Be What You Want To Become
Start writing a post
Adulting

Be What You Want To Become

You don't need a degree to do what you are studying.

52
Be What You Want To Become

In college, they encourage you to pick a major and take a plethora of classes within that discipline. As long as you do well in your classes you are not only on the right track to graduate but you are bound to get your foot in the door in a company or a graduate program. Of course, they encourage you to get involved with student organizations, jobs, or internships but they don't push the professional development as much as they push academic excellence. This is a flaw in higher education. At the end of the day, a degree is just a degree. It doesn't matter if you have it if you don't have the work experience to backup your academic excellence. It doesn't matter if you have a 4.0 but don't have soft skills such as communication and networking. It doesn't matter if you graduated with honors if you have no experience in the field you are looking to pursue. Here is my advice: "Be what you want to become"!

Don't wait for opportunities to come, create opportunities for yourself. For example, if you are studying Sales and Services Marketing take those skills and go apply them. Take on-campus jobs that allow you to refine those skills such as being a Campus Tour Guide where your role is to sell the university to prospective students. If you are studying Exercise Science and you aspire to own a personal training facility, research and take personal training and strengths and conditioning certifications so you can start now. Don't wait to finish the degree; go get certified and start taking clients. If you are studying Public Relations and you want to get in that field, create your own success by creating your own portfolio. A portfolio can be physical, or it can be digital. Seek out opportunities on campus that will help you take what you learn in the classroom and apply them such as being a Public Relations Assistant, writing for the newspaper, working at a PR firm or even starting a student-run PR firm if your school doesn't already have one. If you are minoring in Entrepreneurship and you dream of having your own business whatever that may be: START. Launch your first business, sell your first product or service, and publish your website.

Even if you fail, you are no worse off. If you wait until you obtain certain things such as a degree to start, you are doing a disservice to yourself. The sooner you embrace the mantra "Be what you want to become" you will be able to find out if you actually enjoy doing what you are studying, you will be able to monetize your passions, and build valuable connections within your field which will then help you matriculate into that field post-graduation. It is time to quit talking the talk and start walking the walk. That first step starts with you, so what are you going to do?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70718
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132342
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments