4 answers
John
Student
Boulder, Colorado
1
Question
Updated
151 views
What would be the ideal steps to ensuring a successful transition into the workforce, from college freshman to graduate?
What actionable steps would you say someone in college should take to be in their best professional position after graduating?
Login to comment
4 answers
C Venkat
39
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
C’s Answer
Hi John, Great question!
1. In your freshman year, focus on getting a good handle on your coursework, your schedule and assignments to ensure that you are keeping pace at college & not falling behind. This is especially important when you are a freshman and have the freedom to party and socialize. Socializing is not a bad thing at all, as long as you have a good schedule and balance thatw ith school work.
2. Next, find 1-2 clubs or extracurricular activities that you are passionate about and join them. Here, it is quality over quantity. What I mean is that though you can join several clubs, you will only be able to justice to a few of them. So pick the ones that you enjoy or have an interest in. This is also the time to try something new that you didn't have the opportunity to in High School. E.g. If you like Theatre or Performing Arts, joining a club that focuses on that is a good way to explore your interests.
Colleges easily see through commitment Vs someone who is just superficially involved.
I also recommend joining clubs focused on community volunteering. It'a a great way to help others.
3. During summer & winter breaks, look for internships or jobs & apply early (many popular internships are filled as early as September for the following summer, so knowing these deadlines is important)
4. Once you enter your junior year, you should focus your internships related to your major or career. E.g. if you are a Computer Science major, you should look for software internships in the area that you want to specialize in. This does 2 things - First, it gives you valuable work experience that will be use when you start you job after college. Secondly, it shows your future employers that you are passionate about that field.
5. Fine tune your communication skills. You are going to be an independent adult in the workforce, so how you communicate (written and verbal) matters. Practice by talking to your peers and mentors and ask them for feedback. This is one area that anyone can improve on.
6. Time management is extremely important. Use a calendar with reminders to ensure that you are staying on top of your schedule.
7. Get into a healthy routine - getting enough sleep, eating healthy and doing physical activity to stay fit.
8. Have a support system - this could be peers, mentors, professors, family and friends. Lean on them when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
9. Make new friends. They say that the friends you make in college stay with you for life. So choose your friends wisely.
While it is great that you are thinking beyond college, remember that college is one of the best times of a person's life. So be sure to enjoy the journey by making the most of your time in college - with the right balance of fun and education!
Good luck!
1. In your freshman year, focus on getting a good handle on your coursework, your schedule and assignments to ensure that you are keeping pace at college & not falling behind. This is especially important when you are a freshman and have the freedom to party and socialize. Socializing is not a bad thing at all, as long as you have a good schedule and balance thatw ith school work.
2. Next, find 1-2 clubs or extracurricular activities that you are passionate about and join them. Here, it is quality over quantity. What I mean is that though you can join several clubs, you will only be able to justice to a few of them. So pick the ones that you enjoy or have an interest in. This is also the time to try something new that you didn't have the opportunity to in High School. E.g. If you like Theatre or Performing Arts, joining a club that focuses on that is a good way to explore your interests.
Colleges easily see through commitment Vs someone who is just superficially involved.
I also recommend joining clubs focused on community volunteering. It'a a great way to help others.
3. During summer & winter breaks, look for internships or jobs & apply early (many popular internships are filled as early as September for the following summer, so knowing these deadlines is important)
4. Once you enter your junior year, you should focus your internships related to your major or career. E.g. if you are a Computer Science major, you should look for software internships in the area that you want to specialize in. This does 2 things - First, it gives you valuable work experience that will be use when you start you job after college. Secondly, it shows your future employers that you are passionate about that field.
5. Fine tune your communication skills. You are going to be an independent adult in the workforce, so how you communicate (written and verbal) matters. Practice by talking to your peers and mentors and ask them for feedback. This is one area that anyone can improve on.
6. Time management is extremely important. Use a calendar with reminders to ensure that you are staying on top of your schedule.
7. Get into a healthy routine - getting enough sleep, eating healthy and doing physical activity to stay fit.
8. Have a support system - this could be peers, mentors, professors, family and friends. Lean on them when you feel stressed or overwhelmed.
9. Make new friends. They say that the friends you make in college stay with you for life. So choose your friends wisely.
While it is great that you are thinking beyond college, remember that college is one of the best times of a person's life. So be sure to enjoy the journey by making the most of your time in college - with the right balance of fun and education!
Good luck!
Eliana Yañez Infante, CPA
audit
3
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Eliana’s Answer
I’d say make sure to get internship experience and have a part-time job. If those things aren’t possible, try joining different clubs or taking on leadership positions that will help you stand out from the rest.
TRAVIS UPCHURCH
Federal Contract Admin
305
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
internships, clep testing (saves you a lot of money and time) and keep a part time job while in school.
Justin Nguyen
Delivery Management Engineer
2
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Keep up with your schoolwork and try not to delay applying for internships, jobs, and extracurricular activities. Create a strong resume early in college. Make sure to leave a positive impression on everyone you meet.