While most students see their time in college as time spent learning, it's important to consider your professional career as well. Taking steps towards developing yourself as a professional while you're still in school is instrumental in landing a career afterward.
Lionel Barzon III: Professional Development in College
1. Professional
Development
By Lionel Barzon III
Five Tips for In-College
LBIII
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Lionel Barzon III is a college student and young professional currently
attending the University of Alabama, Huntsville.
2. Professional Development
Development
In College
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Lionel Barzon III
It can be confusing navigating the professional world when you’re in
college.
While some schools offer useful resources, like a career services center or
a post-grad office, you may still not feel ready to face the professional
world and search for a job.
You may be struggling to figure out what you’re supposed to do or what’s
the best way to appear professional and make yourself more appealing in
the job market.
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3. Getting
Involved On
Campus
Focusing on your classes and grades may seem like
enough for you, but in order to really develop your
professional skills, you should be involved in various
aspects of campus life. Make sure you find time to
volunteer and get involved in clubs that relate to your
interests and major. Take on some leadership roles, which
will look great to future employers. You’ll also have the
chance to meet more people on campus and develop your
communication skills.
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4. Do Research
No, not academic research (though that can help
further your career as well). Take a look at the
people around you and identify those that have
lots of connections and are successful in what
they do. Find some professors or other
professionals who are in your field. Observe these
people and try to figure out what they do to
professionally enhance themselves.
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5. Know When to Say
"No"
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No matter what field you go into, it’s important to know when
you have too much on your plate and you can’t take more on
without overcommitting yourself and causing your overall work
to suffer. Instead of constantly saying “yes” and stressing
yourself out, your future employer (and people at college) will
respect you when you just say “no” instead of taking on too
many responsibilities. You’ll also be able to focus more on your
mental health and avoid feeling burned out!
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Professional Development Lionel Barzon III
6. Seek Professional
Events
You can attend professional events on campus, or
in the surrounding community. Taking this action
allows you to network and also improve your
communication skills. Attend departmental events
on campus for your major as well so you can
develop a closer relationship with your professors,
who will become valuable mentors and
connections.
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7. Develop
Your Brand
A relatively recent concept, your personal brand is
incredibly important for marketing yourself and relating to
other people. On a basic level, it’s what traits people
identify you with, but on a professional level, it will be
your areas of expertise, your work ethic, and your personal
skills. Utilize online resources like LinkedIn and Twitter to
focus on specific areas and tailor your brand. Also, make
sure there isn’t anything online that reflects poorly on
your brand, such as inappropriate pictures from a frat
party in college or a negative comment you posted on
social media.
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8. The professional has learned that
success, like happiness, comes as a
by-product of work. The
professional concentrates on the
work and allows rewards to come or
not come, whatever they like.
steven pressfield