Student success in college
Student success in college
There’s a lot of pressure on high school and college students, and it’s intimidating to think that grades you got as a teenager will still be relevant in your adult life. Luckily, having a well-rounded college experience can boost your resume and highlight a variety of impressive and sought-after qualities. If you’re worried about setting yourself up for success as a young adult, here are some tips that may work for you.
Take a Gap Year
You can take a gap year before or after you start college, and while many parents may worry at first, there are actually many benefits to taking a break before or during your college studies. When weighing the pros and cons of a gap year, it’s important to note that many students aren’t sure about the career they want to pursue, and jumping into expensive college courses they may not even need can feel wasteful. Sometimes, it’s beneficial to understand the world and how you want to fit into it before you try making big life-changing decisions. Plus, it’s a great talking point for interviews. You can learn a new language, meet new friends, and gain confidence as you travel by yourself.
Get an Internship
Many college students plan on finding an internship at some point, but there are some important things to consider. While it can be beneficial to get an internship in your desired field, allowing you to see if you’ll actually enjoy the work or not, many of these internships are unpaid, which can be a huge strain on busy students. In addition, many internships take advantage of their interns, so you should research and speak with past interns to see if you’ll get to do anything enjoyable or useful for your career. Location is also important, although virtual internships are becoming more and more common. If there aren’t any near you during the year, you may want to look into traveling for summer internships.
Find a Mentor
Finding a mentor like a trusted professor can be a huge help as you navigate college life. Students are assigned academic advisors, but other professionals can help guide you through coursework and help you make decisions about things like gap years and internships. There are also paid mentorships that can help you with specific goals. This is especially common with entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. This may not be in your budget as a college student, but it’s a good resource to keep in mind. Even a month or two of individual mentoring can be a big help.
Take Classes Outside of Your Major
Many programs require electives or coursework in certain categories regardless of your major, so you should take advantage of the wider range of classes available to you. You may discover a love of gothic poetry or oil painting. It’s easy to focus on the main subjects of your major, but additional classes can be a refreshing break from the same old stuff. You never know when you’ll discover a new, stress-relieving hobby, or when you’ll meet some interesting people from other programs that you simply didn’t interact with before.
Volunteer
Volunteering looks good on any resume, and it’s a great way to break up the monotony of college life while doing something good for your community. It’s also a great way to connect with locals and learn more about the needs of others around you. Maybe the local parks are in danger of severe pollution or there’s a large homeless population you didn’t know about. Sometimes it’s nice to get out of your own head, where you focus on your own goals, and adopt a more outward view instead.
Final Thoughts For College Students
College is a busy time, but making a list of your priorities can help. It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to major in, and it’s okay if you don’t have time for every club, because there are still plenty of things you can do to set yourself up for success.
