by Amanda Augustine
Prep for your career without missing out on the college experience
When you're in college, the "real world" may seem very far away.
However, the decisions you make during your college career have a major
impact on what happens once you graduate and enter the professional
world. While I had my college missteps like everyone else, there were a
few things I did during my time on campus that have proven most helpful
in my professional journey.
I didn't declare my major right away.
What I did: Although I was fairly certain I wanted to
major in business, I spent the first few semesters exploring new
subjects. It helped me tap into the topics that mattered most to me and
choose a major and minor that made sense for me. No one should be
expected to know exactly what they want to do the moment they graduate
from high school.
What you can do: Use the beginning of your college
career to take a variety of survey courses that expose you to different
disciplines. You never know -- this may completely change the direction
of your future career!
I found a mentor.
What I did: Once I declared a major, I talked to
upperclassmen in my courses and learned about all the business
professors. One classmate told me about an internship he got through a
professor who taught higher-level business courses. I made it a point to
get to know this professor and asked if she would be my unofficial
advisor. Through that initial relationship she became my mentor, and by
senior year had offered me an internship with her management consulting
firm. This opportunity opened many doors for me and taught me important
lessons about working in the "real world."
What you can do: Talk to your professors -- that's
what they're there for! Identify someone who can serve as your advisor,
whether it's an official or unofficial arrangement. They can provide
invaluable guidance as you explore career paths and help you secure the
right types of internships that will make a difference once you
graduate.
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