How College Freshman Should Prepare For After Graduation
You're thinking "I've got 4 years to worry about that." Those 4 years are going to fly by and before you know it when you receive that piece of paper. You should have a game plan on what comes next. These are a few steps on how to make that game plan
Join a club that has something to do with what you want to do as a career.
You’re a business major? Join the young entrepreneurs club. Political Science? Try the student government. Physical Education? Dodge ball Club? Joining a club for your career shows that you are preparing for the future, you’re outgoing and you’re learning responsibility.
Make a ton of friends
You want to make a lot of friends at college to have a social life, but having a wide arrange of friends can benefit you in your endeavors after graduation. Thanks to social media we know what our college friends are up to. That guy you won 8 straight games of pong with might be working at the company you’re applying to. Send him a message asking if he can be reference, I’m sure you’ve been told, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know
Befriend your professors
At the end of class, you’re usually half out the door. Hold up, there is going to be a time when you’ll need to be on professor’s good side: a couple of extra grade points, a letter of recommendation for a job or grad school, post bail, etc… The professor knowing your name isn’t a bad thing. At least once a week I went to the professor to ask a question about the lecture, even if I knew the answer. I went to their office hours at least once every 3 weeks just to talk. It might seem tedious, but it’s worth it.
Once in a while, don’t give into peer pressure
I’m not saying skip every party, pep rally, and video game session, but sometimes it’s healthy say “No. I’m going to stay in.” You’re going to get awkward stares and emasculating name calling, but when the real world comes knocking, you’re going to have to say no more than yes so it's good to get some practice in now.
Experience college in a relationship and single
You should know what it’s like to have someone that really cares about you. Having someone to rely on with your best interest in mind is wonderful experience. You need to also learn how to survive and make decisions on your own. When the real world comes your most likely going to experience both.
