Well, the time has finally come. This Saturday, I will graduate college and become an official "adult." These four years have felt like one year and 10 years simultaneously; sometimes I felt like the work would never end. Most other times, however, I was amazed at just how quickly time had passed and how many things had changed over the years. Now that I am standing here at the finish line, I realize I have no regrets about these past four years. I do, however, have some advice to students who still have a year (or two, or three, or even four) left before their big day.
Unless we are lucky enough to be close with an older, college-educated sibling, college does not come with a guidebook. We cannot be handed the steps we need to take to achieve our dreams -- mainly because each person's college experience is 100% unique to their personality, background, and professional goals. Even so, it helps to receive advice from people who have been there. No one's college career is perfect, but it is important to make the most of the years you'll be living off of life-saving financial aid disbursements and 5-Hour Energy drinks. Hindsight is 20/20, as they say, and graduation has opened my eyes. Here are five often overlooked ways you can make the most of your college experience, from someone who has been there and done that:
1. Study Abroad
Your college years serve as the best time to go abroad, even if it isn't for course credit. For me, I had two concerns: upsetting my boss and not having enough money. I feel now that everything would have worked out. If you maintain a part-time job on weekends and weekday afternoons, it is likely that your boss will be flexible in response to your (professionally proposed, of course) scheduling needs as a college student (many bosses assume that student employees are temporary, anyway). I recommend studying abroad through your school because you can often score scholarships and grants that address financial need. And, of course, you'll be fulfilling a curricular requirement at the same time. You never know when you'll ever get the chance to travel that freely again! After graduation, people tend to anchor themselves with pets, homes, spouses, and even kids. Don't wait.
2. Seek those who support you
If there is a prime time to make meaningful friendships and solidify the already-important friendships in your life, it is while you are in college. Make sure you make the time to keep in touch with old friends you don't want to lose over time. But also be looking for those newer acquaintances you'll want to stay in contact with after graduation. Don't waste your time on people who are toxic, flaky or otherwise problematic. There are friends out there who will become lifelong assets in your life; you just have to find them and work to keep them.
3. Internships, internships, internships
You may hear this word being thrown around more than you'd like, but it isn't just a buzzword. If I could go back and do college over again, I would secure more internships geared toward my career goals. I have completed two meaningful internships and I still don't feel as if I've done enough for my own professional development. Seek paid internships when you can (they exist, I promise) not only because you'll be getting compensated for your hard work, but also because paid positions appear more impressive to employers once you graduate. Unpaid is the norm, so don't panic if you can't find a paid position that applies to your interests. I worked a part-time job in addition to my unpaid internships, so you can still have the best of both worlds (even if your paycheck only pays for a pack of ramen noodles and toilet paper). There really is no better way to gain real-world experience and transferable skills, though. The best part? Most colleges offer course credit for certain internships. Aim to complete more than two internships that are tailored to your interests (but that still provide you with a broad range of career options) and you'll stand out to employers come graduation time.
4. Network your butt off
Networking is difficult and doesn't come naturally to most people. However, I've learned that simply reaching out to the professionals I admire (even if it's just a professor) for a cup of coffee can dramatically improve both my chances of finding a job after graduation and my interpersonal skills. I used to think that interacting with accomplished professionals in my community was petrifying, but it has gotten much easier with time. The key to networking is simply keeping your foot in the door at a company or just generally reminding inspiring people that you exist. If you share an interesting article every once in awhile with an old professor you loved, for example, he or she will be more likely to think of you for opportunities in the future. If you make and maintain those connections, you'll be much better off in the long run. I promise.
5. Save up
Having fun is a huge part of the college experience and I totally support it. In fact, have fun over everything else in college because, once you graduate, spending entire weekdays on the beach after all-nighters will no longer be acceptable. You will have to be an adult and it will suck. But there are cheap ways to have fun. Take advantage of the free things to do in your community and on your campus. You'll miss the availability of such events and you will absolutely need that extra money by the time you graduate. If you end up being like 83% of college graduates (myself included), you won't have a full-time job related to your degree lined up for you when you graduate. (Hint: I wish someone had told me that. Note that full-time, real-person jobs can be hard to land and that it can take several months to even get through the interview process. I'm not saying you need to apply for jobs six months in advance...but I strongly recommend doing so) You will need a little bit of a nest egg, so be sure to open a savings account if you don't already have one and contribute to it regularly.
In due time, you, too will be standing at the finish line, staring into a horizon of uncertainty. But, if you take my advice, that horizon probably won't be so uncertain.
Finishing college will be stressful. It will make you laugh, cry, and transform you into an entirely new person. But nothing in this world is like college, so enjoy it while it lasts. Savor every deadline missed by one minute, every intimidating final, every cheesy campus event. Because you will miss it all.
