Starting college or university with an associate degree is scary. With half of a bachelor’s complete, you are left with barely any space for error.
You are expected to know what you want to dedicate your life to and how to make your remaining two years in a university setting worth it.
I understand that there are benefits to graduating from high school with an associate degree, such as finishing your bachelor’s degree earlier and having more time for graduate school, but do they outweigh the cons? I can’t give you an answer, but to those in this situation or to anyone who is lost in this chaos we call “the college experience,” here is some advice from someone who has been in your shoes:
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. What I’ve learned from asking questions in class is that the semester will go smoother and the instructor will not only appreciate that you care about the material being taught, but will more than likely remember you. In general, asking questions will give you answers that can lead you to many opportunities!
2. Look for a mentor. Mentors guide you. They have more than likely been in your place and want to see you succeed and grow. Look for a professor who specializes in your academic interests and genuinely cares about his or her students. Mentors will also write stronger letters of recommendation than professors who just knew you from one of their classes.
3. Get an internship. An internship will help you get hands-on experience and a taste of what your career will be like. It also counts as experience when applying for jobs and it is sometimes a requirement for some graduate programs. Many times, the business, clinic, corporation or organization where you interned will hire you right after graduation. This is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!
4. Make connections. Making connections will expand your network. The person next to you might have mentors that they can recommend you to or might know the supervisor where you want to intern. Connections facilitate lengthy processes and sometimes create lifelong friendships.
5. Join an organization. Being a member of an organization will make your curriculum vitae look good, but being an officer will make it look even better! The employer or graduate admission committee will take your officer position as experience and it will make you stand out from other applicants. An organization is a great way to begin networking and become involved with the campus community.
6. Have fun! Remember that you only have a few years in college and you should make the most of it!
Hopefully, these few points will inspire someone to get out of their comfort zone and fulfill some of these recommendations or guide them in the right direction.
