This year, I was an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for a class of 24 freshman in their Foundations of Business class. These past six months have been full of amazing experiences - lots of learning (for all of us!), a ton of laughs, and some really great moments.
At the end of the six months, which also coincided with my graduation, I gave a "Last Lecture" to my class with some advice I wish I had when I started college five years ago.
Here's what I told them.
Professional Advice
Don't take an internship SOLELY based on the company.
We all want to work for a company that we are proud of and having an impressive company on your resume can definitely turn heads in job interviews. However, don't take a job without thinking through what your day to day responsibilities will be. I took an internship at a company that I wanted to work at without thinking through the actual consequences of the role. The reality became that my day to day life was difficult and wasn't helping me gain any skills that I could use later in my career. I gave up an opportunity to learn more and grow for a name on a resume. I don't think it ended up being worth it.
Always search for ways to add value - even if it's just taking notes.
When you're starting as an intern or a co-op, search for ways to add value. You are coming into the workplace with a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective - maybe you can make a process more efficient or find a new way to approach a common practice. Even if nothing else, you can just take notes. I couldn't tell you how many times notes that I've taken in meetings have helped our team get on the same page about what we discussed or reminded us about something we forgot. Seek to add value always!
Academic Advice
Try to learn in class. Don't view education as a means to end.
We have been taught to view our education as an annoying yet necessary step towards a career. Instead, when you're learning, think of what you could take from these classes. You're paying thousands of dollars - try to get something out of it more than just an A. For a long time, I viewed college only as a stepping stone to getting a job, and I wonder now what I may have missed out on.
Study something you're interested in and take time to cultivate your passions.
If you can afford it, study something that you're interested in, not something you think you HAVE to study. If not, try to explore your interests in other ways. Maybe minor in a language you've been dying to learn or take a class or two in Creative Writing. I regret not taking time during college to pursue subjects I really enjoyed outside of my major coursework.
Personal Advice
EAT A FRUIT AND MAYBE A VEGETABLE
That's it. Just eat an apple every once in a while.
Find a way to get active in a way you enjoy.
For the longest time, I pushed myself to do activities I didn't enjoy doing (I really hate running) because I thought that was the only way to be active. It's better to find something you enjoy that keeps you active rather than making yourself doing something you hate. Why not try a yoga class, going for a hike, swimming, or rock-climbing? You never know what will spark a passion within you.
Prioritize your mental and physical wellbeing early on.
College doesn't get easier - it only gets more stressful and overwhelming. Take stock of your health early on and find ways to destress and feel healthy. These tools will help you when things get tough down the road. Whether it's making sure you take time on the weekends to meal prep or turning your phone off before bed, figure out what works for you NOW.
and finally:
Take the skills you’ve learned and the connections you’ve made and try to be a positive
force in this world.
We are all uniquely positioned to make the world a better place in small ways every day. You don't have to be a humanitarian, an activist, or run a non-profit to make a change. Something as simple as making sure you recycle or donating your extra change to a cause you care about can add up to a big impact over time.
The world needs you.
Being able to be part of 24 amazing students' lives in such a formative way was truly an honor for me. I only hope that this advice will help them continue to grow and learn. Five years is a long time, and yet it seems like only yesterday I was in their shoes. I'm so excited to see where they end up.
