5 answers
Justine
Student
Gig Harbor, Washington
1
Question
Updated
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Does anyone have advice about college no one talks about?
I'm about to graduate and curious on what information people don't talk about university/colleges
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5 answers
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
132
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Justine,
Good you're looking forward to college. A few things I would say aren't talked about enough is setting your post graduation goals upfront (once you declare your major) and working backwards to achieve the outcome you want. That is the time to do the research into what companies you want to work for, what types of jobs within your industry actually interest you. That way over the next X number of years you can go out and try to gain the internships needed to have that job with that specific set of companies. far too often people don't know what they are going to do until they are actually at graduation. but that's far too late in many cases. So planning out your college career in advance and having check ins is important.
Next I would say that a lot of people stress themselves to the max in high school about going to this certain college and needing to make perfect grades and such. there's ALOT of stress that goes into college admissions. As someone who is now far beyond that stress I can say that just b because you don't go to (insert big name top ranked school) doesn't mean that you won't be able to have a great career outcome. social media has a way of making it appear that way but there are plenty of great opportunities to those that went to their local state school be it big or small. they're doing just fine.
Another is the various ways that people can pay for college. There will be private scholarships once you get on campus, there are opportunities to become RA's, there are stipends for certain positions on campus. And the mix of those things makes a difference in how much one has to take out in loans if any thing. Student loans can be sort of the "easy button" and many won't worry about them until later but keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to offset what you need to take out is extremely helpful for your future self (trust me on this lol)
Lastly I would say that we don't talk enough about how special a place college is. You get to spend and experience so much with new people in a way that you likely won't ever again in your life in such close proximity. so making the most of it and finding every opportunity to get out of your comfort zone is something I tell everyone to do.
Good you're looking forward to college. A few things I would say aren't talked about enough is setting your post graduation goals upfront (once you declare your major) and working backwards to achieve the outcome you want. That is the time to do the research into what companies you want to work for, what types of jobs within your industry actually interest you. That way over the next X number of years you can go out and try to gain the internships needed to have that job with that specific set of companies. far too often people don't know what they are going to do until they are actually at graduation. but that's far too late in many cases. So planning out your college career in advance and having check ins is important.
Next I would say that a lot of people stress themselves to the max in high school about going to this certain college and needing to make perfect grades and such. there's ALOT of stress that goes into college admissions. As someone who is now far beyond that stress I can say that just b because you don't go to (insert big name top ranked school) doesn't mean that you won't be able to have a great career outcome. social media has a way of making it appear that way but there are plenty of great opportunities to those that went to their local state school be it big or small. they're doing just fine.
Another is the various ways that people can pay for college. There will be private scholarships once you get on campus, there are opportunities to become RA's, there are stipends for certain positions on campus. And the mix of those things makes a difference in how much one has to take out in loans if any thing. Student loans can be sort of the "easy button" and many won't worry about them until later but keeping your eyes and ears open for opportunities to offset what you need to take out is extremely helpful for your future self (trust me on this lol)
Lastly I would say that we don't talk enough about how special a place college is. You get to spend and experience so much with new people in a way that you likely won't ever again in your life in such close proximity. so making the most of it and finding every opportunity to get out of your comfort zone is something I tell everyone to do.
Michelle M.
Actress
2400
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Justine !
Something that I wish I had done differently was after graduating with a Bachelors Degree, I starting working right away. I think I should have proceeded with a Masters Degree instead of working right away. With a field like acting, one can get overly eager like I did and never again have the opportunity to finance or be available for a Masters Program. Be true to yourself about an advanced degree at the time you graduate.
No one ever talks about not taking student loans - Loan Refusal is just something I only learned by reading websites. I guess people just automatically think that they have to use student loans or how else could they afford college. Some colleges have a No Loan Policy which means they make the effort to assist students other ways. Not that I am around a lot of parents with students, but I'm not sure too many people realize this or even talk about it.
If you have a certain major, keep your textbooks, term papers, project papers. For me, I had a collection of plays that I really need now but got rid of them at some point (and they're not online). You may want to keep your papers stored away and read them many years later for nostalgia reasons.
There will be great interviews you ace and not get the job and problem interviews for which you may get the job. Nothing seems predictable with this. Hone your interviewing skills and go on as many interviews as you possibly can. Show friendly confidence.
It's who you know that counts. Between 70% - 85% of jobs are obtained because of knowing the right people. This goes along with how important it is to network and make connections. It's nothing to take lightly because that is a high percentage so there must be something to it. I can attest to this for my own career, too. Making strong connections with professors and students while in college is very important and also meeting professionals in the community. Being in the right place at the right time is surely in anyone's favor.
I hope this is inspiring and I wish you all the best. Congratulations on being so close to graduating !
Something that I wish I had done differently was after graduating with a Bachelors Degree, I starting working right away. I think I should have proceeded with a Masters Degree instead of working right away. With a field like acting, one can get overly eager like I did and never again have the opportunity to finance or be available for a Masters Program. Be true to yourself about an advanced degree at the time you graduate.
No one ever talks about not taking student loans - Loan Refusal is just something I only learned by reading websites. I guess people just automatically think that they have to use student loans or how else could they afford college. Some colleges have a No Loan Policy which means they make the effort to assist students other ways. Not that I am around a lot of parents with students, but I'm not sure too many people realize this or even talk about it.
If you have a certain major, keep your textbooks, term papers, project papers. For me, I had a collection of plays that I really need now but got rid of them at some point (and they're not online). You may want to keep your papers stored away and read them many years later for nostalgia reasons.
There will be great interviews you ace and not get the job and problem interviews for which you may get the job. Nothing seems predictable with this. Hone your interviewing skills and go on as many interviews as you possibly can. Show friendly confidence.
It's who you know that counts. Between 70% - 85% of jobs are obtained because of knowing the right people. This goes along with how important it is to network and make connections. It's nothing to take lightly because that is a high percentage so there must be something to it. I can attest to this for my own career, too. Making strong connections with professors and students while in college is very important and also meeting professionals in the community. Being in the right place at the right time is surely in anyone's favor.
I hope this is inspiring and I wish you all the best. Congratulations on being so close to graduating !
Nick Smolij
Mergers & Acquisitions
1
Answer
Berwyn, Pennsylvania
Updated
Nick’s Answer
I would learn how to communicate with people outside of a professional context. Being able to speak clearly and being able to carry on a conversation with someone is very important. The people making the hiring decisions are just people at the end of the day and someone who they could see themselves talking to on a daily basis will have a step up on a person with a similar skillset who they struggle to converse with.
Loryn Studer
Doctor of Physical Therapy
2
Answers
Bend, Oregon
Updated
Loryn’s Answer
Losing a common space for socializing and making community outside of work is an adjustment. Look into clubs, classes, and ways to have community outside of work so you can have a strong work-life balance. Making friends post-graduation is very different and takes more effort; it's normal to struggle. Creating a work-life balance is important to prevent burnout. Jobs that demonstrate awareness and show actions to make work-life balance possible are not as common as they should be, but they're out there.
Gus S
Consultant
59
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Gus’s Answer
In college, there are many opportunities to join clubs and participate in other activities. It is so easy to say “Yes” to these that it can become overwhelming quickly. Know that you can test the waters to see what works best for you, but you don’t have to commit to everything you initially sign up for. It can be overwhelming to have so many commitments, so take it easy on yourself and enjoy the college experience!