College offers an opportunity to expand on much more than just test scores and preparation for the GRE. Students have the time and flexibility to examine all aspects of their lives, while still completing tests and participating in social activities.
Networking Helps Students Make Contacts With Professionals
A student has unlimited capability to get in front of very important people with very little effort. The great leaders of the business, medical, political, and other various industries do not like people coming to them for a hand out. They spend their days building empires and are very hesitant when people ask them for favors.
Albert Schuster, president of Network in Philadelphia, reported that while in college students "without professional experience" have an opportunity to "pitch themselves to a hiring manager," more effectively with strong networking skills. The article, "The Importance of Networking," written by Wafa R. Musitief, highlights how strong newtworking "takes time" but in the long run is"very valuable."
People in powerful places love to talk about what makes them successful. Whether it is local politicians, business leaders, physicians, or lawyers, with enough planning and commitment on a student's part he can talk to any of them. This one meeting could lead to a reference, a connection to a job, or provide excellent insight to inspire new ideas.
Finding a Career Path
An English degree does not mean a student will teach grammar or write a book someday. A degree is a designation of completion but not necessarily a career. That same English student may someday run a restaurant, sell pharmaceuticals, or market billboards.
Ideally, the major selected will inevitably support a future career but that is not always the situation. College offers an opportunity to seek out many different fields while working towards graduation. Whether it is taking a variety of classes, doing volunteer work, or taking an internship in the summer, college allows a "try before you have to buy" methodology to life.
Developing Good Habits
Developing good habits is key to success in college and even more so afterwards. Taking the opportunity to get more involved socially, exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy, and learn to cope with daily stress are critical.
Furthermore, developing a complete understanding of student loans, budgeting, and daily life expenditures will support smart decisions after the first job's paycheck comes in. The choices and decision making skills developed in college will carry for many years to come.
A Financial Planning Association article, "Heading Off to College? Build Good Money Habits," published on August 24, 2009, talks about the importance of developing strong fiscal responsibility. The article highlights recommendations of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) for students and parents to "talk about credit card use" and "how to spend appropriately."
Padding a Resume
There are many life experiences that future employers love other than a high GPA. World travel, working in a variety of environments, volunteering, and involvement in academic research all demonstrate a well rounded individual. These experiences add to strong personal character that reflects very positively towards future employers.
A well rounded background and strong character will translate into bigger things later in life. A 3.8 GPA in business is great but compare that someone who spent three summers working for green peace, running their own lawn business, or being published in five journals and higher grades seem less intriguing.
Making the Most Out of a College Experience
The great number of opportunities that follow a college education are vast but still depend exclusively on the character of the individual. Developing an appreciation for all aspects of education, work, and society ensures a college student will have the necessary personal skill sets to conquer any obstacle.
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Keith Cronin - Keith is a physical therapist in the St. Louis area and enjoys writing on the topics of health, sports, and education. Keith provides ...
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