281 answers
252
Updated 10410 views

If you could redo college, what would you do differently?

#college #college-major #college-admissions #college-advice ##college #college-bound #college-recruiting #colleges #university #user-experience #nursing #teaching #education #psychology #computer-science #science #stem #engineering #accounting #business #college-counseling #lawyer #registered-nurses #doctor #real-estate #technology ##college #higher-education

business engineering nursing psychology technology college-major science computer-science college-advice lawyer university college-admissions registered-nurses higher-education stem college-bound colleges real-estate college-recruiting user-experience college-counseling
Thank you comment icon I would have made more effort to create a stronger personal relationship with my professors. I should have pushed myself outside my comfort zone to approach them after class and ask more questions to really benefit from the knowledge they have. Katie Petruzziello
Thank you comment icon One thing I would likely have done differently is to try more things I'm not great at.... in college I knew I had a knack for certain courses or activities and I dove deeper into those, but college is the time to try something new and maybe be surprised by something :) Katherine Clair-Kulkarni
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
252

281 answers

24
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Edmond’s Answer

Two things: (1) I would have tried to convince one of my professors to be my mentor; (2) team up with other students for study and homework. It's OK to study on your own but find one or two other students who are better than you are in a given subject and do some of the harder homework together. In that setting where we explain the topic verbally, the brain functions much better.
Thank you comment icon I agree with the study group comment! I did this only in the very last year of my university career and it made the struggles of nursing school much easier to bear and enhanced my academic record as well. Katherine Deutsch
24
19
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Marina’s Answer

Mireia,

Personally, I would be more focused, waste less time and get more sleep. Sometimes in college you become overwhelmed with new found freedom and experiences, that it's easy for your studies to become less of a priority. It's good to be mindful of that and keep a schedule of the work you need to accomplish and stick to it.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Kendra
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your advice! Mireia
Thank you comment icon You're welcome. Best of luck! Marina Castro
Thank you comment icon STUDY ABROAD!!! Kristen (Field) Manfield
19
10
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kim’s Answer

Well, honestly, I would have enjoyed life more. You have your whole life ahead of you to be saddled with adult responsibilities. I would have gone out more, explored new and different things, and taken the time to be a kid. I was a nerdy, goody two-shoes who never got in trouble. While I do NOT advocate doing anything illegal that will potentially jeopardize your entire future life and career, it is important to learn how to socialize and relax. In fact, socializing is actually a required skill for successful networking and career-advancement. Everything in moderation!

Kim
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your insight! Mireia
Thank you comment icon I couldn't agree more with you Kim. College is the time to not only discover yourself , but make everlasting memories. You have put across the answer beautifully. Kudos. Priyanka Agrawal
Thank you comment icon Though i agree with your answer, sometimes i feel like i should have utilised it a bit for efficiently. I've spent like 80% of the time making memories and 20% to actually study. Looking back, I feel that i could've probably pushed the needle a little towards studies as well. Not that I'm not happy with where i am but just a thought. Surendra Kanala
Thank you comment icon Agree!! Take it seriously and get the work done, but this is a time in life where you aren't saddled with too much real life, so enjoy it --- wisely!! Tony Frank
Thank you comment icon Part of me regrets not exploring the area outside of my college campus, it's easy to get sucked into the college bubble- it's all about finding a balance of having the undergrad experience but still making the most out of where you are studying. Sandra Tichy
10
9
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kaelynn E.’s Answer

My biggest regret from college is not looking into a study abroad program. Projects, homework, taking classes, all of that will continue throughout your career, but traveling is something that will continually give you new perspectives. When you get out into the "real world" you will find your time is much more limited (if you thought that was even possible), so try to make the most of your entire college experience in the most rewarding ways possible.
9
7
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Matthew’s Answer

I would have built a broader network. Nowhere else do you have such easy access to people with such different backgrounds, interests and aspirations. One thing I have learned after college is that you have no idea how a relationship or interaction in the past will generate an opportunity in the future. Your life experiences will be more meaningful if you are open to expanding your network and the journey will be infinitely more exciting.
Thank you comment icon I agree, Matt! Always try to befriend as many people as possible to learn from them and be a helping hand - you never know how you can help each other in the future! Sandra Tichy
7
6
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Christina’s Answer

I would have gotten more involved in the school itself- student government, clubs, etc. This would have given me a more well -rounded experience and an opportunity to meet different people. I went to school with a lot of my friends and we had a great time, but meeting other people would have given me an opportunity to get different perspectives. In addition, I would also have connected with more of my professors to gain some professional mentorship. liveandlearn

6
5
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Amanda’s Answer

I would have taken part in more activities and used all the services that were offered. I was too focused on just the work. I think I missed out on a lot.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing! Mireia
5
4
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jenna’s Answer

I would have focused harder on my language classes, I would have studied abroad during the semester, and I would have been more involved- I wish I had participated in more events, organizations or volunteer activities. I really value the friendships I created in college- I would have worked harder to cultivate more of them.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your insight! Mireia
4
3
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Eugene’s Answer

As you progress through your career, we tend to focus on getting jobs done and working to achieve stretch goals. Time to dedicate to Learning becomes harder, so firstly, I would appreciate the time at college.

Secondly, sometimes we are too hard on ourselves on trying to achieve a grade. You only have a certain amount of energy, so be clear on your outcomes ie. Grade can be necessary vs I'm just here to build a skill.

Thirdly, I would not focus on studying something to get the big $$$. This doesnt mean to ignore it but don't forget to feed the soul and explore different subjects. Experiment don't be afraid to fail.

Colleague is great to develop your thinking and build relationships. It takes practice. I wish I had better habits. Read more, write more papers without trying to make it perfect. Journalling is another great too to create clarity of thought. These give you great foundations to build upon and then you spend most of your energy growing, instead of trying to catch up :)

Eugene recommends the following next steps:

journalling
3
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sandi’s Answer

I would do a few things differently, but most importantly:
1. Study a subject that provides me a hard skill and do supplemental read for the soft skills!
2. Read more books on how to apply the skills I learned in class.
3. Develop organizational habits that will help substantially as I begin my career.

* I wish someone had told me #1!
Thank you comment icon Agree! I wish I took more college classes where I would apply them to my career and every day life. I understand how colleges require you to take certain courses before you graduate, but I found a couple of them pointless. I wish some college programs offered more flexibility (or at least the college that I went to). Sandra Tichy
2
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lauren’s Answer

What a good question! I loved my experience but I think I would have made an effort to study abroad. I love to travel now, but I think the experience of living somewhere totally different for a while would have been incredibly valuable. I also would have studied a language more seriously (I took one semester of Spanish).
2
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jasanpreet Kaur’s Answer

Two things:

1. Completion of SHRM and SAP HR certification. This was told to us while we were in the final year but at that time the relevance of these certification was not known to me.
2. Now after having 5+ years I feel like I must have written some papers to publish with the help of professor. I am certain, that would have been a great learning and add on value.
2
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Nagendra’s Answer

Good Question. Life doesn't give an opportunity to role the time back .

If at all i get an offer to do it , i want to do it from High school level. Since that one particular subject mark pulled me down in getting admission to the college of my wish.
2
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lisa’s Answer

1. Have an accountability buddy. Transitioning from high school to college can be tough when skipping a class is now an option (really, it shouldn't be because you fall behind quickly).

2. Use your school resources! Placement tests, checking in with career counselors to ensure you're staying on track. Think about your major, and what type of real life job/career you will be able to find after you earn your degree.

3. Prioritize studying over balancing study with work. Most of us need to balance working while going to school, but the coursework should come first. I'd try to find a job where I could study at work if possible.
2
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer