The unemployment rate for college graduates are growing rapidly. Millions of college students graduate each year, but are finding it tremendously difficult to seal the employment deal before or soon after graduation. Below are 7 secrets of a successful college student:
Define definite goals. It’s essential to have definite goals. What do you want your GPA to be? What activities or organizations do you want to be apart of while in college? Who would you like to meet? How many internships/co-ops do you want to have on your resume by the time you graduate? The sooner you are able to understand and define what you want out of your college career, the better the chances you have for a rewarding career out of college. You must have something to strive for. Once you’re able to define those goals, you’ll be able to put together a detailed plan to help you achieve them.
Create a detailed plan. Are you going to college just to go, or do you have a bigger purpose? Hopefully, that purpose isn’t to just get a job. It should be to start a career. Do your research. Ask questions. Put together a detailed plan to help you achieve the goals you have defined. With the digital age, it’s easier than ever to tap into credible resources to learn what your typical career path would be. If you want to be a entrepreneur, lawyer, doctor, scientist, or whatever you desire, you should know how long it will take you to get there, what certifications or licenses you need, what connections you need to make, and what exact steps to take to get you to where you want to be. So many college students graduate not knowing what they want to do, but wonder why they can’t land an interview or job related to their degree. That’s a HUGE problem.
Make a personal connection with your studies. Find your passion while in college. Successful college students think about their future and how their studies relate to their future success. If you have a great interest for what you’re studying, you’re going to want to do really well, and in return do really well.
Think for yourself. Your mind is your most powerful asset and is what makes you unique. No one but yourself should be able to control your thoughts and actions. Your success as a college student is completely upon you. You are held accountable. You no longer have your parents communicating with teachers to check on your performance. There are no more calls home to inform your parents that you skipped class. Be different. Be unique. Those who think for themselves don’t let peer pressure get to them because they know what’s important. Don’t let the party scene, drugs, alcohol, sex, and the Greek life consume you. Be smart about your actions.
Find a mentor. Mentors are important to have. As young twenty somethings, it’s great to have perspective from someone who has experience, expertise, and knowledge about whatever it is you want to do in life. By having a mentor, you can weave out the mistakes they’ve made, and use it as opportunities for your success.
Make long lasting relationships. Successful college students surround themselves around ambitious, and goal-oriented people. Who knows what may happen down the road. You’ll never know when will you need to give that friend a call. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for someone to go into business with, a person looking for a new job, or someone who may need a lawyer, accountant, or IT professional, having friends you can reach out to when in need could can really benefit you.
Value your time. Time is valuable, and successful college students realize that. Find out ways to free up your time. Even if you have a ton of work, or are enrolled in a lot of classes, you still need to balance your academic life with your social life.
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