What I Know Now That I Want To Share With You
Posted On: August 19th, 2009 @ 10:10AM
By Maxine Sugarman
Director, Co-op & Career Services
Pace University, NYC Campus
After more than 20 years of working in a College Career Center I want to share a few pieces of advice that I believe can make a difference in your success while you are in college:
1. Get friendly with a career counselor at your university.
Why? So that you have an unbiased individual to discuss your career dreams and fears with, or even to talk about your choice of major, minors, study abroad considerations and all things relevant to your four years of college. Career Counselors have your best interest in mind and can oftentimes makes suggestions or point you in the right direction as you navigate through your years as a college student. They can certainly be helpful to you when you are seeking your first job after college or want to discuss plans for graduate school. So don’t be shy…. make an appointment to meet with a career counselor at your University and stay connected with that individual throughout your four years of college. In some instances that “friendship” might very well endure post college graduation as you navigate your way through the world of work.
2. Set your sites on an internship, or two or three or more for that matter
It is commonly expected that most college students will complete at least one internship before they graduate. Usually that goal is based on your own desire to try out new experiences and build clarity on what you like and do not like in a work environment. But keep in mind that employers rate previous work experience as one of the most desirable traits in college graduates and also view internships and Co-ops as a highly effective technique for recruiting and retaining young talent. Some internships are paid, some unpaid and some for credit; but all internships have one thing in common: they will provide you with an invaluable laboratory for self analysis. Internships are the best way to test your interest in a certain industry, to build a network of professional contacts or to gain a leg up on the competition.
3. Be a sponge about all matters related to your career dreams
Yes soak up information! Start to collect information about all things relevant to your career interests; even if it is as basic as creating a folder to hold all relevant articles, websites etc. that you come across. You see, this gathering of career information is ongoing and lifelong. I oftentimes describe the career Information gathering process as if it is a scavenger hunt. You are setting out on a scavenger hunt to uncover all the necessary clues that will best inform you about the career path you are interested in pursuing. Sometimes those clues might inform you that a particular career is not for you or sometimes those clues might further your interest and excitement about a particular career. So go ahead and soak up as much career information as you can by reading, researching and interviewing individuals who are already doing the kind of work that you think you want to be doing.
4. Get involved!
Join a campus club, activity or group and immerse yourself in the activities of that organization. Most colleges are filled with a wide array of social, cultural, religious, political and pre-professional groups who welcome active student participation. On many campuses new clubs or organizations can even be started. Getting involved on campus will help you to better know yourself, discover some additional interests and abilities and ultimately will develop your leadership skills. Community based organizations are other potential sources for your involvements.
Whatever the group might be, just get involved and watch how you become a more interesting, multifaceted and capable individual who is better able to articulate your skills and capabilities.
5. Step out of your comfort zone
Yes you heard me….try out a course that interests you or join a club that is of interest to you. College is the best time to experiment with ideas about majors, interests, political views etc. Step out of yourself, take a chance on a new interest or hobby. Maybe in high school you felt too pigeon holed as a jock, artist, intellectual, musician etc. Well here’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and to gain more knowledge about yourself. If it seems like a daunting task to volunteer in class to be a project leader or to sign up to be on the board of a student group then do it… push yourself to step out of your comfort zone and grow. You will surprise yourself and in the process and I know that you will build your skills and expand your interests. What better way to step out of your comfort zone than to plan on a semester abroad? You will never be the same after that life transforming experience.
6. Set Personal Goals & Persist
Set personal goals that you want to accomplish each semester or each year and write those goals down; being as specific as you can. For instance: second semester of my Freshman Year I plan to make an appointment with a counselor in the Career Center or first semester of my sophomore year I plan to get information about study abroad opportunities or next year I plan to work for the student newspaper. Be sure to keep your goals in a visible place so that you do no forget about them; then take action. Make that appointment, join that club etc. Dream big and persist in every way that to can. Whatever it is that you want to accomplish; begin it! The shear act of taking one baby step at a time will set you in motion.
7. Don’t Curb your enthusiasm
Show your enthusiasm, motivation and positive attitude about beginning an internship, signing up for a course, joining a club/ organization, learning a new language or volunteering at a youth center. Being enthusiastic about an involvement has a ripple effect of drawing people in and expanding your own horizons. Enthusiasm is contagious and leaves a positive impact! Avoid negativity as it has a way of killing a positive attitude.
8. Be assertive—not passive or aggressive
You may already be aware of your communication style. Are you:
Passive: not speaking up.
Aggressive: speaking up in an overly demanding way
Passive-aggressive: saying one thing and doing another
Assertive: expressing yourself in a clear, direct and responsible manner
The most effective and positive form of communication is obviously assertive. This manner of communication allows for each person to be heard, understood and respected. Assertive behavior allows for both individuals to stand up for his or her rights without denying others their rights. Try to honestly examine your mode of communicating and strive to become more assertive. You may want to read more about how to develop an assertive communication style.
9. Find a mentor
My definition of a mentor is an individual who can encourage or inspire you to stay true to your goals and dreams. That individual should be willing to listen and engage in conversation with you as you try to determine the direction of your life. This person should be committed to your success and someone that you look up to. To find a good mentor consider all the people that you know including: college advisors, counselors, professors, individuals in your community, friends, family members, job/internship supervisors, or people associated with your hobbies. Look for someone that exemplifies the traits and skills that you want to adopt then be proactive and approach that individual requesting that you set up times to talk. Next ask that individual if you can keep a dialogue/relationship going through occasional appointments or through more regularly scheduled times to meet and discuss anything relevant to your future plans. Remember that most people are flattered to be asked for their advice, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask an admired individual to be your mentor.
10. Enjoy Yourself!
Try to enjoy your college years! Make sure that you schedule time for socializing and to participate in some fun activities. Check out what’s happening on campus or in the neighborhood. Perhaps you want to join a gym, go to a dance club, attend a party or get tickets for a concert.. Just be sure that you schedule time for relaxation and fun….you deserve it !
Well, these are just some of the things that I know to be true from my perspective as a Director of a College Career Center. Remember that everyone on a college campus is committed to your success and achievement…that is the purpose of our roles and respective jobs. So don’t hesitate to reach out to a professor, academic advisor, career counselor or staff member and ask for any assistance that you need. Good Luck! I know that you can accomplish all that you set out to do!
