It’s college graduation for many students. But that well-deserved sense of accomplishment is tempered by the difficult job market.
Frankly, far too many graduates are behind the eight ball and there’s no easy way out.
Why?
Because they didn’t take full advantage of their university experience.
But with a new crop of freshmen heading to college here’s some advice from Dr. Lou, a guy who did everything wrong in college but learned a lot from my daughter who just graduated from Northwestern University. Have you got paper and pencil ready? Here it goes:
• Don’t party hearty. Sure, you should enjoy yourself, but always keep the end in mind. And that end shouldn’t be obtaining the “most popular kid on campus” reputation. It should be to get a decent job when you graduate.
• Get involved. Especially your first two years, when you’ll likely live in a dorm. It’s a lot easier to just kick back, relax and let the others do the work, but if your dorm has an organization, push to be part of that organization. It will help teach you responsibility.
• Volunteer. There are so many worthwhile organizations out there that help those less fortunate than most of us. Carve out some time during your four years to join a group that helps others.
• Study abroad. This might be a longer shot for many students, but don’t assume that it’s out of your range. There are programs and scholarships out there that may help you financially. And the experience you gain will help you once out of college.
• Evaluate your university. Most all universities are very good universities, but if you happen to get into one with a strong reputation don’t assume that will get you places. These joints all have downsides. Figure out what that downside is — what a prospective employer might think of your university — and be prepared to combat that view.
• Do well. Future employers may or may not look at your actual grades, but clearly they will be interested in your grade point average. A 3.5 or 3.6 GPA says less about how smart you are and more about how much you’re willing to buckle down and get ’er done.
• Take summer jobs. This is huge. Be it an internship or a regular job, or both, these jobs will not only put a few extra dollars in your pocket but will give you some real world experience. And that experience is invaluable.
Also, if you can, vary your summer jobs. This variety will show a future employer that you are flexible.
• Work while in school. Even if you can afford not to work while going to school. … do it! Frankly, most of us don’t have an option not to work. School is just too dang expensive today. But working while in school shows prospective employers you can multitask. More important, it shows that you have a work ethic.
• Keep track. On Day One of college, begin to build your résumé. The résumé will most likely be blank at the beginning, but every month or so, pull it out and look at it. As the months go by, if it continues to be blank, begin to get concerned. Look at the ideas in this column and work on getting something on that piece of paper.
OK, none of this guarantees success. But if I were a betting man, I’d bet if you follow this advice, you’ll be in a much better spot than most kids who thought college was just about being a party animal.
Buona fortuna!
Lou Brancaccio is The Columbian’s editor. Reach him at 360-735-4505 or lou.brancaccio@columbian.com.
