What would you recommend a college student do to prepare for working in the real world?
I'm going into college and want to make the most of my time. #engineering
4 answers
Rich Woynicz
Rich’s Answer
Consider getting involved in the university's Cooperative Education Program (CO-OP). It gives you realworld experience which you can use when evaluating your career and also helps get a job after college. It also gives you a little more money in your pocket than working at a fast food place over the summers. It typically extends your college by one year.
Alternatively - get good interships to get real world experience.
Nicole’s Answer
So my answer may seem a bit elementary...but here goes ;). Do your best to put yourself in positions where you train yourself to become an excellent listener. You would be amazed at how easy/difficult it becomes to complete a project in the "real world" when team members do/don't listen to each other or when employees who are tasked with building something for their clients do/don't meet what the client has asked for.
For sure building excellent listening skills can be gained by taking on summer jobs, research tasks and/or volunteer activities.
Best of luck to you!
Peter’s Answer
Yashna:
To prepare for the "Real World" while attending college, one of the best things you can do is to work at a part-time job or full-time summer job. This will give you valuable experience on what it is like to work for a living. It also has the great side benefit of helping to pay your college expenses. Even more effective, try to land a summer internship with an engineering consulting firm. This work experience allows you to see what its like work in the engineering field and may give you an advantage at getting a permanent job right out of collete
Good luck, Pete Sturtevant. PE
Simon’s Answer
Manage your time well (prioritize and time management) and take any opportunity to get experience in the field you are interested in.....co-op or internship. Once you have a scholastic base one needs to put it into practice to be noticed. Good luck.