If you had another chance, what would you change?

Kyle,

Universities are incredible resources for academic learning, but equally for personal and professional growth. I think the bulk of people who feel like they "missed out" in college, say that they did not take advantage of all the social opportunities, networking opportunities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. I personally wish I would have made more of an effort to go to the free talks on campus, joined more groups or participated in more activities. It is easy to get very focused on grades and learning, which in my opinion is only half of what the college experience offers. The best employees I see are those who are well rounded. Not just smart, or just hard working or good at networking. In college you have the chance to grow a network, learn new ideas from new people, and become well rounded outside of the classroom.

As this is not a U.S. specific question, I feel entitled to reply too.

I think you know, you can't go back in time and if you could, the next question would be, how far would you go back in order to start over? Always assuming, you could take all your knowledge and experience with you.

If you don't want to feel sorrow to have chosen the wrong path in the future, then you should consider two things.

1. I see so many people, being almost 40 years old, being unhappy with their profession and recognizing, they did what their parents expected them to do.

2. When choosing my own 'calling' it was helpful to imagine I'm a billionaire who already visited all the interesting places in the world. After having a long sleep and being served breakfast by my butler on my motor yacht, what would I do with the rest of the day? One of my answers was 'Make computers talk to each other.'

Now I'm 50 years old and I still like doing what I do. I'd do it, even if I wouldn't get payed! But: I' like doing what I do. As I like what I do, I'm doing it good. As I'm doing it good, I get paid. Lo and behold! Two problems solved. :-) First, make sure I like what I do, second make a living.

Greetings from Germany.

I would have more balance throughout my life. I went to college on a scholarship and was so scared of losing it that mainly just studied to get As. However, I feel I missed out on other college experiences: fraternities, parties. networking in general. College and life in general is about more than accomplishing goals, it is about the joy you find just spending time with fiends and family. Remember that, try to find a balance between working hard and having fun.

Hi, Kyle,

That is a tremendous question. When I look back at my college experience, there are a number of things I would have changed. They all boil down to this: I wish I would have chosen a major based on what career I ultimately wanted to pursue. I was very pragmatic when I selected my major in terms of pursuing a field with a good chance of post graduate employment and solid compensation prospects. I didn't do a very good job of gauging how interested I would be in that discipline for the long term, though. Recently, a friend recommended I check out a career guide he had stumbled across. I really wish I had read it before I went to college. I linked it below. It's lengthy, but absolutely worth the read. It takes a very unique perspective on a variety of topics. I'm confident you will find it interesting and rewarding.

I hope it helps. Good luck!