The future is the fear of every college student. Yes we know it’s coming. It’s successful, but that doesn’t mean we have to think about it right now, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Whether you are a freshman just getting used to the whole college process or a senior ready to enter the real world, planning is important. It can also be really overwhelming. Sometimes it seems a little easier just to ignore the whole future thing for another couple of days.
Still, anyone who’s anyone will tell you not to push it off. The first thing you have to decide what you want to do, and ask someone who is already doing that. Find a professional in your field and chat with them. Make contacts.
Don’t feel like you are all alone in figuring out the future and finding these people. Your professors and advisors are there to help you. They know past students and other people in the field. Sometimes you have to ask, but you will find help.
There are a ton of resources at Seton Hill University. Make an appointment at CareerWorks or at the very least check out their website. If you can get a plan in order, the rest of college will just be following up.
Don’t take on your whole future in one day, however. Take it one step at a time. Make goals for yourself and set mini objectives until your large goals are more accessible.
Celebrate when you reach your goals and treat yourself from time to time. No one can be focused all the time. Take a break and hang out with your friends. Buy something that you’ve been wishing for. Reaching even your smallest goal is an achievement, so reward yourself.
Also, don’t be afraid to fail. Author Michael Cunningham said, “I think a certain fearlessness in the face of your own ineptitude is a useful tool.” You will have shortcomings and you will not be successful in all your endeavours. Use your mistakes as learning tools and don’t stress out about it too much.
Maybe you won’t get the internship you have been dreaming of for years. Maybe you’ll miss an opportunity that you really should have caught. No matter how well you plan, things will fall through once in awhile. It won’t be the end of the world. College is for messing up occasionally.
Mostly, though, you have to learn to sell yourself. Both the Elevator Pitch Competition and the speaker from Lambda Pi Eta focused on that fact. You could be the most qualified person in the world, but if you can’t relate that information to an employer you are in trouble.
Everything from your demeanor, your resume and your outfit are part of selling you. Invest your time, money and thoughts in all of those areas. It may seem to be overdoing it if you are years from graduation, but it will pay off.