Every day I wake up thinking positive thoughts about how I can achieve new goals in life. I can see my potential, my motivation, and my overall dedication for reaching new heights. I fail to imagine a world where I will not succeed. The real test that many lose focus while seeing, is that getting a college degree is not enough to achieve success in today’s, yesterday’s or tomorrow’s world. The experience you will learn from school is priceless. The networking if done right is also worth a ton in value. But do not expect to be handed a golden ticket once you graduate. Because getting a degree is not all it’s cracked up to be. The paychecks do not come flowing down straight into your bank account because there is a clog somewhere.
What is the clog you ask? The clog is composed of one thing and that is WHO You KNOW! The glass ceiling is real for everybody unless you know somebody in the right executive position or should I say Captains Chair. A degree in this world is worthless when you are placed up against the son of a senator for that new job. This is the reality my readers and a wakeup call to get your freaking alarm on high volume. Your Connections are priceless!
What if you do not have any connections? Then begin yesterday on finding some a.s.a.p. I believe the only way to achieve real advancement in any organization is to have important connections. Yes other factors come into play like how you communicate, or how you present yourself, but in the end I have seen many people get a swift denial letter for a job because they were a nobody. If you do not have a network of supporters vouching for you, than guess what you’re a Joe Schmo or Nancy Drew to them.
Getting a College Degree is not Enough Do’s and Don’ts:
Don’t rush into things, find the right school (Price, Location, Academic Concentration, Graduate Rate, Supportive Counselors)
Do apply for any grants or scholarships
Don’t take out any school loans
Don’t be shy to speak with professors outside of class hours
Don’t expect to find a slew of jobs when you graduate
Don’t take Social Media for granted, (Watch what you post)
Do research to find the most in demand professions
Do attempt to grow your Network while in school
Do use all resources for your advantage
Do pay for cash, Find out if the school accepts payment plans
Do maintain a job from freshman year through junior year
Do attempt to get an internship Senior year
Do your best to hustle as much as you can
Do Join linked In (Add Connections as you Go)
The last point I want you to take away from all this advice is to do your best to strive for more by working hard, building connections, and doing it in the smartest financially responsible way. I made the mistake to assume a master’s degree would get me into a better career in life, but as of this moment it only has given me headaches in the form of student loans. I rushed into it thinking I could see a light at the end of the tunnel, only to be let down and disappointed. I enjoy expressing my failures for you so that you can avoid them and be a better person.
Granted I am grateful I finally achieved getting my MBA, because of it I am a better person. I built a few connections while getting my degree, and some of my classmates are a mere email away. But if I could do it over I would pick a more economical, challenging, supportive educational program. In addition to this I would have waited a year or two and attempted to get my degree without debt. I hope this can help you make better decisions for a higher education.
Comment that you now understand that getting a college degree is not enough.
Comment if you did all of these Degree do’s and don’ts in college?
Rich Uncle EL
Have to agree with you, these points are spot on. Sadly, many people don't realize how important connections are. Luckily, I was able to do, and not do, most of these (minus the graduate without debt part). The degree is important, but definitely not the only thing or asset needed. I feel many students do not take full advantage of all the resources available to them – for many reasons – but definitely should. Hopefully some will come across this post and change that.
Bravo, Rich Uncle El, bravo.
Thanks for the comment and the input on the post.
I agree, getting a college degree should not be the default answer to life. Now, don't get me wrong, a college degree can be very valuable but it isn't appropriate for everyone. Some do better pursuing technical training while others go the entrepreneurial route. Don't forget that Steve Jobs and Bill Gates both dropped out of college. I would have to say they did okay.
I agree that people should decide what they want to and pursue it before dropping thousands of dollars for higher education, they might eventually never use the degree for what they want to do in life.
I think a good percentage of potential college students should take a hard look at getting a trade such as dental assistant, plumber, electrician or police officer instead of a possibly useless college degree. There are certain things we are always going to need as a society and a college graduate with a degree in women's studies isn't one of them.