It is Never too Soon to Start Preparing for College and Your Career

By Deborah O’Connor
May 19, 2014

 

We have just had a multitude of graduations and it seems not everyone is prepared to go out into the world and make a living. This letter from Kevin brings home the point.

 

Dear Deborah:

I just attended college graduation for 6 of my friends. Not one of them has a secure, for sure job waiting for them. This is making me panicky, as I expect to be fully and gainfully employed when I graduate. What is your advice to reassure me that this can be done?

~ Kevin in Columbia

 

Dear Kevin:

Your concerns are not unfounded. Most college graduates wait far too long to get started on a career path that can ensure them a job upon graduation. Most are just too busy enjoying college life and all it entails and others just are not taking the initiative. A little forethought now can save you lots of frustration and confusion later on.

• The Number 1 thing I recommend is the Career Center. It is there to purposefully help you on your college career path. First, there are tests to determine where you might fit in and be most happy. Imagine graduating with a job that you love, do well in, and being financially feasible. This is what career centers do, but it’s up to you to take the first step. They will even pair you with employers in an internship program while you are going to school.

• Try to figure out where you want to end up. If you are in Columbia attending college, but definitely want to live and work in Charlotte, make that abundantly clear to your counselor. They can help you get summer internships in Charlotte in an area you enjoy. This can definitely lead to a bona fide job upon graduation.

• Don’t have any idea what you want to do? That’s okay, too, as college is a good place to experiment. You can take classes in many different areas until you find something you really like.

• If you have to work during college to pay tuition, the Student Employment Center can help you find something in your area of interest.  Just ask. There is plenty of financial aid out there, and you just need to take the initiative to get it.

• Perhaps you have a talent you can use for a part-time job. I have a friend who made several thousand dollars stinging tennis racquets throughout college. You might be good enough to give piano lessons or tutor foreign language students. Just think about your talents and you will come up with something.

 

Nor only is it never too late to start, in today’s society it is almost imperative to get an edge. It’s your responsibility to take the initiative and it is up to you.

 

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

 

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz