The freshmen hex has finally been lifted, and as second year college students, we can say that we’ve completed the first stage of all the awkward and dreadful obstacles college has to offer. The sophomore struggle is definitely about to set in as reality hits us dead in the face and we realize that yes, we still have three more years of this crazy experience left. Maybe you haven’t declared a major yet, or you aren’t exactly sure if college is right for you. The good news is that sophomore year is just another opportunity to explore and find out what fits you best. .
1. Network with someone other than your advisor in your field of interest.
One lesson that most students have learn as early as the first day of college is just how far networking can take you in your career. Many just talk to their academic advisors and think that they have all the answers to become successful, but why not step out the box and talk to an actual trained professional in your field of interest? There are a number of resources available, including actual human beings, who can help you along the way and maybe even give you a taste of what you are looking for in the future. Go shadow someone in your profession, or volunteer with a company or business that requires you to be hands-on with what you may want to do later on in life. The sooner you start networking, the better it will be for you to build connections after graduation.
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RELATED: A Collegiete’s Guide to Career Fairs
2. Pick a major..and maybe even a minor.
A majority of colleges require their freshmen to take universal courses first to fulfill elective requirements before allowing them to jump right into classes that associate with a specific major. Doing so allows students to take basic courses that touch on aspects of common knowledge studies so students can explore different fields. If you already have your heart set on a certain major, think about picking a minor along with it so that you have a backup plan in case your favorable career doesn’t work out. Minors can also become helpful in your career if they coexist with your major. If you are stuck and cannot decide which major to declare, it is safe to continue as undeclared until about the end of second semester. It is also a good idea to major in integrative studies so that you can continue to get a sense of what may interest you before it’s too late. After all, it’s extremely common for us students to switch interests over three or four times in our college careers.
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A majority of colleges require their freshmen to take universal courses first to fulfill elective requirements before allowing them to jump right into classes that associate with a specific major. Doing so allows students to take basic courses that touch on aspects of common knowledge studies so students can explore different fields. If you already have your heart set on a certain major, think about picking a minor along with it so that you have a backup plan in case your favorable career doesn’t work out. Minors can also become helpful in your career if they coexist with your major. If you are stuck and cannot decide which major to declare, it is safe to continue as undeclared until about the end of second semester. It is also a good idea to major in integrative studies so that you can continue to get a sense of what may interest you before it’s too late. After all, it’s extremely common for us students to switch interests over three or four times in our college careers.
3. GET INVOLVED
I know this sounds repetitive, but getting involved is really one of the best things you can do. Maybe there’s a club or sorority you want to join that had a class restriction requirement and didn’t allow you to join last year –pursue that organization. Getting involved can help you build relationships with your peers and promotes a healthy balance in your life, both socially and academically. You may even find an organization that is within your career path that can give you more insight!
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4. Go home less.
This one may sound a little crazy, but it will work in the long run. The majority of freshmen spend time being homesick their first year because they are away from their families for the first time. This year, try to be a little bit more distant to build more self-reliance. Your parents can’t take care of you forever so why not try to figure out this adulting thing on your own while you have the opportunity. You don’t have to visit home every weekend or call your mom five times a day, instead take that time to learn how to be independent and get used to being on your own. Maybe one call to mom a day and a visit just on holiday breaks can be your start.
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5. Get a job.
You probably found out last year that there is a such thing as the broke college student budget. After paying for expensive textbooks and eating ramen every night, you have just about had it with a nearly empty bank account. Go out and get a part-time job, preferably on campus, so that you’ll have a little bit of spending money. The job can also build your work experience and resume at the end of the day.
RELATED: How to Save Money Over the Summer
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The sophomore struggle may already be trying to take you down, but trust me, it’s all going to get better with time. Good luck on a successful second year and continue to find the spark in you!