active people are eager to do, leaving library hours for later and doing the very minimum they have to do to get by. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy college life. You should. The only thing to keep in mind is that you also should be responsible. After you graduate you want to get a good job and some serious attitude to your now present days will be a great help in your future.
The report of Gallup and Purdue University, states that college esperiences are key to graduates’ happiness and will strongly influence the work engagement of the new employees. According to that report, the high level of engagement at college may bring students to the better job and better live after graduation. Graduates who achieved at least three supportive experiences at the college – they were a positive communication with professors, had a proactive student position and were excited to learn – are 2.3 times more likely to be engaged at work too. An increased likelihood of work engagement also correlates with deep learning experiences, such as internships, projects and student society activities.
In this article, I have compiled 7 college experiences that each student will need for a good start into their careers right after the graduation.
1. This trendy “leader” world. Leaders aren’t born, they’re made. It is a common truth and so is that the companies want leaders. College is the best place to figure out your passions and build your leadership. Whether it is a club or student organization, leading a class project or simply your active position, you will gain fantastic experience on how to manage people.
2. Learn. Be curious. Ask question. Travel. Have and open mind and a brave heart. The world is open for everyone and there are lots of options to discover it on campus. Set yourself apart and learn new language, explore new culture, meet different people through travelling or volunteering. In the time of merging borders, transcontinental companies and freelance, the ability to communicate is a key to the good job positions.
3. Intern. The BIG companies prefer experienced employees rather than entry-level graduates. Lean how a company operates from the inside, know your fortes and weak sides. The internship will help you improve your skills and by the time you graduate you will be able to make the best choices in the industry to work full-time.
4. Think broader of your hometasks and build your resume on campus. Contract or freelance work can also help you earn some extra cash in college. Good at essay writing? You might be able to help the next door business owner with copywriting the content on his/her website. Pay it forward - good recommendations and portfolio makes a student the desired candidate amongst other gradiates.
5. Connect with people. Start the LinkedIn. NOW! Learn about networking, rhethorics and soft skills. Communication is important in every industry, even if you’re a nerdy computer programmer! Be proactive, share your experience as you gain it. Make connections with classmates, colleagues, experts and people in and outside of your industry of preference. Personal interactions and relations are things that only have value in modern world.
6. Prepare and practice interviewing. If you have no time for joining the drama club, just pay attention to how you present your class projects. It is a great moment to practice your speaking skills and get a pro in the question-answer sessions.
7. Conduct research and learn independently. Extra-curricular activities and personal interests are a great addition to your career resume. They show your personal purpose and attitude toward the professional sphere, making you an interesting person and a perspective candidate. Visit fairs and conferences, as well as career fairs to find professionals in the industry and make new discoveries. In addition to up-to-date knowledge, you will have a good pool of references as well.
Believe it or not, following these seven pieces of advice will actually make your college years more productive and bring you not only a good diploma, but also confidence in the job-search.
