Carly Heitlinger is not your average collegiette™. A self proclaimed preppy with a passion for monograms, pearls and list-making, this college junior is an entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. Carly is a full time student at Georgetown University, on the rowing team, writes a daily blog, thecollegeprepster, and just finished her first book, “The Freshman 50.” If you’re already feeling lazy in comparison, just wait. This collegiette’s™ got a 5 year plan, and it includes another book and an interview with Matt Lauer.
What motivated you to start a blog? Did you always love to write?
I started a blog over the Christmas break during my freshman year. I wanted something fun to do that wasn’t school related, a distraction. My friend from my floor suggested I start one (instead of complaining about school all the time) and College Prep was born! As for loving to write, my sister was always the writer of the family; I was more into math and sciences. I think having a blog, and writing every day, has made me appreciate writing more and more now. Sometimes it’s hard for me to communicate how I’m feeling, but writing has given me an outlet and allowed me to find my voice!
As a blogger, how important do you think it is today for young women to be tech savvy?
Definitely!!! Just today, I was asked by a classmate if I was like some sort of “super coder.” Here’s the trick, I’m not so much tech savvy as I am a really really really proficient googler! Really, anything you’d need to know is somewhere online. I read articles and watch tutorial videos to figure out what I need to do. Since starting my blog, I’ve learned a lot more though. Jobs are increasingly requiring more and more technology know-how, but I think it’s more relevant (and much more useful) to be able to figure it out on your own.
You just wrote a book called “The Freshman 50.” How have you managed to be an author, a blogger and a full time college student?
Good time management, mastering the art of list making, and being a tiny bit crazy!!! My philosophy is: if you want something to get done, it must become a priority. With more priorities, other things have to take a backseat.
Since you’re obviously an excellent multi-tasker, do you have any tips for collegiettes™ struggling with time management?
Time management is challenging, but definitely doable for any college student! First, take note of where you spend your time for every single minute for a week. (I had to do this for a class- amazing results). Just create a spreadsheet… you’ll be surprised at just how much time is spent on Facebook and napping! I really recommend using lists to stay on track! Make a list for every week, and one for every day. Productivity!!!
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Do you have a plan, a list maybe?
Ah! I’ll be…. 26! Whoa. I really don’t know. Five years ago, I was 16 and never would I have thought I’d be where I am today. There are definitely things that I wish to accomplish in the next five years: write another book, graduate, land an interview on the Today Show (a serious dream of mine), travel to three more countries…. I guess, in the end, I hope to be really successful and happy.
Be sure to check out Carly’s blog, CollegePrepster!