I initially went to college to pursue an adolescent education degree, with a focus in Biology. This changed immediately once I realized that biology wasn’t for me and that my heart was truly set on teaching English. I was on and off about the idea of starting a blog. I knew that as a new English major, it would be the perfect addition to my resume but was nervous about what other’s would think…. would my blog be good? would anyone other than my parents actually read it?
After debating the idea in my head for long enough, I eventually started up my very own blog. I would post every once in a while, and to be honest, the posts weren’t very good. I don’t even remember what my first post was about.
My blog has grown in ways that I could never have imagined. I have learned (so I like to think) the “ins” and “outs” of blogging and have overall gained so much knowledge about the blogging world. Having a blog has allowed me to meet new people, learn new skills, and express myself in a series of different ways. Here are a few reasons why I think college is the perfect time to start a blog:
1.IT WILL HELP YOU NETWORK & CREATE FRIENDSHIPS:
Believe it or not, the blogging world is HUGE. There are so many different bloggers out there. Starting a blog has helped me network with a crazy amount of different people. Simple steps such as following fellow bloggers on Twitter and Instagram, moved on to bigger steps such as joining Facebook groups for bloggers and even moving forward to build friendships with other bloggers. I have gained the confidence to reach out to companies when I want to do collaborations with them as well as fellow bloggers when I am in need of some advice and tips for my blog.
2. IT IS A GREAT ADDITION TO YOUR RESUME:
Yes, I am an English major so this may pertain to me more than others BUT adding your blog to your resume proves that you have writing, reading, and editing skills! All of which can be used in a variety of different jobs. Having a blog will make you stand out in the applicant crowd and will prove that you have a variety of skills that some others might lack.
3. IT’S ALMOST LIKE AN ONLINE DIARY:
Attending college is such a big difference than attending high school. So many opportunities will come your way and so many different things will go on in your day to day life. Utilize your blog to document all of this! Your blog is your own space to write about whatever you really want. Having a blog allows you to have your very own creative outlet, where you can blog about all of these exciting experiences and will be able to look back on them one day.
4. IT CAN LEAD YOU TO OPPORTUNITIES:
If you are serious about blogging you can earn some serious money from it. There are a ton of different companies and brands that want bloggers to sponsor them. Some brands will be willing to compensate you just for posting an Instagram or Tweeting about their product! I have also had some amazing opportunities come my way since I started blogging. Having my own blog led me to start a Her Campus chapter at my college, something that I would have never seen myself doing a few years back.
5. YOU WILL LEARN A LOT:
Since starting my blog I have learned so many new things! There are so many bloggers out there who want to help you maintain the best blog you possibly can. Take a quick second to browse through Pinterest and you will find billions of posts focusing on blogging. I have learned so much since starting my blog. Time management, networking skills, minimal graphic design skills, and a ton of blogging “how-tos”.
If you’re thinking about starting a blog, even just a little bit, you totally should! Just go for it, you never know what could come out of it in the long run.