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What should you do first while attending college for your career path?
After graduating high school, I'm going to City College as a good start for my career. But what should do first when you get to #career college? #career-paths
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N’s Answer
Let me just start off by saying you don't have to know right away.
When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. As a matter of fact, my parents chose a major for me (Industrial Engineering), based on my grades and what I seemed to be good at and I just went for it, because I had nothing else in mind. After one year in college, being in the types of classes an engineer would need to take, and having an "Intro to Industrial Engineering" class, helped me understand that it wasn't for me. So thankfully, if you come in undecided that first year, you can use that year to figure out what classes you like best, and what other you do not. You can then go ahead and sit with the university advisor and discuss options . You can transfer your first year's credits to become your electives for example, if you decide to change majors, that way the first year does not go to waste, and you can then focus on the new major you decide to pursue. I also suggest using that first year to meet as many people and discuss their majors, what types of classes those are, what that would involve, and then you never know, you may find your perfect match just based on one conversation with one person :)
When I graduated from high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do. As a matter of fact, my parents chose a major for me (Industrial Engineering), based on my grades and what I seemed to be good at and I just went for it, because I had nothing else in mind. After one year in college, being in the types of classes an engineer would need to take, and having an "Intro to Industrial Engineering" class, helped me understand that it wasn't for me. So thankfully, if you come in undecided that first year, you can use that year to figure out what classes you like best, and what other you do not. You can then go ahead and sit with the university advisor and discuss options . You can transfer your first year's credits to become your electives for example, if you decide to change majors, that way the first year does not go to waste, and you can then focus on the new major you decide to pursue. I also suggest using that first year to meet as many people and discuss their majors, what types of classes those are, what that would involve, and then you never know, you may find your perfect match just based on one conversation with one person :)
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Johnny’s Answer
Your first year, especially your first semester will most likely consist of general education courses that will be classes in some type of science, history, humanities, math and/or English. Those will probably take up a lot of the classes you end up taking initially as many are prerequisites to a more concentrated class or major you may be considering. If you are undecided on what you want to do take a general introductory course in something that you are considering. Everyone has their strengths and some classes will be more interesting or easier for you. Give things a try and it will help build your foundation for the future.
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Mat’s Answer
Would recommend trying to take classes you are interested in early in college to understand what you would like to do when you get out of college. I think as important as classes is trying to make connections while at school. A lot of majors are not specific to a career so knowing people in fields you are interested in could help you find a job when you get out of college (whether this be people you are taking classes with or friends/family members in fields of interest). If possible try and get an internship or job that might be in a field you are interested to see if you like it. If your financial situation is not a challenge you may consider doing something that pays little to no money if it is a good way to learn about a job or make connections for the future. This is an exciting time. If I would have gotten one piece of advice when I got out of school I would have liked to hear to take chances and not base decisions solely on money or safety. I chose the safest job when I got out of school in something I could do but was not very interested in and it really effected my entire career from there. Sometimes you can take a job you are not that interested in if you like the company and it is a stepping stone to something better, just be realistic if the "something better" is a real possibility and set a timeline for yourself if you are not getting there.
Lauren Grzyboski, CFE, CAMS, MBA
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Lauren’s Answer
Hi Chris,
Great Question! Your freshman and sophomore years of college are mainly filled with all of your general education courses and foundational courses for your major, if you have decided on one. Try to absorb everything you can even if it's just one concept in a class that you probably wouldn't see yourself using in your career. I think each course you take has some value to it, as each course can provide you with new perspectives you'll be able to capitalize on in the future.
Another thing I highly recommend considering as a freshman is to seize opportunities and really branch out as much as you can. Join different organizations as a freshman because it's a great way to meet other students at your college who might be a different major or a different year than you. Overall, the networking you do early on can really help you from a professional standpoint later on when you're looking for a job towards the end of your senior year.
Great Question! Your freshman and sophomore years of college are mainly filled with all of your general education courses and foundational courses for your major, if you have decided on one. Try to absorb everything you can even if it's just one concept in a class that you probably wouldn't see yourself using in your career. I think each course you take has some value to it, as each course can provide you with new perspectives you'll be able to capitalize on in the future.
Another thing I highly recommend considering as a freshman is to seize opportunities and really branch out as much as you can. Join different organizations as a freshman because it's a great way to meet other students at your college who might be a different major or a different year than you. Overall, the networking you do early on can really help you from a professional standpoint later on when you're looking for a job towards the end of your senior year.
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Kelly’s Answer
Hi Chris,
What should you do first while attending college for your career path?
1. It depends on how much energy/ stamina you have to complete your classes and how many units you're taking per quarter or semester generally speaking
2. I don't know a lot about Computer Science, but a little since I thought I would fancy myself a coder a couple of years ago and figured out it wasn't for me
3. That said, what I do know about related jobs to this degree is that Computer Science tends to focus on a lot of theory, which is great, but from what I hear it doesn't do a great job of teaching you a lot of hands-on problem-solving that you would apply as a Web Developer or Software Engineer
4. I hear Colt Steele's courses have a great reputation in the field of Web Development - to teach Front End and Back End Web Dev hands-on foundational skills. He has a YouTube channel (search for Colt Steele,) and also has the Web Developer's Bootcamp on www.udemy.com - search for "sale Udemy Colt Steele" before you buy it - don't pay full price since Udemy has sales like every couple of weeks and you can usually get it for about 15.00, give or take a few bucks
5. If you are going to do Web Development, find out what you like in that space after doing some learning from Colt: Front-End Development, Back-End Development to begin with, or Full-Stack which is some combination of both (which is kind of a myth from what I understand - most people specialize in primarily Front or Back End)
6. Know that whatever you choose, you may choose something that you hate at first and at least that will eliminate that one from the menu
7. If there's something you already know you like to do, find a person who's willing to be a mentor in the profession or job you're interested in - you can always search Google for Web Development Slack Channels, Web Development podcasts, Web Development CrowdCast
I hope this helps.
Kelly Albright
What should you do first while attending college for your career path?
1. It depends on how much energy/ stamina you have to complete your classes and how many units you're taking per quarter or semester generally speaking
2. I don't know a lot about Computer Science, but a little since I thought I would fancy myself a coder a couple of years ago and figured out it wasn't for me
3. That said, what I do know about related jobs to this degree is that Computer Science tends to focus on a lot of theory, which is great, but from what I hear it doesn't do a great job of teaching you a lot of hands-on problem-solving that you would apply as a Web Developer or Software Engineer
4. I hear Colt Steele's courses have a great reputation in the field of Web Development - to teach Front End and Back End Web Dev hands-on foundational skills. He has a YouTube channel (search for Colt Steele,) and also has the Web Developer's Bootcamp on www.udemy.com - search for "sale Udemy Colt Steele" before you buy it - don't pay full price since Udemy has sales like every couple of weeks and you can usually get it for about 15.00, give or take a few bucks
5. If you are going to do Web Development, find out what you like in that space after doing some learning from Colt: Front-End Development, Back-End Development to begin with, or Full-Stack which is some combination of both (which is kind of a myth from what I understand - most people specialize in primarily Front or Back End)
6. Know that whatever you choose, you may choose something that you hate at first and at least that will eliminate that one from the menu
7. If there's something you already know you like to do, find a person who's willing to be a mentor in the profession or job you're interested in - you can always search Google for Web Development Slack Channels, Web Development podcasts, Web Development CrowdCast
I hope this helps.
Kelly Albright
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
Something that I would recommend is try to branch out to different fields of interests or clubs that you are interested in. While school is the top priority and you should maintain your grades, I think it is important to have a little bit of fun as well. You are in your upper education career and you should enjoy doing the things that you are interested in while you can. By joining or doing more activities, you are able to branch out and create more networks that can help you find a job in the future.
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Yumi’s Answer
Hi Chris,
I recommend you to explore many different fields in early years of college life. If you have something you set your mind to, that's fine and study whatever relevant field of study. If you are not, be curious and take various different classes and see if you are interested in studying further. Hope this helps.
I recommend you to explore many different fields in early years of college life. If you have something you set your mind to, that's fine and study whatever relevant field of study. If you are not, be curious and take various different classes and see if you are interested in studying further. Hope this helps.
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Abimbola’s Answer
Good to have a plan as to what exactly you would like to do with regards to your career. However, the path you take may be subject to different circumstances and situations that you may encounter. Keep your career in focus but be aware you may have detours along the way. This does not mean you wont get to your destination "career". It may just mean it takes longer or shorter. In a nutshell, be aware, Change is inevitable, but you will get to destination if you stay focussed.