College is hard – especially the first year.
Beginning the best four/six/however many years of your life can be difficult for any number of reasons, including but not limited to:
1. Classes/Studying
2. Leaving your family and friends, therefore (see #3)
3. Having to make new friends
4. Tuition/student loans/debt
The list goes on.
As if that isn't daunting enough, you're also confronted with a sudden urgency to have a grand plan for the world outside of college, a plan that is ideally self-fulfilling yet realistic and financially sound. Needless to say, starting the first year of college requires a lot of adjusting and a serious reality check, which can be a lot for some to handle. In fact, the idea of failure and careers terrified me so much that I scheduled an appointment with a career counselor after only my first month of school. And now I'm here to tell the world of how that meeting was probably the best decision I made during my freshman year at UT. It led me, not only to a fantastic internship, but also to the right tools for tackling future internships and other "adult" obstacles. I may have been a little early for a college breakdown, but the advice I received was so helpful that I wish it had happened sooner.
During my appointment, I learned about how crucial the first year is. It's your first impression to the world, a chance to become involved, gain experience, and began figuring out who you are and what you want. So many new students overlook the significance of their freshman year and don't take advantage of the countless opportunities to begin strong (which explains why so many of the people I was competing against for said opportunities were upperclassmen). Consequently, I'm here to voice that waiting until those last years to plan a life after school isn't a smart choice, especially when there is so much time in between to get a head start! And internships are the way to do it.
Now, my career counselor also explained to me (a Radio-Television-Film major) the reality of my post-grad situation. Jobs may be hard to come by for someone studying that particular line of work, which makes it all the more critical that I start early when it comes to gaining actual experience and an impressive portfolio. Additionally, graduates are currently finding it harder to launch their careers within their desired field, despite the degree they earned in school. It seems that being involved and a well-rounded student isn't enough to land a job anymore. So, if that's the case, how are you supposed to stand out to an employer, even if you're the president of an organization, a 4.0 student, on a sports team, etc.?
The answer is to have real experience. Being a successful and involved student in your college may indicate that you perform well within classroom settings, but employers want to see that you've applied that knowledge outside of campus. At the end of the day, the person who gets the job will be the one who knows how to do it right. And if that's true, why wait a few years to learn how?
Attending Career Fairs or seminars led by the CEO of such-and-such, anything that gives you the chance to meet with potential employers, gives college freshmen the great advantage of developing connections in advance. Companies recruiting for students are always impressed by a first year's enthusiasm to learn and assert yourself, and they will most likely keep in touch with you upon recognizing your work ethic. Over the next couple of years, these networks can grow and strengthen, giving you several options for work at your disposal throughout your entire college career.
While it may appear unrealistic to juggle college responsibilities and an internship at the same time, it's completely do-able. Some serious time-management skills and strong study habits are in order, but it can work if you commit. Plus, the companies offering such positions understand that your education is a top priority, so they are willing to work around your insane schedule. The internship experience practically revolves around you, and the people you work with truly want to make the best of your time with them. The company I interned with last year would give me days off if I had exams or class registration, and they occasionally let me work from home. Again, it's your experience, so your supervisors will be accommodating.
I'm not saying that first-year students are supposed to already know the exact position they want to hold after college. However, having a general idea helps, as one can explore that area through internships, in order to determine if it's the kind of work they want to pursue. If you come across the work that's right for you, then great. If you come across the work that's not, then scratch it off the list and continue searching. Grab as many positions as you can. Try to have one every year, every semester if you really want. When you're not employed, focus on your passion and create a portfolio of your independent works. In time, all of this accumulates and leaves you with a mean resume, not to mention the kind of diligence and skills an employer would have to be crazy to refuse.
I realize that a lot of people don't want to think seriously about what happens after college until they're at least an upperclassman. I understand that it's a lot to consider while also trying to live the life of a full-time student, and I hope that I haven't scared any of you. College is supposed to be fun, so enjoy every second and don't let the issues I discussed keep you from doing so. Make time for friends and naps and studying. Don't let fear of failure dictate your future. You decide how all of this affects you, so embrace the reality of the situation and take control. Instead of viewing the time between now and graduation as a ticking bomb, think of how to use that time productively. Maybe start by meeting with your career counselor, and pay attention to their advice. The people at your university are eager to help you however they can, so don't be afraid to seek out their assistance. From there, make a plan, do some research, submit your applications, and begin!
Happy hunting!
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”