Video: What I wish I knew before I went college: Advice from recent college grads
What do you wish you knew before you went to college? To answer this question, we asked a group of recent college graduates and current college students their advice for incoming college freshman. From reaching out to professors to joining clubs and teams, taking a range of classes to taking advantage of a city campus, these young adults have great suggestions on how to get the most out of the college experience. Watch the videos below to hear their advice.
Kacey: Develop Relationships with Professors
Kacey found that taking the initiative and connecting with her professors evolved into valuable mentoring relationships which have continued after graduation. Even though she’s now graduated, Kacey reaches out to them for career advice, information and recommendations and it’s not only a one-way street. They, in turn, ask her about media and current culture.
Robert: Commute to College
Robert found that living at home while going to college helped him save money--and his sanity. While fully participating in the college experience through classes and clubs, Robert found that being able to go home provided a haven of calm. He also recommends reaching out to professors for job advice and trying a variety of classes to discover which courses feel right.
Sophia: Participate in Campus Life
Student life should include more than going to class. Sophia suggests taking advantage of the opportunities afforded when class gets out. She joined a career-focused club which enabled her to meet people with similar interests and provided valuable networking opportunities. Open yourself up to attending club and activity fairs and if you don’t see one you like, start you own.
Val: Join a Team
To make friends and learn leadership skills, Val recommends joining a sports team. As a Junior Year transfer student, Val knew it would be difficult to meet people, but joining the track team helped ease the transition. She not only gained discipline, campus recognition and got a great workout, but Val built up a valuable support network. She also suggests taking advantage of living on an urban campus as a way to increase experiences and friendships.
Tommy: Get an Internship
Tommy’s recommendation is to get out of the classroom and into the workforce. Having an internship during college lets you learn how an office works while still having time to enjoy college. Relationships forged in the workplace help with recommendations and jobs--his internship led to a full-time job upon graduation.
Shantal: Be Liberal in Your Course Selection
Even if you think you know your career and major, Shantal suggests taking a range of courses to discover interests you may not know you have. After taking a variety of liberal arts classes, she discovered her aptitude for, and interest in, graphic arts which she is currently pursuing in school and through an internship.
Ally: Take Advantage of Study Abroad
Ally recommends doing a study abroad program, whether during the school year or summer. She was able to get college credit, while also gaining invaluable life experience, exploring a different culture, making friends and creating faculty connections. Living in another country increased her confidence, maturity level and allowed her to develop skills outside the classroom.
Mike: Become Financially Responsible
Mike suggests saving, instead of spending, money earned during college. While a student, Mike opened a savings account and put the money he earned from his campus job into it. He saw a lot of college kids spending too much, so he recommends saving as much as possible. That money can be used towards paying off loans, moving out or tapping into between jobs.
