Advice I wish I had in college

With high school graduations starting up, I find myself contemplating the day I graduated high school. Although it was only four years ago, my perception of college and the importance of it has significantly changed.

From my experience, even if you work your hardest during the semester and get stellar grades, it is not enough in this day-in-age. In college you have to always be thinking ahead to your college graduation and how ready you will be for the professional working world.

So here I pass on the most important lessons that I learned is essential for the present-day college student to consider while in college.

GRADES ARE IMPORTANT, BUT...

You have to think of WHY you are attending college. The reason that you go to college is so that you can one day (hopefully) get a job and make more money at that job. Grades are only half of the equation.

MAKE AS MANY CONNECTIONS AS POSSIBLE

Yes, grades are important; however, it occurred to me during my senior year of college (a little late) that networking is essential at college. I am naturally introverted. Making small talk with future employers, professors or valuable contacts was difficult for me. This forced me to move out of my comfort zone to talk to people—and that ultimately helped me land a paid summer internship. If you feel uncomfortable with networking, I find that all you can do is force yourself to make those connections—which sometimes can be unpleasant to say the least, but you will be happy that you did it. If you want a job when you graduate, that is unbelievably vital. Many employers use word-of-mouth to advertise jobs, or won’t hire unless they know a contact that can vouch for you.

GET AS MUCH 'REAL WORLD' EXPERIENCE AS YOU CAN GET

When there are breaks in college, try to spend that time getting as much real world experience as possible related to your field of study. I found that internships were the most rewarding aspect of my education. In this job market, employers need to see that you have had some professional experience before they even consider hiring you. It genuinely impresses future employers that on top of school you were already working in your field and looking to build your experience.

TAKE COURSES THAT TEACH YOU CONCRETE SKILLS

It really helps when a multitude of the courses you take in college teach you solid skills that you can clearly list on a resume as supplemental qualifications. Spend some time searching job postings for your dream career. Read the qualifications for an entry-level position in that field. Could you be taking any courses in college that would provide skills that would make you qualified for that job but it is not required for your major? Take it as an elective. Although the fun and easy gym elective would be less stressful, it will not help you in the slightest when applying for a job.

Make sure you try to do these things in college, so when you are in your next cap and gown—ready to graduate once again—you can be excited and prepared for life in the workforce.