Seniors and recent graduates at the University of Memphis gave advice and said what they would do differently if they were freshmen again as they reach the end of their college careers.
“If I had it all to do over, what would I do different?â€
That’s a question college seniors and recent graduates sometimes ask themselves.
“If I could tell myself one thing before starting college, it would be to take a handful of classes in the beginning so I could find my true interests,†University of Memphis alumna Heather Stanton said.
When the time comes to graduate and find a job, many grads look back on their college years and think, “I should have spent my time doing this,†or “I should have done that.â€
As someone who changed her major three times before sticking with journalism, Stanton realized the importance of finding her true passion.
“I wouldn’t be so hard on myself in determining a major in the first year, because it is ultimately unrealistic,†Stanton said. “Overall, take your time and don’t let someone else decide your future for you.â€
Kelsey Taylor stressed the importance of utilizing resources, whether those resources are professors, advisors or your fellow students.
“Always remember that it is ok to ask for help,†Taylor said.
Many agree that getting involved is essential to success in your college career.
“Make connections and get involved because what you put into your college education is what you get out of the rest of your life,†Courtney Shearin said. “Accept the fact in the beginning, that there is no such thing as a balanced life in college, so choose your battles wisely.â€
Many students said that after two semesters, they realized how important it is to spend time on creating their class schedules.
“Don’t blow off your schedule for something less important like making sure you get to sleep in every Friday,†Megan Kraft said. “Try to fit your classes in two or three days, so you can spend your open days getting experience at an internship or something.â€
Many seniors and post grads suggest spending time outside of classes getting experience at an internship.
Another common suggestion from students is to have more than one internship because the more experience a student has, the more prepared he or she will be for the real world.
“I would tell my freshman self to do an internship. And another. And another,†Anna Kattawar said. “I think this would have helped me feel more comfortable about getting out in the real world and getting a job. Most job listings I’ve seen, even entry level jobs, prefer a minimum of two years experience. This is why I think internships are the perfect opportunity to get experience in different companies doing different tasks.â€
U of M alumna Brittany Mobley also stressed the importance of internships.
“I would tell my freshman self that an internship is essential and that I should surround myself with as much real world experience as possible,†Mobley said. “The more you know, the better your opportunities are. So build a solid network before you graduate by being involved and use those contacts for some leverage in the future.â€
Another reoccurring suggestion among students was to study abroad.
Travel has long been known for opening students’ eyes to the abundance of opportunities the world has to offer.
“Go for it the first year… study abroad. Don’t make excuses and don’t wait,†Camila Komoto said. “Study abroad in the beginning when your classes aren’t as pressing.â€
“If I could tell my freshman self anything it would be to travel more,†Jay Samuel said. “Traveling is the most eye opening experience in life. It took my professional life to a new height, since I interned when I traveled, and doors were opened.â€
Samuel emphasized the professional growth he accomplished from his personal travels during his last semester in college.
“My horizons are broadened, and I see so much more than what is around me now,†Samuel said. “I just wish I had taken advantage of the amazing and cheap ways to explore the world more when I was an undergrad. Whether it’s for class or fun or internships, get out there and do. Fight the urge to sit around and waste time. Stay motivated, stay busy.â€
