8 answers
Lucas
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
631 views
How did your college experience shape your career path, and are there specific courses or activities that you found beneficial for your current role ?
Look for professional responses, thanks.
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7 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I think what best shaped my life, in regards to my college years, was getting involved in campus events and organizations.
I got involved in Student Government, Student Life, Clubs and Organizations, Student Tutoring and Mentoring and Athletics.
This might sound like a lot, but I balanced it over a period of several years.
It taught me a lot about responsibility, leadership, how to work in an organization, and eventually led to a career in college education.
So, these were the activities that shaped and influenced my life.
I got involved in Student Government, Student Life, Clubs and Organizations, Student Tutoring and Mentoring and Athletics.
This might sound like a lot, but I balanced it over a period of several years.
It taught me a lot about responsibility, leadership, how to work in an organization, and eventually led to a career in college education.
So, these were the activities that shaped and influenced my life.
Adit Sheth
Senior Software Engineer
114
Answers
Bellevue, Washington
Updated
Adit’s Answer
The journey through college can powerfully shape your career, particularly when you dive headfirst into relevant classes, internships, and outside activities. Here's how some professionals have painted their experiences:
Real-World Application Exposure: A number of students have discovered that practical projects and internships are a great bridge between classroom learning and real-world challenges. Courses like software development or engineering design not only impart technical skills but also inspire problem-solving, a crucial asset in technology roles.
Mentorship and Networking: Numerous professionals underscore the value of forging bonds with professors and fellow students. Some have even stumbled upon mentorship opportunities that steered their career trajectory. Networking can often be the key that unlocks doors to internships and job openings.
Direct Impact Coursework: Classes such as data structures, algorithms, AI/ML, or databases have proven to be especially valuable for those who ventured into software engineering. Likewise, specialized courses like biotechnology or health informatics have been a boon for those in medical-related fields like biotech or pharmaceutical tech careers.
Extracurricular Involvement: Engaging in activities like coding clubs, hackathons, research groups, or leadership roles can hone technical skills and leadership prowess. Such involvement often results in standout job applications and relevant experiences to share during interviews.
In conclusion, aligning your course choices and extracurricular activities with your career aspirations can lay a robust foundation, smoothing the transition from college to career.
Real-World Application Exposure: A number of students have discovered that practical projects and internships are a great bridge between classroom learning and real-world challenges. Courses like software development or engineering design not only impart technical skills but also inspire problem-solving, a crucial asset in technology roles.
Mentorship and Networking: Numerous professionals underscore the value of forging bonds with professors and fellow students. Some have even stumbled upon mentorship opportunities that steered their career trajectory. Networking can often be the key that unlocks doors to internships and job openings.
Direct Impact Coursework: Classes such as data structures, algorithms, AI/ML, or databases have proven to be especially valuable for those who ventured into software engineering. Likewise, specialized courses like biotechnology or health informatics have been a boon for those in medical-related fields like biotech or pharmaceutical tech careers.
Extracurricular Involvement: Engaging in activities like coding clubs, hackathons, research groups, or leadership roles can hone technical skills and leadership prowess. Such involvement often results in standout job applications and relevant experiences to share during interviews.
In conclusion, aligning your course choices and extracurricular activities with your career aspirations can lay a robust foundation, smoothing the transition from college to career.
Terrance Hu
procurement
1
Answer
Shanghai, China
Updated
Terrance’s Answer
The ability to learn is essential. It's important to cultivate a habit and method for learning. Learning is a lifelong journey, and its importance increases as you step into the professional world. Continuous learning at work is vital for career advancement, regardless of your current career stage.
Building relationships with your schoolmates can greatly expand your perspective and open up more opportunities in your future career.
Lastly, cherish your school life. It's a unique experience that you'll reminisce about forever.
Building relationships with your schoolmates can greatly expand your perspective and open up more opportunities in your future career.
Lastly, cherish your school life. It's a unique experience that you'll reminisce about forever.
Bethany Cooley
Accounting
1
Answer
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
Great question, Lucas! When I started as a freshman, I was pretty sure I wanted to go into the medical field. After taking a few science classes, I realized it wasn’t as interesting to me as I originally thought it would be. I didn’t know what to do next, so I looked into business. I took an intro to accounting class the next semester, loved it, and realized there were so many cool career paths in that field. Honestly, I never thought I’d be an accountant, but now I really enjoy what I do and keep learning new things every day. Be open to different paths as you navigate college and you might be surprised by what grabs your attention.
Once I decided on accounting, I joined some programs specific to the major that my business school facilitated to meet people in the industry and hear about their real-world experiences. One specific program was part of our internship placement and helped me network with professionals to get an internship and figure out if it was something I could see myself enjoying long-term. My time in my internship gave me real world experience and was invaluable to the start of my career.
Outside of classes, I also found things I cared about and made time for them each week. Whether it was volunteering or joining on-campus clubs, it was nice to do something meaningful beyond just schoolwork. These activities also helped me building soft skills that have been instrumental in my career.
Once I decided on accounting, I joined some programs specific to the major that my business school facilitated to meet people in the industry and hear about their real-world experiences. One specific program was part of our internship placement and helped me network with professionals to get an internship and figure out if it was something I could see myself enjoying long-term. My time in my internship gave me real world experience and was invaluable to the start of my career.
Outside of classes, I also found things I cared about and made time for them each week. Whether it was volunteering or joining on-campus clubs, it was nice to do something meaningful beyond just schoolwork. These activities also helped me building soft skills that have been instrumental in my career.
Megan Nerad, CPA
Consulting Manager at PwC
43
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Megan’s Answer
During my college years, I pursued a major in accounting. To broaden my horizons and increase my professional network, I became a member of both accounting and non-accounting student organizations. My involvement in accounting student groups was primarily aimed at expanding my connections and gaining insights into potential job opportunities in the professional sphere.
On the other hand, I joined non-accounting student organizations for two main reasons. Firstly, I wanted to maintain a balanced lifestyle by continuing to engage in my personal hobbies and interests. Secondly, I recognized the importance of effective communication across different departments within a business, a skill which is vital for an accountant.
In addition to maintaining a solid GPA, I made it a point to take on leadership roles within the student organizations I was involved in. I also dedicated some of my time to volunteering in community service activities. This allowed me to develop a well-rounded profile, beyond just my academic achievements.
On the other hand, I joined non-accounting student organizations for two main reasons. Firstly, I wanted to maintain a balanced lifestyle by continuing to engage in my personal hobbies and interests. Secondly, I recognized the importance of effective communication across different departments within a business, a skill which is vital for an accountant.
In addition to maintaining a solid GPA, I made it a point to take on leadership roles within the student organizations I was involved in. I also dedicated some of my time to volunteering in community service activities. This allowed me to develop a well-rounded profile, beyond just my academic achievements.
Cydni Washington Bolden
Associate Claims Representative
5
Answers
Glenwood, Illinois
Updated
Cydni’s Answer
Hi, Lucas! I truly appreciate you for asking such a well-thought-out question.
I feel like the key takeaway from my college experience was learning to gain experience and build confidence in myself along the way. Some days were better than others, and that is how things may go in life sometimes. Unfortunately, I had to cope with the loss of one of my parents two days before the start of my first semester of college, but that became my drive to move forward. In terms of how I got through it, it was nothing short of difficult, and it was easier said than done to tell myself not to feel down sometimes. However, I learned that I have other interests that can help distract my thoughts, feelings, and emotions because it allows me to be more present in the moment. At that time, I had a split-second decision of taking a gap year or learning to persevere through it all. I remembered that I was carrying on a multigenerational family legacy of college education, and there is sometimes pressure in upholding that excellence in their honor.
From the start of my college career, I joined the school’s newspaper because I had initially wanted to pursue investigative journalism. I worked as a news and sports section copy editor, news reporter, and news editor. Although that career path did not pan out in the way that I had expected, I still took on leadership roles for a short time. I served as a peer minister and retreat leader with campus ministry, as an orientation leader with campus life, as a writing consultant with our learning center/writing studio, volunteered at the college radio station as a DJ and host of my own show (a spin-off of my Spotify podcast), and ended my last on-campus job as a clerical office worker at the Center for Accessibility Resources. Whenever I could lend a helping hand, I made sure someone else’s experience was as worthwhile as mine.
Outside of school, which felt more like a safety net and starting point for me, I took on three internships—two of them during summer 2022 and 2023. My second internship, which lasted nine months at a staffing and recruiting firm, was the most fulfilling. The skills I acquired from those internships are now applicable to the work I do in my current job.
As for extracurriculars, I was involved in the Undergraduate University Honors Program, Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) Academic Honors Society, Emerging Scholars Program, and Student Media. I am not one to mention accolades often, but I was proud to be a scholarship recipient all four years. I was invited to a gala in my sophomore year, represented my college as a Student Laureate for the academic school year, spoke in front of the first-year class at their new student induction, and received and provided constructive feedback to improve my personal and professional development on a daily basis.
I also made sure to get involved on campus beyond academics. On top of all this, I am still surprised at how I maintained a 3.965/4.00 Overall Cumulative GPA. At the end of the day, your GPA does not necessarily define your success in the workforce, but trust me: the contributions, effort, and hard work you put in along the way will give you purpose. Now that I’m working, I can only pave a way forward, not two steps back.
The most beneficial courses I took were during my senior year. I had two senior projects: one was my senior seminar original research project for the communication department, and the other was my honors senior capstone project that I prepared for the entire school year. Completing these allowed me to graduate from the honors program and be recognized as one of 13 “Honors Scholars” in my graduating class. My communication courses—whether in interpersonal, health, persuasion, political, organizational, or leadership communication—were important disciplines that are not always taught in the classroom and are seldom taught outside the classroom. They were practical and helped me develop a diverse skillset to prepare for what was coming. As we learned new things, grew through what we went through, rolled with the punches, trusted the process, and built a strong sense of responsibility, we found a newfound sense of independence and became more genuine and true to ourselves. By working together with others, learning to problem-solve, managing our time well, and listening attentively, we were well on our way to bigger and better things!
In many ways, your college journey will differ from everyone else’s. No two experiences are alike, and everyone will be on their own path; so will you. You will learn the hard way that some things will go as planned, and others won’t pan out, but you will still be fine. Having at least one plan in mind will benefit you in the long run. If you’re somewhat set on that goal, and learn to adapt and embrace those changes that come your way, you’ll see why.
Wishing you much success!!!
Embrace Challenges and Build Confidence: Reflect on the hardships you face, using them as opportunities to grow personally and professionally, even in difficult moments when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom.
Explore and Engage in Diverse Experiences: Participate in various activities, both academic and extracurricular, such as internships, leadership roles, and student organizations to develop a range of skills.
Apply What You Learn: Use the skills you acquire from internships, projects, and coursework to help in your future career and day-to-day work.
Find Balance Between Academics and Involvement: While maintaining a strong GPA is valuable, remember that personal contributions and efforts beyond academics also contribute to long-term success.
Trust the Journey and Stay Flexible: Understand that everyone’s college experience is different, and not everything will go according to plan, but having a general direction will still benefit you in the long run.
I feel like the key takeaway from my college experience was learning to gain experience and build confidence in myself along the way. Some days were better than others, and that is how things may go in life sometimes. Unfortunately, I had to cope with the loss of one of my parents two days before the start of my first semester of college, but that became my drive to move forward. In terms of how I got through it, it was nothing short of difficult, and it was easier said than done to tell myself not to feel down sometimes. However, I learned that I have other interests that can help distract my thoughts, feelings, and emotions because it allows me to be more present in the moment. At that time, I had a split-second decision of taking a gap year or learning to persevere through it all. I remembered that I was carrying on a multigenerational family legacy of college education, and there is sometimes pressure in upholding that excellence in their honor.
From the start of my college career, I joined the school’s newspaper because I had initially wanted to pursue investigative journalism. I worked as a news and sports section copy editor, news reporter, and news editor. Although that career path did not pan out in the way that I had expected, I still took on leadership roles for a short time. I served as a peer minister and retreat leader with campus ministry, as an orientation leader with campus life, as a writing consultant with our learning center/writing studio, volunteered at the college radio station as a DJ and host of my own show (a spin-off of my Spotify podcast), and ended my last on-campus job as a clerical office worker at the Center for Accessibility Resources. Whenever I could lend a helping hand, I made sure someone else’s experience was as worthwhile as mine.
Outside of school, which felt more like a safety net and starting point for me, I took on three internships—two of them during summer 2022 and 2023. My second internship, which lasted nine months at a staffing and recruiting firm, was the most fulfilling. The skills I acquired from those internships are now applicable to the work I do in my current job.
As for extracurriculars, I was involved in the Undergraduate University Honors Program, Lambda Pi Eta (LPH) Academic Honors Society, Emerging Scholars Program, and Student Media. I am not one to mention accolades often, but I was proud to be a scholarship recipient all four years. I was invited to a gala in my sophomore year, represented my college as a Student Laureate for the academic school year, spoke in front of the first-year class at their new student induction, and received and provided constructive feedback to improve my personal and professional development on a daily basis.
I also made sure to get involved on campus beyond academics. On top of all this, I am still surprised at how I maintained a 3.965/4.00 Overall Cumulative GPA. At the end of the day, your GPA does not necessarily define your success in the workforce, but trust me: the contributions, effort, and hard work you put in along the way will give you purpose. Now that I’m working, I can only pave a way forward, not two steps back.
The most beneficial courses I took were during my senior year. I had two senior projects: one was my senior seminar original research project for the communication department, and the other was my honors senior capstone project that I prepared for the entire school year. Completing these allowed me to graduate from the honors program and be recognized as one of 13 “Honors Scholars” in my graduating class. My communication courses—whether in interpersonal, health, persuasion, political, organizational, or leadership communication—were important disciplines that are not always taught in the classroom and are seldom taught outside the classroom. They were practical and helped me develop a diverse skillset to prepare for what was coming. As we learned new things, grew through what we went through, rolled with the punches, trusted the process, and built a strong sense of responsibility, we found a newfound sense of independence and became more genuine and true to ourselves. By working together with others, learning to problem-solve, managing our time well, and listening attentively, we were well on our way to bigger and better things!
In many ways, your college journey will differ from everyone else’s. No two experiences are alike, and everyone will be on their own path; so will you. You will learn the hard way that some things will go as planned, and others won’t pan out, but you will still be fine. Having at least one plan in mind will benefit you in the long run. If you’re somewhat set on that goal, and learn to adapt and embrace those changes that come your way, you’ll see why.
Wishing you much success!!!
Cydni recommends the following next steps:
Isaiah Johnson
Tax Accountant
17
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
This is a good question, college has a large influence on the rest of your life. For me I went into college with no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, I started in general business. After taking the array of introductory business courses necessary I quickly got a feel for what I was interested in and what I really disliked. This is why I always encourage students to try new things, you never know what you might stumble upon and who you might meet. I never dreamed of being an accountant and really didn't have any idea of what they did, only that it was rumored to be boring. I took some accounting classes with some amazing professors and I can now say it changed my life and I am very happy with how my life has turned out and excited to continue my professional career.