Start with the End in Mind
Every year in August thousands of students descend upon college campuses all over the United States with their hope (or the hope of their parents) of completing a college degree; and ultimately going on to graduate/professional school or immediately entering the workforce. The academic year starts off with ensuring that students get acclimated to the university by participating in orientation and of course; all of the fun stuff – pool parties, cookouts, Greek step shows, etc. As the academic year progresses, students begin to consciously or unconsciously decide whether they are going to be a committed student or a student that does just enough to get by. I have always had a love for reading. One of the most exciting things was finding out the end of the story first. Did the princess marry the prince? It was worth knowing the ending so that I could really enjoy the intensity and excitement of the story from the beginning. If you have already decided that you want to be successful in college and beyond, you must START with the End in Mind!
Your Freshman year experience should include spending time exploring possible career options and doing a personal self assessment. Did you choose your major because your parents told you to or an older sibling had the same major in college? Did you choose your major because your new roommate has the same major? If you have not made that decision on your own or if you made the decision with little thought, you may want to ask yourself these questions:
What do I have a special interest in?
What abilities do I have that would help me have a career in my area of interest?
What special skills and attributes do I have?
What are my personal and work values?
Do I possess the necessary leadership skills, and if not what should I do to get them?
Along with asking yourself those questions; begin to put those things into action.
- Begin to identify interest, abilities, skills and personal/work values
- Seek career advising to discuss choosing a major and /or identifying possible career options
- Explore a wide variety of majors
- Talk to academic and career advisors about the majors you are seriously considering
- Develop and practice good study habits, organizational and functional skills
- Investigate and join campus organizations that might interest you. This is a good way to develop leadership, organizational and planning skills.
- Participate in campus activities – get involved in what’s happening on campus.
- Seek summer, part-time and volunteer jobs to explore careers and gain valuable experience
Answer the following four key questions:
- What do I want to do when I graduate?
- What can I do with the degree that I am seeking?
- What do I need to do to develop myself further?
- How can I ensure that I start the career I am seeking after graduation?
- Read the newspaper and watch the news daily. Keep up with current events.
- Register with the Office of Career Services
- Attend ALL activities sponsored by the Office of Career Services
- Create your personal four year career development plan
All things are created twice. We create them first in our minds, and then we work to bring them into existence. Own the creations in your mind so that you can then own the process of executing them and making them real. You cannot pursue anything and be successful at it without first believing that you can and second putting the time, energy and dedication into making it become a reality.
If your freshman year is over and you really did not have the quality experience that you thought you should have, there is time to start over next semester with renewed vigor and excitement about your educational journey. Don’t worry about the fact that you may not be attending an Ivy League or Flagship institution. Focus on ensuring that you use all of the resources available to you at your university.
Join a circle of friends who have great aspirations as you do. Spend time with your professors and academic advisors. Get involved in the full collegiate experience and enjoy the journey to the end of your story!
Helene A. Cameron, MBA
Director of Career Services and Business Manager for the Division of Student Affairs
Fayetteville State University