11 answers
Rachel
Student
Glastonbury, Connecticut
1
Question
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What do you wish you accomplished in college that you didn't?
#JULY20 #college
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11 answers
Kaylon Schmidt
Student Intern
2
Answers
Sunrise, Florida
Updated
Kaylon’s Answer
Hey Rachel,
This is such a great question. A lot of the time this question will pop up in conversation and so many answers get provided that it gets overwhelming. I am about to graduate this summer with my undergrad so I can share with you a little about my experiences and see if it helps.
I began at a community college where I received my AA and usually with community colleges students are working full time and/or not interested in campus life. They are on and off the campus with a blink of an eye so it was hard to make connections and professional relationships in that aspect. Then I transferred to a state university to complete my BA degree track. This brought more challenges such as harder course work and pressures to not just pass your courses, but also get A's. For those looking to attend grad school, each "A" mattered. But on the other hand I applied to the honors college, joined a couple orgs, and got involved with the community. My mindset was to make the best of college so I would not have any regrets but that kind of back fired and I became a little stressed and overwhelmed which in turn made me perform poorly in each category.
With all that being said, things I wished I had accomplished sooner (or at all in that matter) was participating in a couple professor's research efforts to get experience and create those powerful professional connections. I also would have enjoyed being apart of the student government at my university to experience the political side of things. I had a couple friends get to visit the capitol and court houses throughout Florida, which is awesome! I was apart of Beta Alpha Psi and I traveled with them to regional competitions, but I would have loved to get the opportunity to go on more.
I hope this helped and it was not too long of a read. If you would like more information I'd be happy to help.
This is such a great question. A lot of the time this question will pop up in conversation and so many answers get provided that it gets overwhelming. I am about to graduate this summer with my undergrad so I can share with you a little about my experiences and see if it helps.
I began at a community college where I received my AA and usually with community colleges students are working full time and/or not interested in campus life. They are on and off the campus with a blink of an eye so it was hard to make connections and professional relationships in that aspect. Then I transferred to a state university to complete my BA degree track. This brought more challenges such as harder course work and pressures to not just pass your courses, but also get A's. For those looking to attend grad school, each "A" mattered. But on the other hand I applied to the honors college, joined a couple orgs, and got involved with the community. My mindset was to make the best of college so I would not have any regrets but that kind of back fired and I became a little stressed and overwhelmed which in turn made me perform poorly in each category.
With all that being said, things I wished I had accomplished sooner (or at all in that matter) was participating in a couple professor's research efforts to get experience and create those powerful professional connections. I also would have enjoyed being apart of the student government at my university to experience the political side of things. I had a couple friends get to visit the capitol and court houses throughout Florida, which is awesome! I was apart of Beta Alpha Psi and I traveled with them to regional competitions, but I would have loved to get the opportunity to go on more.
I hope this helped and it was not too long of a read. If you would like more information I'd be happy to help.
David Greenberger
Student
2
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Rachel,
One of the things that I wish I had accomplished in college is making better connections with my professors. I think a lot of students forget that one of the reasons the price of college is so high is because you are paying to be taught by some of the best people in their fields. I know a lot of people who were able to successfully launch their careers because of the connections they made with their professors. Make sure to go to office hours and develop good relationships with your professors because at the end of the day, their job is to be a resource for you.
One of the things that I wish I had accomplished in college is making better connections with my professors. I think a lot of students forget that one of the reasons the price of college is so high is because you are paying to be taught by some of the best people in their fields. I know a lot of people who were able to successfully launch their careers because of the connections they made with their professors. Make sure to go to office hours and develop good relationships with your professors because at the end of the day, their job is to be a resource for you.
Trevor Royse
Forensic Consulting Intern
2
Answers
Champaign, Illinois
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
I am a recent college graduate so this is coming out rather fresh.
1. Use the resources on campus while you can. Research what your university offers besides the traditional classes for your major. For example, see if they have free classes to learn about different software that may be applicable towards your future. For me, I wish I took some of the free classes about bloomberg terminal, tableau, and other data analytic software. They may also offer some more everyday life oriented classes such as cooking. There are typically a lot of resources that are included in your tuition that are not advertised and require some digging to find, but many of them are well worth it.
2. Meet new people, go out of your comfort zone, and try new things. College is a great time to experiment! After I made my initial friend group in college I passed on a lot of opportunities because my friends did not want to try them or I did not want to try something alone. I finally realized my senior year, a little late, that there will be other people who will be trying new things without their pre-existing friend group as well. They could be your new best friend! Maintain those relationships with your fellow college students but also your professors. You never know who could give you your next opportunity
3. Join a club that is fun. I wish I would have just committed the time to join a club on campus that was for fun. It is a great way to meet new people and relieve some stress. College is a stressful time and a lot of people will be demanding your time and attention, from professional organizations, classes, recruiting, and more, having a set time blocked off to just have some fun with friends can save a lot of stress in the future.
1. Use the resources on campus while you can. Research what your university offers besides the traditional classes for your major. For example, see if they have free classes to learn about different software that may be applicable towards your future. For me, I wish I took some of the free classes about bloomberg terminal, tableau, and other data analytic software. They may also offer some more everyday life oriented classes such as cooking. There are typically a lot of resources that are included in your tuition that are not advertised and require some digging to find, but many of them are well worth it.
2. Meet new people, go out of your comfort zone, and try new things. College is a great time to experiment! After I made my initial friend group in college I passed on a lot of opportunities because my friends did not want to try them or I did not want to try something alone. I finally realized my senior year, a little late, that there will be other people who will be trying new things without their pre-existing friend group as well. They could be your new best friend! Maintain those relationships with your fellow college students but also your professors. You never know who could give you your next opportunity
3. Join a club that is fun. I wish I would have just committed the time to join a club on campus that was for fun. It is a great way to meet new people and relieve some stress. College is a stressful time and a lot of people will be demanding your time and attention, from professional organizations, classes, recruiting, and more, having a set time blocked off to just have some fun with friends can save a lot of stress in the future.
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1792
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I wish I had joined a business society in college and accomplished a few team projects and presentations. It would have helped me put a little bit more meat on my business resume in terms of connections and experience.
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
842
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
For me, my biggest regret in college was not staying the course at one university and getting the degree within the traditional four years. It took me 17 years and five different universities to really find my way to a Bachelor's Degree. I think that if I had more realistic goals for college that I would have made it. It took me all that time to learn that you can get a college degree, any degree, has value. I kept searching for the "right" degree when I didn't know what I really wanted to do. These days, there is really just a sense that you have a college degree in whatever major that will allow you to get a job. Now, some careers actually require a very specific diploma, however it is not actually in as much demand as I thought when I was 18. I did go on to get a Masters degree, but that came to me as a desire to learn more about Instructional Design rather than a need for the diploma.
Nina Ayala
Information Delivery
2
Answers
Kissimmee, Florida
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Hi Rachel,
I think one thing I wish I did in college was study abroad! I have hear so many benefits and life lessons learned from going on a study abroad trip. If it is possible for you to do so, I would strongly consider it. And don't be discouraged by the cost, I know there are plenty of scholarships available!
On a personal level, I wish I spent more time fostering friendships and the relationships I had with individuals on campus. From my professors to my campus minister, I would encourage you to not be too involved in school work that you become burnt out. Time spent with friends and family is equally as important!
Thank you for your question.
I think one thing I wish I did in college was study abroad! I have hear so many benefits and life lessons learned from going on a study abroad trip. If it is possible for you to do so, I would strongly consider it. And don't be discouraged by the cost, I know there are plenty of scholarships available!
On a personal level, I wish I spent more time fostering friendships and the relationships I had with individuals on campus. From my professors to my campus minister, I would encourage you to not be too involved in school work that you become burnt out. Time spent with friends and family is equally as important!
Thank you for your question.
Linda Heuser
Retired professor
35
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Linda’s Answer
I wish I would have become a more civically minded and civically engaged student. In other words, I wish I would have been more actively involved in the community service and volunteerism opportunities made available to us by our university. In this way, I would have appreciated the fact that we must all participate in making this a better world for everyone. What an important realization and accomplishment that would have been.
Alexandra Padilla
Client Service Associate
5
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
Hi Rachel,
This is a great question. From my personal experience, I would say I regret not truly putting myself out there in extracurriculars. Joining clubs, societies, sports, etc. are a great way of meeting people and expanding your network and experiences. College is a great place to expand your horizons and challenge yourself. Definitely make use of all your school's resources and activities, there is always something to gain from them!
This is a great question. From my personal experience, I would say I regret not truly putting myself out there in extracurriculars. Joining clubs, societies, sports, etc. are a great way of meeting people and expanding your network and experiences. College is a great place to expand your horizons and challenge yourself. Definitely make use of all your school's resources and activities, there is always something to gain from them!
Victoria F.
12
Answers
Foster City, California
Updated
Victoria’s Answer
Very good question. I worked while attending school (locally). I wish I would have broadened my horizons by participating in an overseas exchange program. Unfortunately this year will be different for college students. However, I suggest if you are interested and can, a cultural exchange would add to your experience.
Emma Staelens
Strategy Consulting Intern at Strategy&, part of the PwC network
2
Answers
Belgium
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hi Rachel!
Great question. In September, I will be starting my fourth and final year in my college career. I have been heavily involved on campus throughout the past three years. More specifically, I am involved with a broad variety of student organizations as well as the Economics Department of my University. However, I recently realized that the one regret I have is not being more involved with the town and community OUTSIDE of my college campus. Your college campus will be surrounded by other towns, where people (that are not students!) live. Making an effort to become more involved with the neighborhood and families, learning more about them, as well as providing them with the resources and knowledge you have acquired, will make you grow in your college career.
- Emma
Great question. In September, I will be starting my fourth and final year in my college career. I have been heavily involved on campus throughout the past three years. More specifically, I am involved with a broad variety of student organizations as well as the Economics Department of my University. However, I recently realized that the one regret I have is not being more involved with the town and community OUTSIDE of my college campus. Your college campus will be surrounded by other towns, where people (that are not students!) live. Making an effort to become more involved with the neighborhood and families, learning more about them, as well as providing them with the resources and knowledge you have acquired, will make you grow in your college career.
- Emma
Dylan Wintrode
Financial Advising
6
Answers
Toms River, New Jersey
Updated
Dylan’s Answer
Hello Rachel,
What I wished I accomplished in college was meeting as many people as I could and creating long lasting relationships with people. Although I have a great group of friends from college I cannot help but feel like there was more incredibly interesting people at Boston University. There were so many clubs I found myself wishing I joined but before it was too late it was second semester senior year. So my recommendation is meet as many people as you can and join as many clubs as you can.
What I wished I accomplished in college was meeting as many people as I could and creating long lasting relationships with people. Although I have a great group of friends from college I cannot help but feel like there was more incredibly interesting people at Boston University. There were so many clubs I found myself wishing I joined but before it was too late it was second semester senior year. So my recommendation is meet as many people as you can and join as many clubs as you can.