By Emily Parker
College students are constantly warned about the fierce competition in entering the workforce and the importance of preparing for it at a young age. Through personal experience and the advice I have been given, I have outlined eight ways to set yourself up for post-graduation success as a college student.
1. Network with professionals.
Through setting up job shadows and attending professional events, students have access to countless professionals that can provide valuable advice and experiences. Even though you feel out of place, don’t sell yourself short. Professionals will take you seriously if you act like you deserve their respect. Build relationships with them early and maintain those connections. Those professionals can be great resources when you enter the workforce.
2. Develop your writing skills so you can build a portfolio.
Learn the ins and outs of AP style early so you can begin writing for different purposes in a variety of publications. Put your communication skills to the test by taking every opportunity to create writing samples. Having a diverse compilation of your best work will do wonders for your resume.
3. Apply for internships early.
It’s never early to get real-world job experience. Having an internship in high school allowed me to gain insight into the daily responsibilities of a communications professional. Internships breathe life into textbook chapters and job descriptions that barely scratch the surface of a complex career field. There is no such thing as an invaluable experience. Even internships that fell short of your expectations served as a lesson of what you don’t want to go into as a career. Take chances and learn as you go.
4. Get involved on campus.
From the very beginning, seek out opportunities that are of interest to you. Getting your name out on campus allows you to meet more people and hear about opportunities you might not otherwise get. Exploring your interests early on and defining what your strongest passions are can help you determine the direction you want to pursue after college.
5. Maintain a professional social media presence.
As we should all realize, social media is everlasting. Don’t post something now that you will regret later, and don’t allow your inconsiderate friends to drag you down. Be cognizant of the language you use in your posts, using proper grammar and avoiding unprofessional language. You can post about the fun you are having in college, but make sure your posts don’t revolve exclusively around alcohol.
6. Embrace your inner nerd.
We’ve all heard that grades are not very important after college. While that is true, don’t use that as an excuse to slack off in your classes. Your performance and dedication say volumes about your character and work ethic, which reflects positively to your professors and other resources. Enjoy the learning process and take your work seriously, as you are preparing for the rest of your life.
7. Be a good person.
Make positive contributions to your campus, even in the smallest ways. Be kind to people. Volunteer. Show you care. Others will think highly of you and know they can rely on you in any situation. Creating strong relationships at a young age leads to increased networking abilities as a professional. Start making strong connections with others your age because you never know what opportunities lie ahead for the both of you.
8. Don’t forget that you’re a college student.
This is your time to revel in your youth because the real world is just around the corner. Yes, take these words to heart and put professionalism into practice, but there is plenty of room to have fun and live life to the fullest. Take chances and opportunities while they are still available to you. Make the most of these four years because time flies incredibly fast. Being a full-time adult will come soon enough; there’s no time to rush it.
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