Seven Ways to Make the Most of College
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Many students will head to college in a couple of weeks. For many first years who have completed the often exhausting and stressful college application process, it’s easy to rest on one’s laurels in the comfy cocoon of college life.
Rather than viewing it as the end game, college is the BEGINNING of a wonderful journey. The relationships you’ll forge and your experiences will substantially shape the adult you’ll become and the life you’ll lead. Succeeding academically is important, but it’s merely table stakes for a successful college experience. Of course, you’ll want to continue to learn and build a successful academic record, but there’s much more to college than that.
Here are seven things college students can do to make the most of their experience.
1. Take care of yourself. College life can be demanding, so prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise regularly, and manage stress effectively. Taking care of your well-being will positively impact your academic performance and overall experience.
2. Get to know your professors and peers. Professors regularly hold office hours to meet with students. Take advantage of this! Professors are often involved in research opportunities and/or commercial ventures. Take the time to get to know them. They are interesting people! They can be life-long sources of information, contacts, and personal references. Many colleges fund coffees or lunches with your professors. Do it! Your fellow students are also a significant part of your growing network. The work you do on group projects helps you bond and serves as the basis of their ability to vouch for you.
3. Explore careers. It’s a time to try your hand at starting or launching businesses. This is the time in life when stumbling has limited consequences. Should you fail at something, the mere act of doing so fosters a sense of resilience that will come in VERY handy throughout your life. Now is the time to get exposure to a variety of companies -- go to presentations, information sessions, and professional events. If possible, intern during the school year or summers between semesters. Internships often lead to full-time job offers.
4. Seek help when needed. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're struggling academically, emotionally, or personally. Colleges offer various support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and health centers. Reach out to professors, advisors, or campus resources whenever you need assistance.
5. Build your brand. What do you want to be? Use social media to build your brand and showcase your strengths and interests to the world. This can be done through LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media site posts. At the same time, be careful about your social media footprint. Carefully consider your privacy settings and avoid "red cup” photos that may not reflect well to the inquiring hiring manager.
6. Get organized. Now is the time to build and reinforce organizational skills that will last a lifetime. You will face even more demands for your time (assignments, events, networking opportunities, recreational opportunities, etc.) It’s time to graduate to tools that will help you keep on top of your tasks and obligations. This means an app/web-based to-do list, like Todoist, among others. I encourage you to read Super-Productive: 120 Strategies to Do More and Stress Less, the productivity and time management book my wife, Sharon Danzger, wrote.
7. See the world if you can. If possible, while you are in college, visit places you otherwise might not get to experience. Many students take a semester abroad, whose cost is similar to the time spent on campus. If you are inclined to do so, this is something worth doing to help you see the world and better appreciate other cultures.
Take full advantage of what college has to offer. College is a rare situation rich with so many potential experiences for personal and professional development.
Do you or someone you know need help determining what kinds of roles and companies would be great work situations? Conducting an effective job search without endlessly applying online? I coach and advise people 1:1 and in live, online group classes. Learn more about my career coaching and sign up for a free 30-minute Career Solutions Call.