College is a time for you to explore, try new things, and learn more about yourself. Over the course of four years, you may find that your interests change, your goals look different, and your future isn’t necessarily what you thought it would be. Four years pass quickly, so use this time wisely to set yourself up for the future. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Have a Plan
If you want to take control of your future, you need a plan. It doesn’t have to be overly detailed or even 10 years out, but it does need to provide you with clear milestones to help you move forward. The plan may be as simple as getting an internship in a specific field before you graduate, and it should map out the required courses you need to earn that degree and when you will take them. It may seem silly, but writing down your plan will help to clarify it and ensure that you have a strong frame of reference to look back on. A written plan will give you a clear understanding of your goals, which will lead to a greater chance of achieving them.
Find and Pursue Your Passion
You’ve probably heard it before, but if you want to take control of your future, you need to pursue your passion. If you don’t already know what that is, take some time to figure it out. What do you enjoy doing? Are there careers in that area? Following your passion can be an easy way to find happiness in your career — when you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Don’t let yourself be herded into a field or career that doesn’t interest you. Instead, let your passion drive you!
Get Some Experience
In today’s world, a college degree isn’t always enough to get your foot in the door. Employers are also looking for real-world experience. Make sure that you take some time to work, complete an internship, or support projects that allow you to learn skills that will be helpful beyond college. While the classroom is a great place to learn, don’t forget that hands-on experience is also be a great learning tool, and it is often what employers look for when making hiring decisions.
Find a Mentor
Whether it’s an older student, a professor, or a workplace manager, find a mentor who can help you navigate your college years and beyond. Mentors are great resources who can guide you through the job application process, help you network with professionals in your fields of interest, and provide you with opportunities to shadow or work with them. These experiences can help you determine what you want for your future, as well as provide a springboard for prospects in life after college.
Don’t Take Shortcuts
It’s true: you really just have to put in the work to get to where you want to go. This is especially true if you want to pursue a postgraduate degree. Becoming a doctor or lawyer means years of schooling and hard work. Shortcuts, while tempting, only put you at a disadvantage in the end. You must experience and endure all the twists and turns in order to be fully prepared and ultimately successful in a given field.
There’s so much to think about during college that it’s easy to forget about the future. Four years seems like forever when you’re starting out, but before you know it graduation is here. Throughout your undergraduate years, take steps toward your goals so you feel confident in your post-college plans. Take control of your future now, and set yourself up for success.
On Topic
Richard Nelson, Navajo, is pursuing his PhD in materials engineering at New Mexico Tech, where he is a member of their AISES College Chapter.
For those students with nay-sayers (or no support network) in their lives, how can they remain focused on achieving what they truly want?
There are definitely moments of frustration and anger while chasing anything worthwhile. I was taught at a young age to focus on making progress towards a defined goal and to create a list of the things that trigger emotions and thoughts that hinder productivity. At the same time, create another list of tasks and deadlines that need to be addressed. I stare at both lists and decide how the tasks and deadlines are being influenced by triggers/factors that are affecting me. I then determine how to keep moving forward. It may not always be the best decision, but under the circumstances, it’s the best decision at that time.
For myself, most often the cause of strife is the matter of overcoming a barrier that I created —self-doubt and shyness in asking for help outside my circle of friends or area of comfort. I find motivation to step outside my circle even if it means possibly encountering another rejection for help by reminding myself that I want to attain my goal that much. This process is never easy, yet I never stop after hearing the first, “No.”
Having a hobby is also very helpful. Running and cycling are critical for me because not only did I meet my longstanding friends through these activities, but they also provide opportunities to detach from the pressures of life. I am invigorated after each run or ride, and I then am able to embrace the responsibilities awaiting me. Running also helps me realize when something is off or changes are needed. Running is my self-diagnostic tool and activity.
I often remind myself that time is something that can never be taken back. How would I justify my usage of available resources, interaction with my peers/mentors, and drive to attain a goal in a week or a year from now? Regret can be a powerful motivator. I do not want to feel nor experience it.
