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What is the one piece of advice you would give your past self before graduating with a bachelor's degree?
As an upcoming junior in college, time is moving fast! And with that, so is post-grad. When it comes to entering the next chapter of your life, I'm curious as to what people wish they could do over, or perhaps do more of. This could be along the lines of navigating the job search, making use of your alumni network, finding a better balance between academics and leisure, etc. #Spring25
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Doug’s Answer
Hi Hanna.
Good question! I have two thoughts:
Take easier courses – I went to a college with high academic standards and I found it challenging. I took entry-level courses in a wide range of subject areas which was a good decision – sampling a variety of academic areas is a big benefit of college. However, I sometimes continued in one or two advanced courses in areas unrelated to my major (philosophy, political science, history) and I struggled in these classes. I absorbed less than in the introductory courses and my grades suffered. After college, applying for my first job, I discovered that employers have little to evaluate the candidate on other than GPA. All other things being equal, having a high GPA helps when you’re applying for your first career job.
Get involved in a school club, interest group, campus volunteer organization – while working with others on projects or initiatives you’ll develop practical communication and organization skills which will help in your career. You’ll also build long-term relationships. And if the club or group is related to your major or one of your passions, you’ll be building the start of a network of people with similar interests and commitments which will be valuable as you pursue a career. Don’t overdo it, one or maybe two groups is enough and each requires a time commitment.
I hope this helps.
Good question! I have two thoughts:
Take easier courses – I went to a college with high academic standards and I found it challenging. I took entry-level courses in a wide range of subject areas which was a good decision – sampling a variety of academic areas is a big benefit of college. However, I sometimes continued in one or two advanced courses in areas unrelated to my major (philosophy, political science, history) and I struggled in these classes. I absorbed less than in the introductory courses and my grades suffered. After college, applying for my first job, I discovered that employers have little to evaluate the candidate on other than GPA. All other things being equal, having a high GPA helps when you’re applying for your first career job.
Get involved in a school club, interest group, campus volunteer organization – while working with others on projects or initiatives you’ll develop practical communication and organization skills which will help in your career. You’ll also build long-term relationships. And if the club or group is related to your major or one of your passions, you’ll be building the start of a network of people with similar interests and commitments which will be valuable as you pursue a career. Don’t overdo it, one or maybe two groups is enough and each requires a time commitment.
I hope this helps.
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
I am overall pretty happy with the choices I made for my undergrad and graduate studies. I wish I had had all the information available that we can access on the internet these days. But maybe I would not have been able to decide on anything anyway.
What I did not know to do at the time, or was too shy to do, was to talk more to my professors and older students, do meaningful internships and make important connections.
I hope this helps!
KP
I am overall pretty happy with the choices I made for my undergrad and graduate studies. I wish I had had all the information available that we can access on the internet these days. But maybe I would not have been able to decide on anything anyway.
What I did not know to do at the time, or was too shy to do, was to talk more to my professors and older students, do meaningful internships and make important connections.
I hope this helps!
KP