Having just finished my freshman year, I have spent the past few weeks reflecting on what I have learned over the course of this year, and thought that I would share some of the important lessons I have learned with all of you! I hope that this career advice can help you no matter where you are in life, whether you’re a college freshman or a college senior!
1. Don’t be afraid to participate— College is a door to a myriad of new opportunities. Freshman often fall second to the upperclassmen, which is understandable as the upperclassmen are preparing for graduation and their career. However, don’t use this as an excuse to be passive about your future! Don’t be lazy when it comes to your career, because if you can’t show your professors or employers how badly you want to be there, there will always be someone else who can to take your place. Immerse yourself in your career path; go see that guest speaker and take some notes, finish that extra scholarship, take that extra trip to go see a new exhibit. I know adding extra tasks to an already full course load can seem pointless and irritating, but trust me, going the extra mile can only help you on the road to success.
2. It is never too early to start thinking of the future— One of the most important lessons that I have learned is the significance of networking. Some of the best ways to network are at internships, career fairs and at special events or seminars. I know it seems pointless to head to a career fair after only being in school for a few months, but I say why wait! It is never too early to start networking and putting yourself out there. I can’t tell you how many internship fairs I went to this year where I was the only underclassman in the room; it was uncomfortable, but worth it in the long run. At every booth I approached, someone commented on how wonderful it was that I was getting involved so early on. Starting so early helps you build a large network and helps you practice valuable skills such as interviewing and resume building. Plus, it gives you an excuse to buy that cute business casual blouse you’ve been eyeing!
3. Be open to new possibilities— Before I came to school, I was a hundred percent certain that fashion design was the career for me; now I’m not so sure. The fashion industry is extremely large and multifaceted, so there are numerous possibilities and careers to explore. I also learned that I have interests that lie in other fields. College is your time to explore and discover, so don’t box yourself in! Be open to new opportunities, and if you discover that you might want to follow a new path, embrace it!
Do you have any valuable career advice you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!
