Taking Charge of Self
Today’s college students should prepare for their future career success beginning the freshman year. It is imperative to develop good study habits in order to get good grades at the end of each semester. Grades will become a part of your transcript for your entire career life. Employers, graduate and professional schools will request a copy of your transcript for acceptance. A student may not be able to make all As and Bs but it is essential that he or she does their very best. Most employers will look at grade point averages of graduates as an indication of the ability to grasp information and use it effectively to accomplish goals. Some students will not be serious about their academics during the freshman year and eventually begin to get serious during the junior year of college.
They are so busy trying to impress their peers and getting adjusted to the rigors of college life that academic is on the back burner during the first year of college. Campus organizations and activities play a vital part in the life of students but they should not let their involvement become their first priority. Academic should always be the student first priority.
It is very important to learn how to be a team player and how to get along with your peers because this will help you in the world of work to deal and to complete tasks with co-workers.
Gaining valuable career-related experience during your sophomore or junior year is very important for career success. There are an abundance of opportunities available to qualified students during the sophomore or junior year and a limited amount of students take advantage of these opportunities. The requirements for an applicant are normally completion of an application, copy of transcript, three letters of recommendation and an essay of 250 to 500 words with a deadline date. Many students complete everything with the exception of the essay. I have noticed that students who gained career-related experiences are normally hired with the agency or company or with a new company upon graduation. In many instances, students are encouraged to consider volunteering with a company to get careerrelated experience. You never know who may be observing your work and it could lead to a full-time position.
There are a number of executives that participates in our Annual Career Fest that are members of the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program who can assist our students with job search skills. They can also serve as job referrals assistants and mentors. A number of the executives have assisted students with summer internships and graduate and professional schools opportunities.
Students must develop confidence in themselves and their abilities so that others can observe it through interaction. There will be opposition from people who do not have your best interest in acquiring your dreams but it is up to the student to push hard and never give up on your goals. A number of roadblocks will be in the way but it is up to you to walk over the roadblocks in order to reach your career destination.
Finally, I would advise students to take advantage of an education because it opens many doors to your life and your future. College is an investment in a student future. Funds must be paid on a bi-annual basis for an education and at the end of four years the dollars add up to a lump sum. If you are not fortunate to have cash, scholarships, or grants to pay for your education; you must secure loans. Loans must be repaid to the lender. Therefore, you will need employment to repay the lender unless your loan will go into default. “Students: Take Charge of Self”.