#internqueen

I have a lot to learn it seems. I have been trying to decide what I want to do with my life, potentially where and I just feel like I am being thrown in some many different directions. I've known my entire life that I've wanted to work in some aspect of the Music Industry. But there are so many facets to it that I don't know what makes the most sense. It seems a bit ridiculous, though probably true, to assume I will fall into the job. Whatever I find, I'll figure it out, if I love it, I'll stay on it. If I don't, I'll learn what I don't want.

I have been attending events through FindSpark and InternQueen to meet representatives from companies. I have met people who work in various aspects of Viacom Entertainment (Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon), Madison Square Garden, the Rachel Ray Show, Sirius XM, Seventeen Magazine, NBC Universal, Huffington Post and a host of others. I have gotten the business cards of people who could potentially have my future in their hands. I am trying to figure out what my plan is, or what it should be. That's the thing about being this age and being in college, it isn't as easy as it was for my parents.

College is a great opportunity in itself, and I know that I am considerably fortunate to even attend. I am blessed to be able to live in New York City, and have the opportunities I have had. But, college as an institution has lost its footing. When my parents attended college, it was a space for you to truly learn. not just repeat whatever your professor is telling you. You learned about yourself too - what your political beliefs were, how you adapted to situations, and, among many other things, who you were. My father's biggest fear was having to go to war because of the draft of Vietnam, not about how expensive Happy Hour prices are.

Perhaps my perspective is a bit off because I do have older parents who have expressed their disappointment to what college has become. There are so many people attending college, and so many in serious debt because of it. It sounds awful to say that less people should attend college, and I don't mean to sound insensitive, but some people have been able to be successful without it. Actually, the majority of success stories of CEOs or founders of companies was that they dropped out of college. College is a great experience for some, but it can also deplete not only your funds, but your creativity, your individualism, and your beliefs.

I attend a Liberal Arts college, and will be a senior this fall, but I don't know that I was meant to attend college. I mean that I am someone who, if interested in a subject, will read anything on it. I don't want to oversell myself or sound conceited but I was brought up to be naturally curious, and to enjoy educating myself. My parents are both brilliant, and it isn't having anything to do with college. I was having a conversation with them that, if I were college age in the 70's, as they had been, I probably could have gotten a job without the degree. I have spoken to my adviser at school, who surprisingly agreed.

But we don't live in the 70's, we live now. In every online portal for job applications, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree. I am working towards mine, but I don't see how having this piece of paper makes me any more desirable as a candidate than being just as intelligent and eager without it. It is a rather Catch 22 society where you can't get ahead without a degree, yet the majority of people don't even major in something that will help their career. I think I read that over 70% of college graduates don't use their college education or what they have their degree in post graduation. That seems like such a shame to me, and that is why I find the whole thing a bit sad.

In my experience, I've had very few teachers who actually enjoyed teaching. The majority of them show up because they are paid to, and just recite from the reading we did for homework. Just because you are physically there, doesn't mean you are mentally. And, for the price per class, I want to learn. I read the section you are reading to the class, and it seems that many of my peers are hearing it for the first time. I put in a lot of effort and it really doesn't help me. I like to offer different opinions and ask questions, but it seems the way to get an A is to recite back exactly what the teacher just said. If that's what college is then I think there is something terribly wrong with the education system.

If you are entering the "real world" anytime soon like me, you MUST, I repeat, MUST read this book before your first day.

Lauren does a fantastic job of breaking down every fear you might have before sitting in your new desk. 

How do I stay on top of my work? What if I make a mistake? What if I make a million mistakes? Will my coworkers like me? How do I get along with office drama? How do I make a budget? How do I stay true to my budget? 

All of these questions and more are answered with the best way possible: personal anecdotes. 

Yes, Lauren takes time to admit her flounders because she wishes someone had told her what she is telling her readers. But, she isn't the only expert weighing in. Lauren has taken time to interview professionals, friends and her former interns on everything under the sun related to starting in the "real world." 

Lauren writes in an easy, conversational tone that you can pick up and put back down and then pick it up again like a conversation with your best friend. Like no time has passed in between sessions. 

I know I will be keeping this book as a go-to manual to get through my first year. 

Be sure to follow her on Twitter: @internqueen​