6 answers
Sophia
Student
Mishawaka, Indiana
2
Questions
Asked
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What do you wish you knew before going into college?
For example about jobs, application processes, test scores, GPA, or overall on deciding things.
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6 answers
Katherine L
45
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Hi! Before entering college, I wish I had known that career paths are often more flexible than they appear. It's perfectly fine not to have your entire future planned out as some students do. College is a time for exploration, adaptation, and growth. Embrace the learning journey and don't feel pressured to immediately choose a direction of study. Also, understand that your academic performance, while important, is just one piece of the puzzle when applying for jobs or graduate programs. Holistic application processes often consider your experiences, skills, activities/volunteering, and personal qualities as equally significant. So, don't underestimate the value of showcasing your uniqueness in your applications.
Another key insight is the unpredictability of college life. Be prepared for changes and challenges along the way, and your adaptability will be a valuable asset. Moreover, college isn't just about academics and getting good grades; it's a transformative period of personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace the opportunity to broaden your horizons, develop critical thinking skills, and connect with a diverse community of people. Networking and building relationships with professors, peers, and professionals can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Ultimately, the message is to approach college with authenticity, adaptability, and an open mind, understanding that it's a dynamic journey with numerous facets beyond just academics.
All the best luck on your future endeavors :)
Another key insight is the unpredictability of college life. Be prepared for changes and challenges along the way, and your adaptability will be a valuable asset. Moreover, college isn't just about academics and getting good grades; it's a transformative period of personal growth and self-discovery. Embrace the opportunity to broaden your horizons, develop critical thinking skills, and connect with a diverse community of people. Networking and building relationships with professors, peers, and professionals can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Ultimately, the message is to approach college with authenticity, adaptability, and an open mind, understanding that it's a dynamic journey with numerous facets beyond just academics.
All the best luck on your future endeavors :)
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Entering college is a significant transition, and there are several things I wish I had known before starting this journey. Here are some valuable insights and advice that may help you as you embark on your college experience:
1. **Time Management:** College demands excellent time management skills. Create a schedule, prioritize tasks, and set aside dedicated study time. Balancing academics, social life, and personal well-being is essential.
2. **Seeking Help:** Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Whether it's academic support from professors or emotional support from counselors, there are resources available to assist you.
3. **Networking:** Building a professional network early on can be incredibly valuable. Attend career fairs, join student organizations related to your field, and connect with professors and peers.
4. **Internships and Experience:** Gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work is crucial. It can help you explore career paths and build your resume.
5. **Test Scores and GPA:** While these are important, they don't define your worth or potential. Focus on learning and personal growth rather than obsessing solely over grades.
6. **Mental Health:** Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. College can be stressful, so seek out counseling services or support groups if you're feeling overwhelmed.
7. **Budgeting:** Learn how to manage your finances early on. Create a budget, track your expenses, and avoid accumulating unnecessary debt.
8. **Exploration:** College is a time to explore academically and personally. Don't be afraid to take courses outside your major, try new hobbies, or meet people from diverse backgrounds.
9. **Career Planning:** Begin thinking about your career early. Attend career development workshops, work on your resume, and explore potential career paths.
10. **Failure is a Part of Growth:** Don't be discouraged by setbacks or failures. They are opportunities for growth and learning. Keep moving forward with resilience.
11. **Healthy Lifestyle:** Prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Physical health can have a significant impact on your academic performance and overall well-being.
12. **Communication:** Effective communication is a valuable skill. Practice clear and respectful communication with professors, peers, and colleagues.
13. **Diversity and Inclusion:** Embrace diversity and be open to learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives. It enriches your college experience and prepares you for a diverse workforce.
14. **Time Flies:** College goes by quickly. Make the most of your time there by engaging in meaningful experiences, building relationships, and pursuing your passions.
15. **Life Beyond Academics:** College is about more than just academics. It's a time for personal growth, self-discovery, and building lifelong memories.
Remember that college is a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth. It's normal to encounter challenges along the way, but each challenge is an opportunity for development. Be open to new experiences, seek guidance when needed, and enjoy the adventure of college life.
1. **Time Management:** College demands excellent time management skills. Create a schedule, prioritize tasks, and set aside dedicated study time. Balancing academics, social life, and personal well-being is essential.
2. **Seeking Help:** Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Whether it's academic support from professors or emotional support from counselors, there are resources available to assist you.
3. **Networking:** Building a professional network early on can be incredibly valuable. Attend career fairs, join student organizations related to your field, and connect with professors and peers.
4. **Internships and Experience:** Gaining practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work is crucial. It can help you explore career paths and build your resume.
5. **Test Scores and GPA:** While these are important, they don't define your worth or potential. Focus on learning and personal growth rather than obsessing solely over grades.
6. **Mental Health:** Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. College can be stressful, so seek out counseling services or support groups if you're feeling overwhelmed.
7. **Budgeting:** Learn how to manage your finances early on. Create a budget, track your expenses, and avoid accumulating unnecessary debt.
8. **Exploration:** College is a time to explore academically and personally. Don't be afraid to take courses outside your major, try new hobbies, or meet people from diverse backgrounds.
9. **Career Planning:** Begin thinking about your career early. Attend career development workshops, work on your resume, and explore potential career paths.
10. **Failure is a Part of Growth:** Don't be discouraged by setbacks or failures. They are opportunities for growth and learning. Keep moving forward with resilience.
11. **Healthy Lifestyle:** Prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Physical health can have a significant impact on your academic performance and overall well-being.
12. **Communication:** Effective communication is a valuable skill. Practice clear and respectful communication with professors, peers, and colleagues.
13. **Diversity and Inclusion:** Embrace diversity and be open to learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives. It enriches your college experience and prepares you for a diverse workforce.
14. **Time Flies:** College goes by quickly. Make the most of your time there by engaging in meaningful experiences, building relationships, and pursuing your passions.
15. **Life Beyond Academics:** College is about more than just academics. It's a time for personal growth, self-discovery, and building lifelong memories.
Remember that college is a journey of self-discovery, learning, and growth. It's normal to encounter challenges along the way, but each challenge is an opportunity for development. Be open to new experiences, seek guidance when needed, and enjoy the adventure of college life.
Justin Cox
Training Manager - Cruise Industry
3
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Justin’s Answer
I wish I had some sense of what classes to choose. I had absolutely no direction when applying nor when selecting classes. I probably could have saved myself one year of tuition had I had any sort of plan.
Mattie Greenwood
Success Manager
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Mattie’s Answer
College is a pivotal journey in life - immerse yourself in it and relish every moment. The bonds and connections you form during your college years are as significant as the courses you enroll in. Remember, all your peers are navigating the same phase of life, and you can rely on each other for support and guidance.
You might step into college with a particular ambition, but don't be surprised if your path evolves while you're there. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and shift your perspectives. Maximize your college experience by getting involved in clubs, sports teams, and campus festivities.
If you're entering college without a clear career trajectory, seize this opportunity to experiment with various classes and discover what truly ignites your passion. Conversely, if you have a definite career goal, you can still use your elective courses to delve into your other interests. This is your time to explore, learn, and grow. Enjoy the journey!
You might step into college with a particular ambition, but don't be surprised if your path evolves while you're there. Allow yourself the freedom to explore and shift your perspectives. Maximize your college experience by getting involved in clubs, sports teams, and campus festivities.
If you're entering college without a clear career trajectory, seize this opportunity to experiment with various classes and discover what truly ignites your passion. Conversely, if you have a definite career goal, you can still use your elective courses to delve into your other interests. This is your time to explore, learn, and grow. Enjoy the journey!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sophia,
I never anticipated that my journey would steer me away from the realm of astrophysics and guide me towards becoming a dietitian-nutritionist. The shift was driven by a personal crisis, as I watched male members of my family, some as young as 38, succumb to coronary artery disease. Despite my deep involvement in mathematics until my second year of university, I realized that studying the stars wouldn't save my family.
The point I want to emphasize is the importance of early decision-making in shaping your career path. It saves time and allows for smoother transitions. I didn't let my past studies go to waste, instead, I learned programming and have been actively involved in software development since 1972. By 1988, I had become a certified dietitian-nutritionist in Australia. In 1994, I combined my skills to create nutrition education software.
My routine involved programming at night and implementing the software at my diet clinic the next day. The software was designed to generate food menus for clients. However, I couldn't reverse diabetes, not due to the software's inefficiency, but because of the clients' imperfect adherence to the diet.
That's my journey in a nutshell. My advice to you is to choose your profession early, ideally something you excel at. Our genetic makeup often dictates our strengths. As my father once told me, "I don't care if you end up being a bum, just be the best one."
Wishing You Success in Your Career Endeavors,
Jim.
I never anticipated that my journey would steer me away from the realm of astrophysics and guide me towards becoming a dietitian-nutritionist. The shift was driven by a personal crisis, as I watched male members of my family, some as young as 38, succumb to coronary artery disease. Despite my deep involvement in mathematics until my second year of university, I realized that studying the stars wouldn't save my family.
The point I want to emphasize is the importance of early decision-making in shaping your career path. It saves time and allows for smoother transitions. I didn't let my past studies go to waste, instead, I learned programming and have been actively involved in software development since 1972. By 1988, I had become a certified dietitian-nutritionist in Australia. In 1994, I combined my skills to create nutrition education software.
My routine involved programming at night and implementing the software at my diet clinic the next day. The software was designed to generate food menus for clients. However, I couldn't reverse diabetes, not due to the software's inefficiency, but because of the clients' imperfect adherence to the diet.
That's my journey in a nutshell. My advice to you is to choose your profession early, ideally something you excel at. Our genetic makeup often dictates our strengths. As my father once told me, "I don't care if you end up being a bum, just be the best one."
Wishing You Success in Your Career Endeavors,
Jim.
Ronalee Lawrence
CMA CC and MA instructor
1
Answer
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Updated
Ronalee’s Answer
One of the things I learned in college is that sometimes going into your degree program, having a specific goal in mind, does not always end up where you want to be. These days, general diplomas, are not always enough for what you may have in mind. My suggestion is to figure out what you want to do specifically and look into specializing your degree to cater to that rather than just do a general degree. For example--you cannot get a degree in Psychology and expect to just be able to get a job as a counselor anymore. You will need specific training and more degree's in social work, counseling (sub specialties here as well), etc.
I don't suggest you go to college unless you have a very clear idea of what will get you that job at the end. It is a lot of money to spend on something that may not get you where you desire to be.
I don't suggest you go to college unless you have a very clear idea of what will get you that job at the end. It is a lot of money to spend on something that may not get you where you desire to be.