Look, as a recent graduate, I completely understand how stressful (and fun) college can be. In all that stress, it's easy to lose your sense of direction. If you're reading this and have no idea what the hell you want to be when you grow up, trust me, there's nothing wrong with that. You'll eventually figure it out. In the meantime, however, there are actionable things you should be doing while learning more about the world and discovering what you're passionate about.
It's imperative you live in the moment and take advantage of your years at school; while at the same time, work to set yourself up for future success.
Here's how I would suggest doing that:
1. Have fun: I'm putting this first because I find it most important. While at school, you'll meet some incredible people like I did at St. Bonaventure University & Oxford. Spend as much time with them as possible doing the things you enjoy. Live it up while you can -- you'll thank me on graduation day.
2. Get involved: In my interview at McWhorter Driscoll, (and at every other interview for that matter) Susan and Dill were very curious to see what kind of extra curricular activities I had gotten involved in. Your grades are certainly important, but they're not worth much if that's all you focus on. Seek out clubs that offer real-world experience and join them quickly. The sooner you get involved, the more likely you are to find yourself in a leadership position (which drastically increases your odds of landing a job).
3. Yearn to learn: Even if you're not completely sure what you want to do post-grad, take the time to soak up knowledge outside of the classroom. YouTube and the Internet are incredible tools and I would highly encourage utilizing them to teach yourself a skill! For example, if you're a marketing major, go get Google AdWords Certified. Future employers only care about two things: who you are as a person, and how you can contribute to the team. It's why I believe your skills are more important than your GPA. Make sure you leave college with a few of them.
4. Take advantage of office hours: All it takes is 1 professor to change your life. You'll have bad ones and good ones but I'm telling you one thing remains the same -- you must take advantage of their office hours. Prove to them you care about their class and their time. Not only will doing this give you browning points, but you also may also just find yourself a mentor.
Which leads to my next piece of advice..
5. Seek out mentors: A true mentor does't have to be a higher-up at some fortune 500 company. A mentor is simply someone who can give you sincere and objective advice -- they can be priceless. Not only will they help you learn more about the world, they'll help you learn more about yourself. I've found that your professors make the best mentors. However, fellow students can also provide words of wisdom when you need them most. No matter who it is, find that person and heed their advice.
6. Spend some time interning: An internship a great way to discover what you enjoy, it's also a great way to discover what you don't. Before I began my journey in advertising, I was once an aspiring journalist. I sought out an internship at a local TV news station, and man was it awful. Though through that experience, I learned journalism just wasn't for me. I'm extremely thankful I learned this while at school when I still had time to switch my major.
7. Learn how to write: I used to think good writing meant using fancy words. Now, I understand it what it really means -- getting your point across clearly and concisely. No matter your profession, writing is inevitable. The best part is, all you have to do make it a strength of yours is practice.
8. Study abroad: Traveling to a foreign country teaches you invaluable life-lessons and skills you can't learn in the classroom. Studying abroad gives you a global perspective which is becoming more and more important in our global economy. Not to mention it looks great on your resume.
And there you have it.. The only 8 pieces of advice you'll need to succeed at college. I'm kidding of course, but these bits of knowledge will certainly go a long way to ensuring your making the most of your investment.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out -> will@mcwhorterdriscoll.com