There is Life After College
A few weeks back I attended a work retreat and had the pleasure of listening to Jeffery J. Selingo speak. He is an award-winning columnist who helps parents and higher-education leaders imagine the college and university of the future and how to succeed in a fast-changing economy. He told us to reinvent ourselves because the work place is ever changing.
As a recent college graduate, I know how disheartening it is when you realize that there are limited opportunities for us. There are more graduates than there are jobs for them. In order to survive a competitive job market, you have to self-educate.
“Undergraduates need to direct themselves to act independently, be resourceful, and cobble together experiences inside and outside the classroom to better prepare for the evolving workplace they will face in the future”
According to Jeff's research, college graduates lack skills that employers require such as communication, writing, customer service, planning, organizing, problem- solving and social skills. He says that college students know how to take a course, but don't know how to learn.
“HOW you go to college is more important than WHERE you go to college and WHAT you study”
He gave us 3 tips on how to be better prepared for life after college.
1. Fail Fast and Cheap
Failure is an important lesson and too many students are taught to fear failure. In our perfectionist culture, people aim to succeed at everything but there are some lessons in life you learn through trial and error. Failing fast and cheap is your best bet cause you can learn from your mistakes and do things better the next time.
2. Get Relevant Jobs
Get as much experience as you can while you're in college. Many companies prefer students that have hands on experience, which is why they typically hire interns. Whatever field you want to venture into, look for internships and apprenticeships. He also recommends that students take a year off from school to acquire more skills if they have to. Many parents do not give their children any other option but to go to college after high school but the current economy doesn't guarantee a job after college. In chapter 3 of his book, he discusses the benefits of taking a detour in order to learn about who you are and what you're really interested in. You can take a gap year to travel and be exposed to new cultures, or an academic gap year or a work gap year.
3. Explore
Do not rush through life. On this blog, I'm passionate about encouraging my viewers to follow their dreams and aim for fulfilling careers. In order to live a life that is truly fulfilling, take this advice to heart, you don't have to rush through life. Life is not a competition even though our culture makes it so. Take time to explore different interests then narrow down it down and choose something to grow in.
Reinventing yourself is a process, not a one-time thing. So learn to experience life in its fullness, then apply each skill to your passions.
