8 answers
Isaiah
Student
Ontario
8
Questions
Asked
1543 views
What can I do as an undergraduate that will help me greatly in the future?
I think the question we can all relate to is: What can I do as an undergraduate to help with my future endeavors? I say future endeavors, just because it's more of a generality and applies to a wide variety of future goals or tasks. Subjects ranging from scholarships, resumes, long term professional career paths, etc.
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8 answers
Sylvia Roxana Cornejo Parraga
Leadership coach
3
Answers
Tuckahoe, New York
Updated
Sylvia Roxana’s Answer
I love that you're thinking about your future and how to build a solid foundation in the present. No matter what you choose to do, focusing on cultivating self-awareness (understanding who you are, what you care about, etc), a healthy lifestyle, and leadership skills to lead yourself and others with empathy, kindness and curiosity will always make a difference. Break down big goals in smaller, manageable parts. Believe in yourself and remember that we often need persevere to accomplish what we want. Rejection or failure always bring an opportunity to learn if you're willing to look at them constructively. They are not a reflection of your worth but often a combination of circumstances, timing, etc.
Great question! Thanks for asking it
Great question! Thanks for asking it
Jerry Bires
career coach
71
Answers
Carbondale, Illinois
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Isaiah,
First, there are going to be many fine answers here for you to review and I hope to not offer repetitive advice. Truly, you are experiencing what I, the other folks who answered you, and about 50 million others on planet Earth also have gone through at your age in their lives. And your "search" may last decades, if I offer my own path as an example.
I'm currently in my seventies. When I was 43, an employer looked at my resume and said my career progression didn't make sense to him because it appeared I had worked multiple, and seemingly unrelated, jobs. In truth, he was right. I'd moved from Ohio to Los Angeles to the SF Bay area, which meant new employers at each stop. My interests and skills/abilities had changed, not only my geographic location. Truly, only I could link together why the shifts in employment had been made. Bottom line, he hired me in 2003 and I worked for him as an employee and then a contractor for 15 years.
So how does this relate to you?
First, 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.
First, there are going to be many fine answers here for you to review and I hope to not offer repetitive advice. Truly, you are experiencing what I, the other folks who answered you, and about 50 million others on planet Earth also have gone through at your age in their lives. And your "search" may last decades, if I offer my own path as an example.
I'm currently in my seventies. When I was 43, an employer looked at my resume and said my career progression didn't make sense to him because it appeared I had worked multiple, and seemingly unrelated, jobs. In truth, he was right. I'd moved from Ohio to Los Angeles to the SF Bay area, which meant new employers at each stop. My interests and skills/abilities had changed, not only my geographic location. Truly, only I could link together why the shifts in employment had been made. Bottom line, he hired me in 2003 and I worked for him as an employee and then a contractor for 15 years.
So how does this relate to you?
First, 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 so much Jerry! Great advice, and will definitely start putting your word to good use!
Isaiah
Sam Praveen Kumar P R
GSOC Analyst
1
Answer
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Sam Praveen Kumar’s Answer
Pursue activities that align with what you love and what you're good at. This will keep you motivated and help you make a real difference. It's more rewarding to follow your passions than to just think about future jobs.
Tips for a strong resume:
Excel Academically: Aim for a high GPA; showcase honors and projects.
Gain Experience: Intern, volunteer, or build projects matching interests.
Build Resume: Customize with quantified impacts, skills, and leadership.
Network: Attend fairs, interview pros, and join clubs. (optional)
Apply Scholarships: Tailor essays to goals; meet deadlines. (optional)
Plan Career: Set SMART goals; learn in-demand skills.
Develop Skills: Pursue training fueled by passion.
Tips for a strong resume:
Excel Academically: Aim for a high GPA; showcase honors and projects.
Gain Experience: Intern, volunteer, or build projects matching interests.
Build Resume: Customize with quantified impacts, skills, and leadership.
Network: Attend fairs, interview pros, and join clubs. (optional)
Apply Scholarships: Tailor essays to goals; meet deadlines. (optional)
Plan Career: Set SMART goals; learn in-demand skills.
Develop Skills: Pursue training fueled by passion.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Isaiah
Margherita Pieretti
Technology consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margherita’s Answer
You don’t need to have your whole life figured out as an undergrad, but a few focused actions will give you massive long‑term leverage, no matter your career path.
1. Build practical experience (internships, projects, part‑time work)
It gives you: Resume credibility, Stories for interviews, Early exposure to what you like (and don’t like)
2. Develop relationships and a strong network: talk to professors, alumni, mentors, and peers.
Most future opportunities will come from people, not job boards.
3. Learn how to communicate clearly: Strong writing and speaking make you stand out in any field, this is one of the highest‑ROI skills you can build early.
4. Build a portfolio of meaningful work
These can be: Class projects, Research, Coding work, Case competitions, Design portfolios, Anything that proves your skills
5. Take advantage of campus opportunities
Universities are full of free resources: Leadership roles in clubs, Study abroad, Research assistantships, Access to experts, Workshops and competitions
6. Explore broadly before narrowing down: Take classes outside your major, try new fields.
1. Build practical experience (internships, projects, part‑time work)
It gives you: Resume credibility, Stories for interviews, Early exposure to what you like (and don’t like)
2. Develop relationships and a strong network: talk to professors, alumni, mentors, and peers.
Most future opportunities will come from people, not job boards.
3. Learn how to communicate clearly: Strong writing and speaking make you stand out in any field, this is one of the highest‑ROI skills you can build early.
4. Build a portfolio of meaningful work
These can be: Class projects, Research, Coding work, Case competitions, Design portfolios, Anything that proves your skills
5. Take advantage of campus opportunities
Universities are full of free resources: Leadership roles in clubs, Study abroad, Research assistantships, Access to experts, Workshops and competitions
6. Explore broadly before narrowing down: Take classes outside your major, try new fields.
Marisa Cinelli
HR Manager
12
Answers
Oldsmar, Florida
Updated
Marisa’s Answer
As an undergraduate, there are several important steps you can take for future success. Focus on your studies and ask for help when needed to build a strong academic base. Join clubs or activities related to your field to learn leadership and teamwork skills. Consider internships or part-time jobs to gain real-world experience and expand your professional network. Connect with professors and professionals through mentorship or networking events. Practice good time management and study habits to handle your tasks well. Improve soft skills like problem-solving and communication, as these are valuable in any job. Stay curious and learn outside the classroom through online courses, workshops, or volunteering to expand your knowledge and experience.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
833
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Now is a great time to build your network of connections. Join clubs and study groups and get to know people. Connect with your professors and make sure they know who you are; might need a reference one day.
Other than that, focus on your grades and any extracurriculars, you can get involved with. All of those things will become resumable.
Other than that, focus on your grades and any extracurriculars, you can get involved with. All of those things will become resumable.
Thank you, Jerome!
Isaiah
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
230
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Right now, go signed up for as many dual credit classes you can while still in high school. You will save loads of time and money by getting college credit now while still in high school. Also take as many CLEP tests for credit when you enter college to complete more general studies credits. As for what to study, ask yourself this. who do you know, where do you want to live and what kind of work environment you like? Answer those questions first.
Already ahead of you TRAVIS. I'm enrolled in two other colleges courses for spring, summer, and fall! I will look into CLEP tests, as I'm not familiar with them. Thank you!
Isaiah
Smart move on taking college courses now. CLEP tests are almost like a cheat code for college. For alot of the tests you only need to score 50% to get college credit for the course. Costs around $100 usually. You can likely complete up to 12-15 credits that way. Be sure to double check with whatever college to attend to confirm they accept CLEP tests credits. Most do. Good luck, you will do well.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Thanks! Checking now. Im enrolled at Chaffey College, so I'm looking at their sight right now.
Isaiah
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1207
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Isaiah,
I can see you're already thinking like someone who wants to own their future, not merely float into it, because this is a wise, broad question. In reality, earning good grades isn't the only goal of undergrad; you also need to develop career power early on so that your alternatives grow over time rather than feeling restricted later.
First, make a conscious effort to develop your skills in addition to your studies. Long-term, transferable talents are more important than grades. Every industry uses time management, teamwork, data literacy, writing, communication, and research. Look for courses, assignments, or certifications that provide you with observable results, such as papers, presentations, portfolios, or case studies you can refer to at a later time. Rather than focusing only on "what I completed," ask yourself, "What can I show?"
Second, begin gaining experience before it seems necessary. Research assistant positions, university employment, volunteer work, internships, and leadership positions in student organizations all qualify. Momentum is more important than perfection. Proven curiosity, perseverance, and growth are considerably more important to employers and graduate programs than having everything figured out. Even minor jobs help you establish trust and make it clear what you don't want, both of which are equally important.
Third, regard connections as long-term assets. Later on, classmates, professors, advisors, and supervisors serve as your reality-check companions, referral sources, and recommendation writers. Attend office hours, ask intelligent questions, and follow up on completed tasks. You only need to be involved and dependable; transactional "networking" is not necessary. Subtly, reputation is built by consistency, and reputation opens doors.
Fourth, think strategically about resume positioning and scholarships. Apply for scholarships each year, not just when you're a freshman; many go unclaimed because students stop trying. Highlight the effect on your CV by including data, results, leadership, and initiative. You're accumulating proof of your hard work and development over time rather than waiting until your final year to become impressive.
Lastly, have a flexible but long-term perspective. Right now, a well-defined career path is not necessary. Optionality, the knowledge, expertise, and relationships that let you change course without fear, is what counts. Evaluate yourself every year: What got me going? Why was I exhausted? What do I get better at? Self-awareness is a powerful skill for a profession.
By the time you graduate, you won't just be wondering, "What's next?" If you follow these steps consistently, you'll have several good answers.
Best wishes!
I can see you're already thinking like someone who wants to own their future, not merely float into it, because this is a wise, broad question. In reality, earning good grades isn't the only goal of undergrad; you also need to develop career power early on so that your alternatives grow over time rather than feeling restricted later.
First, make a conscious effort to develop your skills in addition to your studies. Long-term, transferable talents are more important than grades. Every industry uses time management, teamwork, data literacy, writing, communication, and research. Look for courses, assignments, or certifications that provide you with observable results, such as papers, presentations, portfolios, or case studies you can refer to at a later time. Rather than focusing only on "what I completed," ask yourself, "What can I show?"
Second, begin gaining experience before it seems necessary. Research assistant positions, university employment, volunteer work, internships, and leadership positions in student organizations all qualify. Momentum is more important than perfection. Proven curiosity, perseverance, and growth are considerably more important to employers and graduate programs than having everything figured out. Even minor jobs help you establish trust and make it clear what you don't want, both of which are equally important.
Third, regard connections as long-term assets. Later on, classmates, professors, advisors, and supervisors serve as your reality-check companions, referral sources, and recommendation writers. Attend office hours, ask intelligent questions, and follow up on completed tasks. You only need to be involved and dependable; transactional "networking" is not necessary. Subtly, reputation is built by consistency, and reputation opens doors.
Fourth, think strategically about resume positioning and scholarships. Apply for scholarships each year, not just when you're a freshman; many go unclaimed because students stop trying. Highlight the effect on your CV by including data, results, leadership, and initiative. You're accumulating proof of your hard work and development over time rather than waiting until your final year to become impressive.
Lastly, have a flexible but long-term perspective. Right now, a well-defined career path is not necessary. Optionality, the knowledge, expertise, and relationships that let you change course without fear, is what counts. Evaluate yourself every year: What got me going? Why was I exhausted? What do I get better at? Self-awareness is a powerful skill for a profession.
By the time you graduate, you won't just be wondering, "What's next?" If you follow these steps consistently, you'll have several good answers.
Best wishes!
I genuinely appreciate all this! I don't understand how you take the time to write 7 paragraphs. Thanks so much.
Isaiah
Thank you, Isaiah! I’m really glad it helped. Your questions are thoughtful and worth the time. Wishing you clarity and confidence as you move forward.
Chinyere Okafor