According to a poll by Gallup, 54 percent of Americans believe college graduates aren’t ready for the world of work. This leaves 46 percent of Americans with little faith in our college graduates. It also seems that 75 percent of college-bound high school students aren’t prepared for basic college level courses.
As a college advisor, I have dealt with many outstanding and underwhelming students. As I’ve helped students on their path to graduation, there have been a few things that I’ve always wanted to encourage them to do as they finished their degrees and started their careers.
So here it is! To upcoming college students and college graduates, consider the following tips to foster college and career success:
Go to class.
I’ve witnessed countless students who had to retake courses because their grades slipped. Why? Because a large portion of these students weren’t going to class.
You wouldn’t skip out on work, would you? If you said yes to that, you might want to reconsider your career choice. Being present in class and at work is key to your success. I’m sure you know this, but it’s never going to change!
Check your email frequently.
One of the top things I hear from students is “I didn’t know that.” But did you check your e-mail? We sent you the information.
Now I’m not suggesting that you be hooked to your phone and email all day. But college graduates, you must be available and present in what you’re doing. If you’re not checking your email or available to contact in other ways, your reliability goes down the drain and you might as well be skipping out on class or work.
Ask for help and don’t procrastinate.
These two go hand-in-hand and can drive anyone crazy if they aren’t done effectively.
As a student, it’s never going to hurt to ask for help. If you don’t know understand a class concept, need more information about financial aid, or don’t know when to apply for graduation, ask the appropriate parties. But keep in mind, important questions often have a deadline involved and get worse the longer you wait. Ask sooner rather than later so you can receive the best help.
The same can be said in your career. Knowing when to ask for help and not procrastinating can be the difference between losing and keeping an account, client, or project.
Treat college like a full-time job.
You’ve got to start somewhere, so why not treat your college career like a full-time job? You’re working toward your degree around 40 hours a week by going to class, doing homework, studying for tests, working on group projects, and participating in other college activities.
You don’t have to be a stellar student to treat your college career like a full-time job either. By putting in the work, going to class, checking your email, and being available to new ideas and contacts, you are already on the right path.
Be proactive.
The best tip I can give upcoming college graduates is to be proactive. Students often don’t take the initiative to do all of the above tips. Their grades slip, they miss deadlines and opportunities, and in the end, they aren’t prepared to have a real world job.
If there’s something you’d like to do while in college or in your career, be proactive enough to take the appropriate steps to make that happen. You are the only person standing in your way.
As a college student, were there other tips you wish your advisor had given you?
