I Graduated With 3 Placement Offers and a Liberal Arts Degree
Here’s what I did differently to make the most out of my college life. Ready? Because I am revealing my secrets here!
Six months ago, I was a nervous wreck. Picture this: resume in one hand, existential dread in the other, refreshing job boards like it was the Olympics. Everywhere I looked, applied, or had a conversation, it felt like they wanted interns at a low pay, I was overqualified for smaller positions but underqualified for even the intermediate ones. It felt like the world was coming to an end because I spent three years of my “college life” working as much as I could and yet when it was time to sit for placements, I felt scared and I was convinced that I was doomed. I kept trying to figure out where I went wrong and even fixing that didn’t need a fix.
I tried so much to convince people that I could start with an internship first and join them full-time later on but nothing I did fulfilled the fact that I was still an undergrad, a student. Recruiters somehow thought that I would get a placement from university but I was already so done explaining to everyone that there were least to no opportunities available for my course. And honestly, I saw this coming and that’s why I lived my life at university a certain way, by keeping my future in check.
About my course: Practical degree courses and employment — Importance of Liberal Education
Though I might have stressed myself out a lot throughout the process I won’t recommend it at all because things do work out eventually. Stress only robs you of your happiness and rewards you with headaches and other difficulties. See, nothing nice to mention. Along with this, I didn’t bother much with the extracurriculars of the university at all even though there were so many options around me. Clubs, events, not even debates which were always in the highlights but honestly, this part, I don’t regret at all. The point of university is to give students exposure and if I was still investing in myself and learning somewhere, why does it matter? After all, everything has its pros and cons.
Fast forward to today,
I am currently working as a full-time content manager and the secret sauce is just that I networked, promoted myself and my work through every possible platform, and took up opportunities for internships and freelance projects like my life depended on it.
I always introduced myself by emphasizing my work, being professional (not being one sometimes cost me a lot), and constantly honing my skills. I portrayed myself in a way that employers could see I was hungry, eager, and ready to hit the ground running.
The three offers I got were: One, writer for a design firm where I would have worked across departments (writing and designs). Two, working as a student coordinator and SMM at a famous design coaching institute, and third, working as a content manager, working from home, with someone I already knew for a month or so. You know which one I picked up, the last one. Wondering why? To be at home, to have time for myself, to have an understanding with my client of work-life balance! I was confused at first but then decided to not even think of on-site options and the low-paying ones have already been ruled out of a list of considerations so worry not.
It is important to note that this is just my story and I made decisions as per my requirements and other financial constraints. But follow the following three and if not sorted, you will at least have a roadmap to figuring it out:
The 3 Cs:
College Kickstarts, You Craft Your Career
College is an amazing springboard. It equips you with knowledge, exposes you to diverse ideas, and challenges you intellectually. But remember, a degree is just the beginning. The real magic happens when you take what you’ve learned and translate it into action.
Here’s the key: College provides the foundation, but you are the architect who builds your dream career. Look for opportunities to apply your knowledge in internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. This hands-on experience is what sets you apart and demonstrates your ability to put theory into practice.
From the past: What Working With Five Companies Has Taught Me
and What One Year in College Has Taught Me
Curiosity Cultivates Skills
We live in a world that thrives on innovation and problem-solving. In this dynamic landscape, skills are the ultimate currency. Whether it’s mastering a specific software program, developing strong communication skills, or honing your analytical thinking, valuable skills open doors and unlock exciting career paths.
Here’s the secret: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and explore new areas of interest. Take online courses, attend workshops, or even shadow a professional in a field that piques your curiosity. The more you learn and develop your skillset, the more adaptable and prepared you’ll be for the ever-evolving job market.
Connect and Conquer: Open Doors with Curiosity
The world is a vast network of connections, and sometimes the most unexpected encounters can lead to incredible opportunities. Here’s the exciting part: By fostering a curious and open mind, you open yourself up to a universe of possibilities.
Embrace the adventure: Strike up conversations with people from different backgrounds, attend industry events, or even join online communities. Building genuine connections and actively seeking out new experiences can lead you down unexpected paths and unlock doors to exciting opportunities you never knew existed. Remember, the person you meet at a coffee shop today could be your future colleague, mentor, or even business partner!
So, to all my fellow soon-to-be grads out there: the hustle is real! It might mean sacrificing some late-night shenanigans, but trust me, those internship hours pay off. Network like crazy, intern strategically, and before you know it, you’ll be the one with multiple offers in hand, wondering which amazing opportunity to choose!
It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows though, read this also:
Being A Perfectionist And Getting Fired For The First Time
