3 answers
Evangelina
Student
Spring, Texas
1
Question
Asked
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What habits helped prepare you for college and made you successful later on in your career?
I am a senior in high school and am a first-generation student from a large family. I grew up learning about responsibility and discipline, but I know college will be a bigger challenge with various adjustments. I want to come in prepared and take these habits to my future career. I plan to major in accounting and minor in finance, so I can build a stable future and support my family.
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3 answers
Shaina S
Consultant
7
Answers
Moga, Punjab, India
Updated
Shaina’s Answer
hey, i'm first-gen too so i really feel this question
the habits that actually made a difference:
1. time blocking is everything - get a planner or google calendar and block out study time like it's a class. in college nobody's checking if you're doing the work, and accounting/finance courses pile up FAST. treat school like a 9-5 job - go to campus in the morning, leave in the evening. it'll prep you for actual work life too
2. learn to ask for help early - this was hard for me because you grow up figuring everything out yourself, but use every resource. office hours, tutoring, career center, financial aid office. these people literally exist to help you. don't wait until you're drowning
3. network from day one even though it feels weird - join the accounting society, go to firm recruiting events even as a freshman, talk to professors after class. first-gen students don't always realize that so much of career success is about who you know. your classmates today are your professional network in 5 years
4. get REALLY good at excel - youtube it, practice on your own time. every accounting job needs this and it'll make you stand out in internship interviews
5. internships > perfect grades - a 3.4 GPA with solid internship experience will get you further than a 4.0 with nothing. start looking sophomore year, not senior year
6. take care of yourself - you can't support your family if you burn out. sleep, eat real food, move your body. the guilt about "wasting time" on self-care is real but ignore it
7. embrace being first-gen in interviews - don't hide it. companies actually value that perspective and work ethic. your story of discipline and responsibility IS your differentiator
real talk - the transition is hard. you'll feel behind sometimes because other kids just know things about how college/corporate world works that nobody told you. that's normal. you're not behind, you're just learning a different way. and honestly that resourcefulness becomes your superpower later
what's your biggest worry about the transition?
the habits that actually made a difference:
1. time blocking is everything - get a planner or google calendar and block out study time like it's a class. in college nobody's checking if you're doing the work, and accounting/finance courses pile up FAST. treat school like a 9-5 job - go to campus in the morning, leave in the evening. it'll prep you for actual work life too
2. learn to ask for help early - this was hard for me because you grow up figuring everything out yourself, but use every resource. office hours, tutoring, career center, financial aid office. these people literally exist to help you. don't wait until you're drowning
3. network from day one even though it feels weird - join the accounting society, go to firm recruiting events even as a freshman, talk to professors after class. first-gen students don't always realize that so much of career success is about who you know. your classmates today are your professional network in 5 years
4. get REALLY good at excel - youtube it, practice on your own time. every accounting job needs this and it'll make you stand out in internship interviews
5. internships > perfect grades - a 3.4 GPA with solid internship experience will get you further than a 4.0 with nothing. start looking sophomore year, not senior year
6. take care of yourself - you can't support your family if you burn out. sleep, eat real food, move your body. the guilt about "wasting time" on self-care is real but ignore it
7. embrace being first-gen in interviews - don't hide it. companies actually value that perspective and work ethic. your story of discipline and responsibility IS your differentiator
real talk - the transition is hard. you'll feel behind sometimes because other kids just know things about how college/corporate world works that nobody told you. that's normal. you're not behind, you're just learning a different way. and honestly that resourcefulness becomes your superpower later
what's your biggest worry about the transition?
Thank you, Shaina!
Evangelina
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
29
Answers
Boynton Beach, Florida
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Evangelina,
I was first one in college as well - just take it one day at a time...
Great answers all...one more thing...make sure to include learning, using and becoming very familiar and comfortable with AI....you will not be able to function without it.
Good luck
I was first one in college as well - just take it one day at a time...
Great answers all...one more thing...make sure to include learning, using and becoming very familiar and comfortable with AI....you will not be able to function without it.
Good luck
Thanks for your encouragement!
Evangelina
Dwight Thomas
Consultant
38
Answers
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Evangelina,
I hope all is well! This is a great question! The habits that help most with success in college and later in your career usually come down to consistency and discipline. Staying organized, managing your time well, and keeping up with work instead of falling behind makes a huge difference over time. It is also important to take initiative such as getting involved, asking questions, and seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Another key habit is focusing on continuous improvement. That means learning from mistakes, asking questions for feedback, and always looking for ways to get better whether it is in school or work. Building strong relationships and maintaining a good work ethic also go a long way, since success in your career often comes from both your skills and how you work with others.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a great question! The habits that help most with success in college and later in your career usually come down to consistency and discipline. Staying organized, managing your time well, and keeping up with work instead of falling behind makes a huge difference over time. It is also important to take initiative such as getting involved, asking questions, and seeking out opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Another key habit is focusing on continuous improvement. That means learning from mistakes, asking questions for feedback, and always looking for ways to get better whether it is in school or work. Building strong relationships and maintaining a good work ethic also go a long way, since success in your career often comes from both your skills and how you work with others.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out with any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Thank you!
Evangelina