College is a whole lot of things… A lot of fun, a lot of stress, a lot of pizza…You know how it goes. Students attend college with the shared goal of becoming successful. Sure, we all have different interests, backgrounds, and majors, but no one is looking to throw away their chances of higher education. Following the below steps is the surest way to making the most out of college experience.
1. Use a planner
Always being organized and having your schedule available to view will give you an edge on your peers. You will stay on top of deadlines, your workouts, and anything else you may be managing. By keeping record of what all you are doing and will be doing, you won’t be at as much of risk of overbooking or mismanaging your time. Write, circle, and highlight your academic responsibilities and pencil in your social activities.
2. Network
Building positive relationships with your peers, coworkers, professors, and neighbors can only help you in the long-run. All people you come across present the opportunity for you to learn. People can also help you in a time of need, just as you can do for others. In college, networking can help land you a job, establish meaningful relationships, or even a helping hand when moving to your next dorm or apartment.
3. Check Your Email
In college, students begin receiving more emails than ever before. Sure, some professors may overdo it with the emails, but often times, campus emails can be very useful. Check your emails daily (if not several times a day) to learn of career and volunteer opportunities, if a deadline has been extended, if class has been cancelled, and all other alerts that may help you be less stressed and better prepared for the days ahead.
4. Use Your Resources
Career Services offices can help you with your resume and all things career-related. The objective is to land a “good” job that you like. By pairing up with faculty in your school, you may get a better idea of the type of industry you should pursue and maybe even learn about potential employers whose companies match your personal and career goals and objectives. Aside from using faculty as your resources, you can use job search platforms and career fairs as a way to find, learn about, and apply to career opportunities.
5. Be a Professional
Being a professional on social media and “irl” is also important in your success in college. You never know who you will meet or who is watching, so channeling your inner professional is always beneficial. Have your resume updated, your profile pictures appropriate, and go-to interview attire ready to set yourself up for success.