In the list of the most important things to gain from college, professional experience isn’t one that I often hear from friends.
Many students decide to attend college not for the experience, but so they can get a decent paying job when they graduate. However, how do students actually think they are going to get a job with no experience? Gaining professional experience while in college is not only beneficial, it is essential.
I believe there are a few things that any student can and should do during his or her time in college that will help set them up to get a job in their chosen field.
1. Be marketable.
Being marketable is the first step to achieving any goals. You have to prove to potential employers that you are worth adding to their company. Sure a degree in your chosen field says “I’ve studied and made the grades to attain this degree.” But, employers should hear more than that. They should be able to glance at your resume once and know you are the perfect person to fill their open position. Set yourself up in such a way that people don’t want to wait to contact you when they see your interest in their company.
2. Be unlimited.
Many students pick a major and only learn the things they are taught in class. While I admit learning class material is essential, students shouldn’t stop there. In order to be truly unlimited, you have to go above and beyond what you learn in class. Typically, classes only touch on the basics; so, you don’t really get the in-depth knowledge that many employers are looking for. If you make sure that you get experience outside of the classroom, you are setting yourself up to be truly unlimited. Being unlimited is key to being successful.
3. Be motivated.
Sure, you can go to class for 16 hours a week and then go out and party a few nights a week, but how is that really helping you? Now, I’m not saying cut out all the fun, but why not spend a few extra hours a week advancing yourself? To me, being motivated doesn’t mean just getting my homework done; it means proactively seeking things that will push me above my competition. Be motivated to find an internship or a job that will not just provide you running money, but will open doors for your future.
By doing these three things, you can open more doors for yourself than ever imaginable. Employers will almost always choose the candidate with experience over the candidate without. Companies simply do not have the time to drag their employees along. Keep in mind that while in college accepting an unpaid internship is never a bad thing. It shows future employers that you cared more about the learning process than you did about compensation for the time spent. Being busy should never be an excuse to idly watch as time passes you by. I understand busy, but I also understand being marketable, unlimited and motivated. In the long run, the things keeping you busy probably aren’t as important to your future as the experiences that will increase the chances of a successful future.
