You’ve just graduated from high school and plan on going onto college to obtain your bachelor degree. Have you really given consideration as to why you are attending college?
If you’re like most students, it is because you want a foundation of knowledge to support the career you plan to pursue. And that is why it is important that as you go through your daily college routine, you begin to think of college as your job.
It’s easy to spend your days at college as if it is one never-ending frat party. Having fun during your college years is highly recommended. However, your primary focus should be about learning and preparing for your future career. That way when you finally go from college campus to work environment, the transition will be easier
Corporate America Works Eight-Hour Days, Five Days a Week
Choosing to start your day by enrolling in classes that don’t start until after 10:00 a.m. or arranging your class schedule so you only attend class a couple days a week might be okay the first year. After all, you’re just getting into the swing of things. But if you plan on working in corporate America after you graduate, you’ll need to practice getting up earlier and face the fact that work is generally a five-day-a-week operation.
Even if you don’t have morning classes every day of the week, get into the habit of getting out of bed at the same time each morning. Work out, study or conduct research for that class project that’s due. However you spend your time, use it wisely.
Go to Class and Actively Participate
There is a purpose as well as a benefit to actively participating in your classes. Not only do you have the opportunity to learn about the specific subject matter (that is why you’re there, after all), but you get the chance to fine-tune your team building and dependability skills. These skills will be very important in your career.
Dependability means attending each class session as well as completing your assignments on time. Don’t start missing classes and deadlines now. Fail to perform in class, and you fail the class. Fail to perform at work, and you lose your job.
Equally important is your ability to work cooperatively with others. According to many philosophical minds, businesses are social institutions in that they are a complex mix of positions, roles, norms and values. So being adept at working well with others and supporting a team mentality will help you to be successful with team school projects as well as with the dynamics of working in the business world.
Put the Time in College to Good Use
When you attend college, you will likely have a vast array of opportunities to participate in the social life on campus. From organized sports and sororities or fraternities to clubs, projects and special events, college is very much a social institution just like the world of business.
And also like the world of business, participation is encouraged and networking is mandatory. Therefore, it is important to make a good impression, develop contacts and to stay connected. The people you meet now can help you when you’re looking for your first job or your next move. They can be the person who provides the lead or the one that offers the reference that lands you the job. Never underestimate the benefit of networking.
Yes, it is important to enjoy your college experience. But use it as a dry run for what life will be like after graduation. That will make the transition from college life to work life a whole lot easier.
Deborah S. Hildebrand - Deborah S. Hildebrand is a freelance writer & HR consultant with 20+ years in human resources & a Bachelor's degree in Business.
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