myUsearch blog

myUsearch asked me to create a Top 10 College Tips list for 2009. Often the best advice is the common sense advice – work hard, follow through, improve on your weaknesses, and harness your strengths. I think you’ll find some of these ideas throughout the following list. I’ve included college tips for those who are entering college, currently in college, and graduating from college – so there’s a little something for everyone.  I hope you find these tips and the accompanying articles helpful. So without further adieu…..I present my Top 10 List of College Tips!

Photo by Ann Dabney

1. College Tip #10 - Your Freedom Includes Responsibility: Many think of college as a time of “freedom.” This is true, but with this freedom comes significantly more responsibility. What you make of this time will be up to you – don’t waste it. Be prepared to take charge of your education, if you do you’ll enjoy your freedom even more. 
2. College Tip #9 - Distance Online Learning is for the Dedicated and Motivated: Distance online learning can help you advance your education and career, but don’t expect it to be “the easy way.” If you are planning to achieve a degree online, be aware that it will take dedication and motivation. Much like the freedom a student feels when they leave home and high school and attend college on campus, an online program offers you a kind of freedom with a flexible schedule and a way to balance all of your responsibilities. Be sure to take your online courses seriously or achieving a degree can easily slip away.
3. College Tip #8 - Follow your Interests and Talents: Choose your college major based on your skills, talents, and interests. Your commitment to following this path will lead to success even if your eventual career does not directly relate to the major you declared in college. Don’t choose a major based on what someone wants you to do, what others are doing, or simply because of earning potential. If you aren’t enthusiastic about the subject you won’t succeed in your studies or your career. 
4. College Tip #7 - Make the Most of Your College Experience: Your college years don’t last forever, but the experiences you have will stay with you forever. Make the most of your experience. Be a part of the community and get to know people.  Push your boundaries and experience new things (like other cultures, campus events, organizations, volunteering opportunities). 
5. College Tip #6 - Don’t Worry Too Much About the Future: Yes, college is ultimately about starting a career, but don’t be too worried about your exact career path. The best thing you can do as a student is become informed about the industry you intend to join and use that information to make good decisions. Don’t spend energy worrying about exactly what you’re going to do. You’re going to face many twists and turns in your future. Building a solid foundation now and facing opportunities and challenges as they come is the best thing you can do.
6.  College Tip #5 - Get to Know Your Industry: It is worth taking time to learn about the industry you plan to enter. This is something you will need to do outside of your daily classes, but it will help you enormously at graduation time. Knowing what employers are looking for in new graduates can help you decide which courses to take and what experience you can gain now that will help you start your career (either by internship, a part-time job, or volunteering).
7. College Tip #4 - Take Advantage of Special Opportunities: Seek out the unique opportunities your college has to offer. Special programs not only add to your college experience but also give you advantages when competing in the job market. Want to intern in New York City at the United Nations? How about study abroad? Or study at sea? These are just a few of the many special ways you can enhance your education….and just imagine the advantages these experiences give you when it comes to a job interview. Your memorable experiences will generate interesting conversation and make you a memorable candidate!
8. College Tip #3 - Know Yourself – Make Choices that Fit: Know yourself when it comes to choosing a college. It’s important to choose a college that is the right fit for you. What programs do they offer? How far away are they from home (how far do you want to be away)? Do you feel more comfortable in large or small settings? What extracurricular activities on campus appeal to you? What are your financial restrictions? What can the college offer you? Factor in these and other important points, write out pros and cons, and apply to those that fit you best.
9. College Tip #2 - Start Networking Now!: Start networking immediately. You’re only a freshman you say? So what? Relationships take time to build and you can make more meaningful contacts if you start right now. Good contacts are as important to your future success as the major you choose, the degree you earn, or the resume you put together. Don’t wait to start networking.
10. College Tip #1 Get a College Degree: It sounds simple, but finishing is the most important part of going to college. Get your degree. Going to college without achieving the degree is taking a loss on an important investment – your time and your money. As this chart shows, the more educated you are, the less likely you’ll find yourself unemployed. If you have decided to go to college, make the decision to finish also. That’s numero uno when it comes to college tips.

Hope these college tips help you have a great 2010. Happy New Year!