#wishlearned

College is about exploring, meeting new friends, and growing. But all that exploration and growth comes with a pretty big price tag, so it’s wise to try to make the most of the experience.

(My Alma Mata SUNY Fashion Institue of Technology)

1. Go to class. “Going to your class and showing up is 50% of the battle. I already knew this, but man, you see so many people flame out because they can’t get their butts in the chair.”

2. Go to office hours. “Bring in a rough essay outline, with at least some idea of what you want to write about, and your teacher will literally help write the paper with you. And your teacher knows you, likes you, and is more willing to “see your point” on a final.”

3. Do internships. ”You’ll gain valuable work experience, make yourself more attractive to potential employers, and, at the very least, narrow down what you want to do (or even if you want to do it!).

4. Learn job-relevant skills. ”You don’t have to decide what you want to do, but be certain to have skills that employers are seeking.”

“Start practicing your career while in college - do an internship, start a business on the side [INCORPORATE!] with your career as the focus of that business, something to be sure you’re into what you think you’re into. Nothing is more disappointing than a degree you can’t stand the job 6 months into it.”

5. Go for the free money. ”Tried harder to get scholarships, rather than paying my way with massive student loan debt”

6. Avoid debt. ”Spending money excessively on coffee, beer, and food is an obvious detriment to your future. Make sure to live within your means. If you have common sense, this should be easy. Don’t take loans unless they are absolutely necessary, and don’t drown yourself in credit card debt.”

7. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. ”If you don’t have job experience, network, network, network. Ivy League schools are coveted for their networking potential, not the piece of paper they hand out.”

8. Don’t be in a rush to get out early. “Stay in school. I graduated early and it wasn’t worth it.”

9. Get involved with a sport, club, frat, political org, ANYTHING. ”Not only does it help to show employers that you are well-rounded when you’re looking for jobs, it also introduces you to a whole new circle of friends while you’re in school and makes the experience that much more enjoyable.”