We’re Baaack…Back to College, and How Sweet It Is!
There’s never been a better time for students to maximize their college experience. Today you’re able to tap into every imaginable resource available – right at your fingertips. While college is a lot of hard work, it can also be a lot of fun. As the adage goes, “it is what you make it!” Since 1994, I’ve been blessed to teach and lecture 1000’s of college students, and have run entrepreneurship camps and workshops at over 20 universities in the United States and around the world. I also continue to coach college bound students or those seeking to graduate from college as they prepare to enter the workforce.
Below you’ll read about some “must do’s” and “must have’s” to really enjoy college, and to get the most out of it before you graduate! These ideas come from the experiences I had as a student at the Ohio State University, City College of New York, and Columbia School of Business; of course—back in the day!
First, make a 100% commitment to seek out all of the clubs and organizations on your campus that spark your interest. Be sure to research their purpose, their mission and understand if their requirements to join align with your core values and goals. Joining a club is one thing, but being actively involved is another. Being a part of various clubs and organizations, you will build relationships, grow you network and improve your communications skills. These skills are significantly important and will serve as a catalyst for opportunities as you enter the workforce.
When you are engaged in clubs you’ll also feel part of a group / extended family that can be most helpful for you, especially when you are away from home. It’s a known fact, many students that go away to school, get homesick. This becomes another plus for you because you will be establishing an even closer bond with people that can be part of your success network in the future.
Enter every competition offered on campus possible (assuming that it interests you). Besides the learning, and the experiences you’ll gain, college competitions can be very beneficial for your future professional endeavors and development. Also, keep in mind that some of these competitions can provide scholarships and other types of recognition. College life is filled with endless opportunities to learn and grow. If you want some non-academic related experiences —more social or athletic, you can certainly find a lot of options to choose from. If you plan to join a team, understand the rigor and high expectations those commitments will require. If you want to go lighter on the time commitment, consider playing intramural sports or become active as a mentor or community volunteer. Overall, be exploratory, opened and flexible in the entire learning process.
It is also important to understand that work and internships are available on all campuses today. This is probably one of the best ways to make some extra money while also learning specific skills sets that can be applied in your classes and career later in life. When securing an internship, you are also exposing your talents and capacity for growth to adults who can become mentors and positive influencers in your life. Your immediate supervisors will notice your potential, and more than often than not, if you shine and stand out, you’ll be in a better position to secure a full-time position upon graduating from college. Make the work or internship experience relevant; align your work and / or internship with your career path. Doing so, you’ll maximize your college experience.
Lastly, HAVE FUN – have a social life! There is nothing wrong with taking time to engage with your friends and colleagues. The rigors of college can be very demanding so students need to relieve stress in positive ways. Create a balance and always keep your eye on the prize – Your path towards living a purpose filled life!
To learn more about what other alumni from previous camps are doing and how much they have accomplished, visit BIZNOVATOR Success Stories at https://www.biznovator.com/success-stories/
ABOUT BIZNOVATOR:
BIZNOVATOR is a youth empowerment platform that offers a year-round experience for young people interested in entrepreneurship, social innovation and global leadership. Through our seminars, workshops, summer camps and in school Academies, BIZNOVATOR helps young people to DISCOVER their purpose, TRANSFORM their mindset and CONNECT to their future. We have recently launched our Online Learning Platform, www.mybiznovator.com which enables young people from all over the world to experience our unique BIZNOVATOR programs. We invite you to join us!
Juan Pablo Casimiro is Founder and CEO of BIZNOVATOR. With more than 30 years of empowering youth and adults globally, Casimiro never misses a moment to teach, coach and challenge his clients to live their dreams. Casimiro was born in Dominican Republic and grew up in New York City.