College is supposed to be the best four years of your life, filled with friends, freedom and Franzia. But, with all that fun comes the responsibility of actually earning your degree of choice, hoping that your degree is useful in the real world. Whether you aspire to be a pharmacist, accountant, entrepreneur, correctional officer, nurse, film director, Broadway actor, or anything in between, there are a few classes that everyone should take during their four years of schooling.
1. ITM: Introduction to Computers
One of the most basic skill sets that any employer is looking for in their new hires is knowing their way around Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Being efficient in those programs is SO useful for any career path. Your future boss is going to ask you to make up a spreadsheet or throw together a last minute PowerPoint for a meeting, so being able to do that without having help will be important. Thankfully most colleges and universities require a basic computer course for first year students, but if you are not required to take a class, seriously consider taking one at your own will.
2. Creative Writing
The art of writing and putting your thoughts clearly and eloquently on paper is a very useful and attractive quality for any occupation. Not only will a creative writing class help strengthen your writing skills, but it also gets your creative juices flowing.
3. Public Speaking
Just picture the audience in their underwear, well, the cute ones at least. If you can speak clearly and confidently in front of a crowd, a board room, your boss, or even just on the telephone, you are quite the asset to your employer. Nobody wants an employee whose forehead turns into Niagara Falls and says the word “um” after every sentence. Public speaking is a huge fear of many people, so you won’t be the only nervous one in your class.
4. Introduction to Sociology
Sociology is the study of social behavior. Both in college and in the real world you are going to encounter hundreds of people coming from all different backgrounds and personalities. Learning the basics of human interactions and behaviors will help you connect with a quirky roommate or an introverted coworker.
5. Financial Literacy
If you aren’t a business major you have probably tried to avoid these classes like the plague. But if you were smart, which I know you all are, you would sign up for a financial literacy class at some point in your four years. Any type of finance course is great for helping you think economically. These will help you when it comes to learning how to manage your own money, a task that many people find challenging. Every young twenty-something should try to have a basic understanding of financial statements and how to control their money. It’s time to grab that financial calculator and learn some life lessons!