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What is something you regret before graduating?
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LaTonya’s Answer
Bryan,
I regret that I was not able to find enough internships to allow me to peek inside some more companies before graduation. Typically, companies set aside jobs for students (co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, or externships), however, your timing has to be on point. The jobs are posted a certain time and they go quickly. You must pay attention to the pattern based on industry.
Prepare your resume and keep it updated
I regret that I was not able to find enough internships to allow me to peek inside some more companies before graduation. Typically, companies set aside jobs for students (co-ops, internships, apprenticeships, or externships), however, your timing has to be on point. The jobs are posted a certain time and they go quickly. You must pay attention to the pattern based on industry.
LaTonya recommends the following next steps:
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Bella’s Answer
Hello Bryan!
This is an advice coming from Singapore, a country that significantly prioritizes on scoring and doing academically well, but I regret making academics my only priority in university. Now I don't mean "work hard play hard" and skip studying to meet new friends, but rather, putting in the time and effort to pursue your own interests/hobbies. I graduated less than 5 years ago and I hardly remember much of my university life except for the one club I joined that was focused on sending other students overseas for volunteering. Currently, I am not in the social services industry but that one club helped me to discover my passion in helping others, to meet like minded people I (actually) still keep in contact with and gave me the opportunity to see more of the world (of course, before the pandemic).
Also, it is never too late to learn or try something new. While traveling isn't so straight forward these days, the pandemic has made everyone a little more creative in finding ways to spend time and picking up new hobbies. You might have different regrets after you graduate, but that just means you'll need to start working on them after you've started working.
This is an advice coming from Singapore, a country that significantly prioritizes on scoring and doing academically well, but I regret making academics my only priority in university. Now I don't mean "work hard play hard" and skip studying to meet new friends, but rather, putting in the time and effort to pursue your own interests/hobbies. I graduated less than 5 years ago and I hardly remember much of my university life except for the one club I joined that was focused on sending other students overseas for volunteering. Currently, I am not in the social services industry but that one club helped me to discover my passion in helping others, to meet like minded people I (actually) still keep in contact with and gave me the opportunity to see more of the world (of course, before the pandemic).
Also, it is never too late to learn or try something new. While traveling isn't so straight forward these days, the pandemic has made everyone a little more creative in finding ways to spend time and picking up new hobbies. You might have different regrets after you graduate, but that just means you'll need to start working on them after you've started working.
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Kim’s Answer
I regret not taking more academically-challenging classes. We had moved over the summer before my Junior year. I hated my new school, and just wanted to get out of it. So I took the bare minimum required classes - only 3 years of English and 2 years of Science. I also regret never getting into anything - I should have been on the student newspaper or the debate team. There were skills and knowledge that would have given me a good start in the world. . . instead, I acquired them gradually, over a career spanning 35 years.
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
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Dan’s Answer
My actions:
I rushed through college and was able to acquire a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering in 2.5 years by working long/hard, completing self-study for credit-by-exam. and allowing the use of some prior military credits (of dubious value). I spent less time with my family and had no time for friends.
The result:
The result was that my knowledge of analog electronics and electronic theory was not as strong as it would be had I slowed down and studied longer/deeper. My career choice ending up as a digital/software speciality where analog was not as critical.
Why did I do this?
At the time, I was supporting my wife and two children so rushing in this manner became my official plan. I felt that taking a break from college (to work for income) would increase the risk that I would not return to finish the degree (you are not an engineer unless you finish the degree).
This was a decision that was best for me at that time and I do not regret the decision to rush. Rather I do regret the lesser level of technical competence that I achieved. I traded technical depth/competence for financial security but it still allowed me to have a successful career (although I had to compensate somewhat as my career progressed).
Life is a series of never-ending compromises.
I rushed through college and was able to acquire a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering in 2.5 years by working long/hard, completing self-study for credit-by-exam. and allowing the use of some prior military credits (of dubious value). I spent less time with my family and had no time for friends.
The result:
The result was that my knowledge of analog electronics and electronic theory was not as strong as it would be had I slowed down and studied longer/deeper. My career choice ending up as a digital/software speciality where analog was not as critical.
Why did I do this?
At the time, I was supporting my wife and two children so rushing in this manner became my official plan. I felt that taking a break from college (to work for income) would increase the risk that I would not return to finish the degree (you are not an engineer unless you finish the degree).
This was a decision that was best for me at that time and I do not regret the decision to rush. Rather I do regret the lesser level of technical competence that I achieved. I traded technical depth/competence for financial security but it still allowed me to have a successful career (although I had to compensate somewhat as my career progressed).
Life is a series of never-ending compromises.
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Donna’s Answer
A regret is not making better connections with my professors during the time that I had them in my life every day. Making an intentional connection with your professor is important because you can foster that relationship after graduation. Professors can be a n important part of your career path from job search, to job promotions to job changes. Never miss an opportunity to make a lasting connection!
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Nolan’s Answer
Hi Bryan,
At times, I think I should have allowed myself more time in college to take stock and assess my situation. From the moment I stepped on campus, I wanted to get involved in everything as quickly as possible. I joined multiple extracurriculars, chose a major, determined most of my social circles all very quickly and then threw myself into them throughout the first three years. By the time I reached senior year, I realized I had not been as strategic as I could've been in making decisions to benefit myself in the future.
So, I would recommend being thoughtful in your approach to what you get involved in in college and allow yourself to grow into interests and new friends / groups over time. This can only happen if you regularly reflect on where you are and your situation. Be mindful throughout your first couple years in college to see if what you're spending time on is what will nourish your future self.
Reflect at the end of each semester on what you are involved in; take notes
At times, I think I should have allowed myself more time in college to take stock and assess my situation. From the moment I stepped on campus, I wanted to get involved in everything as quickly as possible. I joined multiple extracurriculars, chose a major, determined most of my social circles all very quickly and then threw myself into them throughout the first three years. By the time I reached senior year, I realized I had not been as strategic as I could've been in making decisions to benefit myself in the future.
So, I would recommend being thoughtful in your approach to what you get involved in in college and allow yourself to grow into interests and new friends / groups over time. This can only happen if you regularly reflect on where you are and your situation. Be mindful throughout your first couple years in college to see if what you're spending time on is what will nourish your future self.
Nolan recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Ilya’s Answer
Hi Bryan,
This is a great question, and I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on it. In my personal experience, I regret spending so much of my energy on academics and not enough on extracurricular/social activities. I come from a family of immigrants and I was always told that university would be this bastion of higher learning and that going to university is one of the most worthwhile things I can do. Improving my mind and filling my head with knowledge was impressed upon me as a noble pursuit from a young age.
As it turns out, what has really benefited me the most in my adult life is having a network and knowing people. The best decisions I ever made were based on information I got from talking to other people and reaching out to people I knew. I believe that your life is really only as rich as the people in it. You can't make it on your own.
When I finished my degree in Linguistics, I didn't know what to do, so I began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). After a few years of that, I realized that I didn't really like the job at all and I had to do something else to support myself or I would never move forward in life. I ended up doing a web development bootcamp and transitioning into the software industry. I struggled to find a job for a little while, but when I did, it was due to my network. I absolutely relied on my network to help me get a foothold in the software industry. I wonder how much time I could have saved or what other amazing experiences I could have had if I had talked to more people and gotten to know what kinds of career paths are out there. People's stories are a great way to learn about the world, I should have started taking an interest while I was still in university.
This is a great question, and I'm sure everyone has a different opinion on it. In my personal experience, I regret spending so much of my energy on academics and not enough on extracurricular/social activities. I come from a family of immigrants and I was always told that university would be this bastion of higher learning and that going to university is one of the most worthwhile things I can do. Improving my mind and filling my head with knowledge was impressed upon me as a noble pursuit from a young age.
As it turns out, what has really benefited me the most in my adult life is having a network and knowing people. The best decisions I ever made were based on information I got from talking to other people and reaching out to people I knew. I believe that your life is really only as rich as the people in it. You can't make it on your own.
When I finished my degree in Linguistics, I didn't know what to do, so I began teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). After a few years of that, I realized that I didn't really like the job at all and I had to do something else to support myself or I would never move forward in life. I ended up doing a web development bootcamp and transitioning into the software industry. I struggled to find a job for a little while, but when I did, it was due to my network. I absolutely relied on my network to help me get a foothold in the software industry. I wonder how much time I could have saved or what other amazing experiences I could have had if I had talked to more people and gotten to know what kinds of career paths are out there. People's stories are a great way to learn about the world, I should have started taking an interest while I was still in university.
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Natnael’s Answer
Regret is not productive, but I think we can all learn from mistakes and what we didn’t accomplish!
-I wish I did study abroad while in college.
-I wish I did at least 1-2 summer internships in my chosen field.
-I wish I saved more money in college.
-I wish I listened to my intuition more than my parents. You rather take risks on things you love than what you were expected to do or major.
Example: - I was a Molecular Biology major for two years on track to Med School before realizing I was living somebody else’s dream for me than mine. I was good at it in theory and grades wise, but I hated clinicals. I realized numbers is what I love more than blood. Two years down the drain!
- I also wish I seeked out a mentor that is in the field I wanted to be and learn from them and invest in that relationship.
-I wish I branded myself better on LinkedIn while still a student.
-I wish I did study abroad while in college.
-I wish I did at least 1-2 summer internships in my chosen field.
-I wish I saved more money in college.
-I wish I listened to my intuition more than my parents. You rather take risks on things you love than what you were expected to do or major.
Example: - I was a Molecular Biology major for two years on track to Med School before realizing I was living somebody else’s dream for me than mine. I was good at it in theory and grades wise, but I hated clinicals. I realized numbers is what I love more than blood. Two years down the drain!
- I also wish I seeked out a mentor that is in the field I wanted to be and learn from them and invest in that relationship.
-I wish I branded myself better on LinkedIn while still a student.
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Dana’s Answer
I took hard classes and got scared. I believed that I was not good or not as good at math, science. But that's not true. I wish I'd realized then that somethings just take more work but it doesn't mean I'm not good at it or that I can't be good at it. And that just because I am good at something doesn't mean it has to be my career or interest.
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Claudia’s Answer
I regret not focusing more on making friends. It helps immensely to build a network that you can rely on after school. Not a regret, but I highly recommend attending career fairs and taking advantage of your career services office as much as possible, connecting with professors (especially if you want to go to graduate school and need a letter of recommendation) and getting involved/having a leadership position in extracurriculars.
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Anup’s Answer
Two things I most regret are not doing enough internships and figuring out what I want to do with a career counselor.
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Gopi’s Answer
I regret that I could have educated myself even better. Every day pass by, you will move forward in terms of learning and thinking. There is never a perfect thing. Always there will be something to learn, improve and raise the bar. It is all about continuous improvement. I wish we could go back to fix or improve things. But there is no stoppage there. The most important thing is you analyze, retrospect and learn lessons if there is an improvement to be done.
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Don’s Answer
Such a great question. The best advice I can give you is this:
Focus your college career on being well-rounded.
College is about learning and experiencing new things, opening yourself to new ideas, and that includes fields of study. Whether you're majoring in biology or business, it'll help you immensely in life to have a general understanding about other areas of study. Take electives outside your chosen field, join clubs, try to meet people outside your typical social circle.
Being well-rounded is also about finding the balance between work and play, too. Too much of one and not enough of the other can lead to some regrets about your college experience down the road. Make sure you strike the right balance.
Focus your college career on being well-rounded.
College is about learning and experiencing new things, opening yourself to new ideas, and that includes fields of study. Whether you're majoring in biology or business, it'll help you immensely in life to have a general understanding about other areas of study. Take electives outside your chosen field, join clubs, try to meet people outside your typical social circle.
Being well-rounded is also about finding the balance between work and play, too. Too much of one and not enough of the other can lead to some regrets about your college experience down the road. Make sure you strike the right balance.
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Rebecca’s Answer
To be honest, I did not really have things to regret before graduating from my 1st degree in the university. I have spent my time to do as much as I can. Though it was tough, it leaves me no regret.
There are a few things below that I think you should do before graduation, you may regret otherwise.
- Choose the right subjects for your major and minor. Work hard to obtain good results
- Join the extra curricular activities you are interested. Establish network with others
- Participate the committee of the clubs or societies. Organize the activities.
- Join internship program
I really enjoyed much in my undergraduate days. It is one of the most fascinating time in my life.
Hope this can inspire you and you can enjoy your undergraduate life! Good Luck!
There are a few things below that I think you should do before graduation, you may regret otherwise.
- Choose the right subjects for your major and minor. Work hard to obtain good results
- Join the extra curricular activities you are interested. Establish network with others
- Participate the committee of the clubs or societies. Organize the activities.
- Join internship program
I really enjoyed much in my undergraduate days. It is one of the most fascinating time in my life.
Hope this can inspire you and you can enjoy your undergraduate life! Good Luck!
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Rahila’s Answer
Hi Bryan,
I regret not taking advantage of more extra-curricular clubs and organizations as well as not taking the opportunity to study aboard.
I regret not taking advantage of more extra-curricular clubs and organizations as well as not taking the opportunity to study aboard.
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Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Bryan,
Before graduating from a university I do regret not getting involved much in clubs or other organizations that go with my career. Also, I do regret going to a community college, which in my situation it was a bit more difficult. If I would of known about online classes before I started college then I could of graduated much early. At the time I was taking biology and chemistry in person and I could not pass it till a friend mention to me about online classes. I transferred to a university to major in nutrition, and it was much easier and more quicker to finish my degree. It just depends if you end up changing your career and how the career is taught.
Get involve in clubs or other organizations that go with your career. Volunteering will also help you get more experience for your career and it will look good on your resume.
Before graduating from a university I do regret not getting involved much in clubs or other organizations that go with my career. Also, I do regret going to a community college, which in my situation it was a bit more difficult. If I would of known about online classes before I started college then I could of graduated much early. At the time I was taking biology and chemistry in person and I could not pass it till a friend mention to me about online classes. I transferred to a university to major in nutrition, and it was much easier and more quicker to finish my degree. It just depends if you end up changing your career and how the career is taught.
Vanessa recommends the following next steps:
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Sylvia’s Answer
Hi Bryan, I regret that I didn't seek for enough information and understanding on different career path before graduation. I think first job after graduation is very important because your future career path will likely relate to it. I should have been more open minded and talked with people doing different function instead of narrowing myself to a certain field that I thought is only suitable for me.
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Gene’s Answer
Hi Bryan,
Two things for me. First, not playing sports all the way through high school. No matter your athletic ability or interests (whether a team sport or individual sport such as martial arts), the benefits to your physical and mental health are immense, and it will help you create a bigger/stronger network of friends, peers and mentors.
The second is not trying harder in school. I was more focused on social things vs. getting my schoolwork done. This isn't to say you should load up on every AP class you can find (I would encourage taking 1-2 each year), but put in the time to ensure you understand the material and keep your grades up where you want them.
In today's world there's so much pressure on kids to excel in school and get in to a prestigious school. However, life is always about balancing work, play, social life, etc. Don't overload your plate and make school a priority, but not to the point where you have to sacrifice everything else.
Good luck!
Gene
Two things for me. First, not playing sports all the way through high school. No matter your athletic ability or interests (whether a team sport or individual sport such as martial arts), the benefits to your physical and mental health are immense, and it will help you create a bigger/stronger network of friends, peers and mentors.
The second is not trying harder in school. I was more focused on social things vs. getting my schoolwork done. This isn't to say you should load up on every AP class you can find (I would encourage taking 1-2 each year), but put in the time to ensure you understand the material and keep your grades up where you want them.
In today's world there's so much pressure on kids to excel in school and get in to a prestigious school. However, life is always about balancing work, play, social life, etc. Don't overload your plate and make school a priority, but not to the point where you have to sacrifice everything else.
Good luck!
Gene
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Luke’s Answer
Hi Bryan,
I would say my biggest regrets in college would be not studying abroad. If your college offers a program that is affordable, I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.
I would say my biggest regrets in college would be not studying abroad. If your college offers a program that is affordable, I highly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity.
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Veronica’s Answer
For me, I came from lower income home and had no help paying for anything. I worked a full time job, joined the National guard, had scholarships and grants, but still had to pay over 1300 per month to stay in school. My payment plan plus my personal bills kept me pretty strapped. If I’m being honest, I absolutely COULD NOT afford school. I knew that it was absolutely worth it for my future so I did it anyway. I didn’t want to be a server for the rest of my life.
I went through multiple MONTHS-long periods where I couldn’t afford to feed myself. I still don’t regret it. I even worked harder to graduate a year early.
It was really difficult to find internships that paid better than I was earning so I didn’t go for them. I really regret that. Some of them would have offered me an opportunity cost that absolutely would have been worth it. I could have worked a part time job and done an internship instead. Or I could have gotten lucky and gotten an internship that paid well enough on its own. Either way, internships are priceless. I didn’t even give myself a chance to try.
Sometimes, stress makes us take routes that aren’t always the best for our futures because we’re afraid to lose what we already have. Absolutely weigh your options and make decisions that are most beneficial for your future.
Another regret that I have is, with my drive and how hard I was working, I let my social life (and therefore my friends) take the back burner. I lost a lot of friends for this and missed basically all of the fun college life experiences that many people will have for the rest of their lives. A support system and life-long friendships also offer a huge benefit in life. Don’t let these fall off your priorities list. Friends can help you find jobs or give a couch to sleep on if you ever need.
I went through multiple MONTHS-long periods where I couldn’t afford to feed myself. I still don’t regret it. I even worked harder to graduate a year early.
It was really difficult to find internships that paid better than I was earning so I didn’t go for them. I really regret that. Some of them would have offered me an opportunity cost that absolutely would have been worth it. I could have worked a part time job and done an internship instead. Or I could have gotten lucky and gotten an internship that paid well enough on its own. Either way, internships are priceless. I didn’t even give myself a chance to try.
Sometimes, stress makes us take routes that aren’t always the best for our futures because we’re afraid to lose what we already have. Absolutely weigh your options and make decisions that are most beneficial for your future.
Another regret that I have is, with my drive and how hard I was working, I let my social life (and therefore my friends) take the back burner. I lost a lot of friends for this and missed basically all of the fun college life experiences that many people will have for the rest of their lives. A support system and life-long friendships also offer a huge benefit in life. Don’t let these fall off your priorities list. Friends can help you find jobs or give a couch to sleep on if you ever need.