I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person that constantly stresses about grades. When I was in middle school I lost my straight-A streak, and I was honestly crushed about it. Somewhere between my middle school and college years, my perspective on grades changed. I no longer obsess over trying to get that perfect score. I have come to the realization that at my point in my education, there are more important things that I should be worrying about. Don’t get me wrong, grades are important, but there are things out there that are more important than that. The experiences and opportunities you have in college are the most important things you will take away from your college career.
The best way to get experience in the career field of your interest is to take internships. Many adults have told me that internships are extremely important, and we should take an internship any opportunity we can get. Not only do internships help you get hands on experience that you most likely won’t get in your classes, but they also help determine if you actually want the career you thought you were interested in. Internships give you the opportunity to explore different careers and see which ones work for you, and which ones don’t.
When looking for a job after college, an employer is going to be more concerned about your skills and experience than the grade you got in your math class. Resumes are very important when it comes to applying for jobs, and are a way of showing your achievements. A blank resume with a great GPA will not get you the job. A resume loaded with internships and volunteer experience is what employers are looking for.
The only way to gain that extra experience in your career field is to go out there and look for opportunities. Apply for internships, job shadow, do volunteer work, practice your skills and beef up your resume along the way. Trust me, you will learn a lot more about things that matter to your career from taking an internship and doing these things than you will learn in class. It will all be worth it in the end when you land your dream job.
