New School Year’s Resolutions: 5 Things College Students Should Do

Happy New School Year! It’s that time of year again. New textbooks, new professors to meet, and a whole new level of school are awaiting about 19.7 million American college students.

With a new year underway, now is the time to make your career resolutions and ensure a great job is waiting for you after graduation. Check out these five things college students should put on their New School Year’s resolutions list:

Meet someone new

Meeting new people is the basis of all professional networking. Having an awesome network of professional contacts doesn’t happen overnight. If you start meeting new people in your major, in an academic or other extracurricular club, or in your residence hall — and maintain those relationships — you will have a very healthy network come graduation.

Develop a skill

“What skills do you have?” You’ve probably been asked that question more than once. Instead of waiting to get blindsided by it, inventory your skills now. What skills do you have or want to have? Whether it’s a higher typing speed, fluency in a new language, or expert proficiency with a cutting edge technology, identify a new skill and add it to that list.

Get a job

I know, you’re in school and that’s a full-time job already. Your school offers a ton of employment opportunities though, from resident advisor to teaching assistant. On-campus jobs offer flexible schedules, networking opportunities, and precious resume-enhancing work experience.

Write a resume

If you’ve never written a resume before, it’s time to get some practice. A student resume is usually not as long or detailed as a professional resume — that’s fine. Just having a bare bones resume saved on your computer can save a lot of time the next time you need to pull one out to pursue a opportunity on short notice. Having a resume is also a great way to maintain an inventory of your developing skills and quickly visualize gaps in skills and experience that you can fill.

Be a student

Last but not least, the best thing you can do while in school is be a student. Sure, if you’re registered for classes, then you’re already a student — but to truly be one, you need to make a decision to learn. Learn as much as you can from your classes, experiences and mistakes. Ask questions and challenge conventional thought. Get involved in important academic discussions related to your chosen degree field. You can start building your personal and professional brand now while you are learning. This is the time to absorb as much as you can and to determine if your chosen major will get you into an industry and profession that truly interests you.

What other new school year’s resolutions should a college student make?


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