Today, I'll share some value life lessons you will learn in college.
I, myself, currently am a college student and I can tell you that this has not been an easy road — at all!
Indeed, if you had told me when I finished high school that I would have changed — completely changed — my main subject of studies three times, I would have never believed you.
However, that is actually what happened.
So today, I want to tell you about seven things I have learned in my journey going through university. I have compiled that list and will detail here the career and life skills learned in college.
Life Skills You Learn in College
1. You cannot know what a subject is about before you actually try it out
College and high school subjects are taught completely differently. It sometimes feels like a subject you studied in high school and that you liked morphs into something unrecognizable to you and that you end up completely disliking. So don't hesitate to change your subject if you feel like the one you are currently studying doesn't suit you.
2. You will realize that you don't really know what you want to do with your life
Doubt is normal. It is actually part of life. You don't need to know what you want to do in 10 to 20 years — I don't even know exactly where I will be in a year. But that's okay because you will stumble upon many opportunities in your life so you just need to figure out what you don't like or don't want to do and remain open to different opportunities that may present themselves to you.
3. It is the best time to experiment
You're probably not married nor do you have to take care of a family yet. All you do is study and maybe have a side job. So take on as many projects as you can and try out different jobs. Experiment to figure out your preferences in any area of your choice.
4. Study as you go
Please, please don't wait a couple of days before your semester exams to start studying. Unless you're a genius or you don't mind failing your classes don't do that. Study a little every day that way when the time for exams comes, it'll take you much less time to go over each of your classes.
As I said previously, college is the best time to experiment. So you need to go out, meet new people, have some cultural and/or adventurous activities — depending on what your preference is. See the world, have fun — while always managing your money wisely.
6. Learn to take care of yourself
You are an adult now so it's time for you to learn how to properly take care of yourself. Learn how to cook — you will probably poison yourself at first but you'll get there I promise —, keep your place clean, stop procrastinating all the time — I know that's hard but necessary —, learn how to be responsible, organized and self-disciplined. You only have to take care of yourself for now so figure out how to do that as good as you can before taking on more responsibilities.
7. Enjoy
College — early adulthood in general — is a time where you realize that life isn't all predetermined. Everything constantly changes and you can never really guess where how things will be in the following years. Although uncertainty is quite scary, it keeps things interesting and entertaining. So fasten your seat belt, don't be afraid and go for that long amazing roller coaster ride!
Career Skills You Learn in College
“I can’t wait until I can retire.” These words are uttered and groaned too often by exasperated adults who are at the age where they should be moving up the ladder in their careers; instead, these adults deplore getting out of bed to drive to work in the mornings and count down the days until it is Friday.
Teenagers who hear these snarky comments from their parents are bound to assume that having a job is one of the most dreadful experiences adults have to take on when they have finished school.
Positivity and motivation are always encouraged towards children and teenagers in school and in sports. Why is the next chapter in life so apathetic? Why do adults claim they are stuck where they are and are counting down the years to retirement?
Often times, employees feel they are not qualified enough to move up positions, lack confidence, and/or do not have the right mindset to even get promoted.
There are a lot of suggestions that can be shared with young adults before they begin their career, as well as to adults who already have a job.
Looking online and on social media, a person could find truthful and upfront entrepreneurs who give advice regarding life and work-related decisions.
Often times the tips they give are shared by everyone; however, here are fifteen tips that are not shared as often and are now at the tips of your fingers.
8. You are going to fail at simple and complicated tasks
You are not perfect, nor is the president of the business you are working for. Failing is a part of learning! Bruce Lee once said,
“In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.”
Do not be afraid to fail at a job opportunity because you may succeed.
9. Do not just focus on the skills needed for the career choice you have chosen
For example, if you want to be a family doctor, do not lock yourself in a study hall just learning the skills needed to determine acute illnesses and manage chronic pain. While this is essential for a healthcare career field, social skills are just as important. Being able to carry on a conversation, make eye contact, and consider the feelings of others is an integral part of having a successful career.
10. Having good health is a really great tip as well
Working out and eating healthy is proven to enhance your perspective on life. The perspective of a boss is also going to be different towards someone who is healthy because they will notice he/she is not lazy and willing to work. Buddha once said,
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
11. Being active outside of work is important
Having an escape from constant phone calls and emails that need to be sent is essential so you do not get burnt out or overly stressed.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is important for personal growth in all aspects of life. Knowing your strengths allows you to build in areas that require those skills, while knowing your weaknesses allows you to practice and grow.
11. Never asking for help is not something to brag about
Never asking for help may actually be harming your college and work life. When pursuing a career and an event comes up where you are not aware of how to handle it, ask for help to gain knowledge and be prepared for if it happens again.
12. Do unassigned work outside of the office when you have the chance
If you are trying to get a promotion at work and are on the same playing field as your colleagues, one-up them by showing your boss that you care about your work and will put in the extra time.
13. Stay in touch with previous coworkers as they will help broaden your horizon in terms of your career field options
If there was ever a problem or you decide it is time for a change, having friends in the same industry as you will be very helpful when looking for a new place to work.
14. Do not be realistic when looking for a job
It is important to shoot for the stars and push the limits. If you look for a low paying job that requires little skill, your career is not going to keep you satisfied for a very long.
15. Job requirements are not set in stone like they say they are
Often times when businesses are hiring, they tend to say they are looking for experienced workers; however, the people in charge of hiring will employ someone with no experience just so they can gain experience.
If your current career choice is not satisfying your needs, physical health, or mental health, just leave. Dewayne Johnson has changed his career path multiple times from when he was a football player in college to now a movie star. It is never too late to try something new.
16. Do not pick a career based off of the number salary you see
There are so many people who chose to go to college for a job that makes hundreds of thousands of dollars a year; however, these students do not even make it through the first four years of school because they do not enjoy it.
17. Ensure you have boundaries from life at work and home
Do not push family away unintentionally due to work-related reasons. Time is something you will never get back.
18. Put your phone away!
There is nothing more frustrating than millennials texting or wasting time on Facebook while there is work that needs to be done. Ensure you are focused on goals and getting things done in your career of choice.
19. Never act entitled
Even when you get the promotion you have been working your tail off for, do not stop putting in the work. Stay determined and build your skills and accomplishments. Don’t slack off.
Your career choice is up to you and you alone. Whatever you choose to do for a job in life, whether it be joining the military, working at a fast food restaurant, or owning a vet clinic, work hard. Keep people in your life that push you to do great things and encourage you all the way.
