11 College Graduates Share What Does And Doesn't Matter After College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 College Graduates Share What Does And Doesn't Matter After College

Is anything really worth stressing about?

2534
11 College Graduates Share What Does And Doesn't Matter After College

The cliques, the papers, the coffee, and the all-nighters make our college experience one of a kind. When we graduate, which aspects of our college experience will still matter to us? Better yet, what are we going to look back on and wish that we had done differently? After interviewing college graduates, I learned so much about what they considered worthwhile about their time in college and what they deemed a waste of time. Sit back and take notes, kids. It's time to learn a few things from our elders.


Brandon.


What does matter

You have to do enough and get enough experience in the field you want to go into so that you are 100 percent sure that it is what you want to do.

What doesn't matter

Getting an A in every class does not matter. Enjoying yourself while being productive is far more important than stressing about every little test, paper, or exam.


Matt.


What does matter

Family, always.

What doesn't matter

Caring about popularity isn’t important anymore. You just know who is important to you and that is all that is going to matter.


Laura.


What does matter

Your close-forever friends narrow in, and focus on family and future success is super important.

What doesn't matter

The popularity contest dies, and not every person matters. Every move you make seems like it will impact the rest of your life in college, but once you’re 28 years old, you will hardly be able to remember what those choices were.


Max.


What does matter

Time management skills. You really need to know how to balance out your work and your social life, it helps for the future.

What doesn't matter

I would say Greek life. That had such an influence on everything I did in college. I still have all of my friends that I made in my fraternity, but I don’t do anything with it anymore. It doesn’t mean much outside of school unless you meet someone in business that was in the same fraternity or sorority that you were in.


Hannah.


What does matter

What mattered the most in college is learning to become more independent, because once you hit the real world, being an adult sucks. Creating great relationships is important, too, because you need friends to survive adulthood with!

What doesn't matter

What matters the least in college are the classes that you are forced to take that have nothing to do with your major. Doing well is important, but focus more on the classes that will help you learn what you want to do with your career.


Noah.


What does matter

As a young adult coming out of college and entering the working masses, humility is key. It is essential to find a mentor in your industry, whether it is colleague or just someone that you can learn from and who can help you grow in your career. What matters is to get involved with people that are doing or have done already, what it is that you want to accomplish. Network, listen, observe what works and what doesn't and apply that to your own working style as you begin to develop it.

What doesn't matter

What doesn't matter is what you did in the classroom or how smart or talented you were perceived as being in the University environment. This is a new start -- you are a freshman again and you need to earn your seat at the table. Don't waste time comparing yourself to other recent grads and what they are doing/accomplishing. There will always be someone who is younger, brighter, faster, etc. You do you and do it well and opportunities and success will follow close behind.


Kathryn.


What does matter

How hard you work, work ethic goes a long way and so does being an independent person. If you aren't willing to do that, you're going to have a hard time in the real world.

What doesn't matter

Sororities, the loser guys you dated in college, and the popular crowd do not matter once you graduate.


Haley.


What does matter

The skills and lessons you learned in college are what matters. Focus on time management, the ability to work with others of various backgrounds, and the ability to persevere when presented with difficult tasks.

What doesn't matter

What you studied and the title of the degree on your diploma are not as important as the skills you gain from your college experience.


Emilee.


What does matter

It is important to establish relationships with people. Being successful is all about who you know and what qualities you can bring to a job, other than knowledge.

What doesn't matter

Looking back on college, I now realize that the petty drama between girls I thought were my friends was not important. College is a time to meet people from all over, and the right friends will treat you like a priority, not an option.


Ara.


What does matter

Keeping your best friends, working really hard to establish yourself, and growing connections with important people are the most important things during college.

What doesn't matter

Negative people don't matter at all. Cut that out of your life and you will be just fine.


Auburn.


What does matter

Making sure the friendships that are important to you are maintained.

What doesn't matter

Being 100 percent focused on having a high GPA doesn't matter. I wish I had put more effort into gaining real world experience instead of focusing on a high GPA.


I really appreciate the help of the individuals I interviewed, you are all an inspiration! Now it's your turn to reflect on what is and is not important in your life.

From Your Site Articles
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

187993
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13502
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456814
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25992
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments