What are some good college prep strategies?

From my many years of Human Resources experience and my experiences doing college recruiting, here are very effective strategies that applied to enhance your chances for success in your education/career journey. It all starts with getting to know yourself better to know how your personality traits relate to various careers.

Getting to know yourself and how your personality traits relate to people involved in various career opportunities is very important in your decision making process. During my many years in Human Resources and College Recruiting, I ran across too many students who had skipped this very important step and ended up in a job situation which for which they were not well suited. Selecting a career area is like buying a pair of shoes. First you have to be properly fitted for the correct size, and then you need to try on and walk in the various shoe options to determine which is fits the best and is most comfortable for you to wear. Following are some important steps which I developed during my career which have been helpful to many .

Going off to college is a big milestone and a huge life change for most people. It can be a stressful, challenging transition. Preparing yourself ahead of time is a smart move! Luckily, in today’s digital age, it is much easier to get prepared, than ever before.

Here are a few things I wish I had done:

1.     Familiarize yourself with campus: If possible, tour the campus. Learn where your dorm room is, what your dining options are, where your classes are located. Will you catch a bus? Will you have a bike? Will you walk? How far, and what will the weather be like? Figuring out logistics ahead of time will greatly ease your stress on the first couple days at college.

2.     Prepare for your new living situation: If you have the opportunity, take a tour of your dorm room and accommodations, ahead of time.  Most colleges furnish a bed, desk, and closet, and there isn’t room for much else. But, most people bring decorations and desk accessories, to personalize their space. A small coffee pot or microwave might be nice to have. If you can’t tour the dorms, check online for pictures and information about the rooms. You may have a roommate for the first time, which can be an adjustment. Can you meet each other, ahead of time? Email or chat? She may not share the same sleep patterns as you, or the same taste in music. Noise-reducing headphones or ear plugs can ease your experience. Make a packing list of the items you’ll need to feel comfortable and at home in your dorm room.

3.     Solidify connections with home: Leaving your friends and family can be stressful, so spend some quality time with those you’ll miss most. Exchange new address and contact information, so you can stay in touch. Agree on a time, maybe once a week, to reconnect with a family member, or close friend. Social media, Skype and Facetime are wonderful technologies that make staying in touch easier, these days.

4.     Get social, and start making new friends: Social Media Groups are a great way to connect with current students, ask questions, and meet other inbound students, so you can start making friends before you get there. Look for groups who share your interests, and join up with like-minded people. You may even discover people from your hometown who will be attending the same college. Connect with them, so you have a ready-made support system when you get there. Even if you weren’t close friends in high school, those familiar faces will be a welcome sight, during your first couple of weeks at college.

Even though transitions like going off to college can be stressful, if you prepare yourself, and use your support systems, you can enjoy every moment! It is natural to feel homesick, at first, so plan ahead for that, and know that you are not alone. Going off to college can be such a fun, exciting time. Good luck!