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What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting college that would have helped you a lot?

I am a 17 year old graduating high school senior, and I would like to prepare for college as best as I can. #collegelife #senior #classof2025.

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Adrian’s Answer

One thing I would say that I would do again is being intentional about the major I choose. It's important to know your "why" and going from there. If you are wanting to use your degree to get a job to support you financially, do you research and make sure it makes sense for the Life style that you inspire to have. I would also say shoot for internships, apprenticeships, or co-ops. These allow you to get hands on experience and even transition full time. You got this!
Thank you comment icon Thank you, Adrian for the advice. Caleb
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Mark’s Answer

Explore what you love to do. Do the exercises in What Color is your parachute. Take some aptitude tests as people usually like better what they are good at. Then make sure you visit the school of your choice.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing your perspective. Caleb
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Jerry’s Answer

Caleb,

We're living in rapidly changing times. Our weather, technology and our ability to work globally are in flux and evolving. E.g., who knows where artificial intelligence is headed and how will it affect your future work opportunities? One thing will remain consistent and valuable. Your ability to communicate effectively. And what can assist you in communicating more easily and therefore become even more employable? Language. Make an effort to learn to speak, write and read a second language. Or two. Your worth will increase dramatically. Get a college degree or higher in courses to which your interests gravitate. Determine how well you perform activities about which you are passionate. Because if you are not good to great at something, why should someone hire you to perform that function?
Conduct this Google search: what professions will be in demand in ten years

Then substitute another/related job title or profession to see if that provides a different or expanded list. The results, because of our changing world, may or may not be entirely on target but you'll get an idea. AND you may find out that a certain country may be where that opportunity is most likely to be...hence, my advice about learning multiple languages.

Be sure to go to LinkedIn and search by job title for individuals who now or previously held the job title in which you’re interested. Their profiles should contain valuable information about their duties, work history, career progression, associations/organizations of value to research and more.

Good fortune to you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much! Caleb
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Julia’s Answer

Hi Caleb - this is a very good question!

I wish I knew that I can search and find all kinds of scholarships to cover my entire 4-year college experience while I was still in high school. You don't even need to wait till senior year. You can start searching the internet for scholarships and applying for them from now. Trust me, you will never have as much time as you do now. So might as well use the time you have now to help your future self out! I had a friend that really worked hard at this from high school, and she graduated college completely debt-free.

Another thing I wish I knew before college is the different opportunities out there. I entered college without a single idea of what I wanted to do and it took me a long time to find something I enjoyed. I wish I spent time exploring careers before I started college. I encourage you to to internships, shadowing, research, or even ask ChatGPT about "A day in the life of [profession]" and see if that sounds like something you would enjoy.
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Ce’s Answer

Hi Caleb, I want to share some tips to help you avoid extra stress in college.

1) Managing your time is more important than being super smart. Try using a calendar now to plan your weekly tasks. In college, no one will remind you about homework deadlines.

2) Learn "active learning" and use mind maps to organize what you know from high school. This will help a lot when you have lots of handouts to deal with.

3) Get good at basic life skills, like figuring out your monthly phone bill. These small skills will help you feel more in control in your new surroundings.
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Omika’s Answer

Let's dive into our future career dreams and do some research to learn what skills we need. This will help us pick the right college major and save time by not having to choose later. Plus, it gives us a head start on our career journey! Stay updated by reading articles about the latest trends in your chosen field. There are plenty of blogs and TED Talks online that can be super helpful. Improving communication skills, both written and spoken, is also important. You can practice by forming small groups in class, picking topics, and discussing them. Ask someone to watch and give feedback to help you get even better. Keep going, and you'll be well on your way to success!
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Andrea’s Answer

I wish I knew that what I chose to study in college wasn't necessarily the career I was going to end up in. Fortunately, I did take a lot of classes in college on a wide range of subjects, choosing many because I heard through word of mouth that the professors and classes were great (which they were). Yes, with the high cost of college, being career-focused is important, but be sure to use this opportunity to try out and sample different areas. You also might discover something unexpected that you love in the process. :-)
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