It’s time to face the fact: Whether you are a freshman or fifth-year senior, graduation is rapidly approaching. If that statement gives you a serious pain in your stomach that has nothing to do with eating in the caf, then you, like me, are probably suffering from what I like to call “Peter Pan Syndrome.”
Peter Pan Syndrome is the “I never want to grow up” mindset students sometime adopt in college. At the thought of having to someday swap out his or her graduation cap for a business suit (or power suit), one suffering from Peter Pan syndrome may start thinking of ways to drag out their college experience for an extra year — or two.
Also sometimes called “graduation anxiety,” this is a condition I have become very familiar with. As a senior in my last semester, I am daily faced with the reality that I will soon have to somehow convert my education into a paycheck. So, to save myself from a complete mental breakdown, I took it upon myself to learn as much as possible about launching a career.
Through my research, I came across a lot of good advice about landing a job that I would like to pass on to you. However, since not all of you are months away from imminent self-dependency, I will start with the things that even under-classmen can do to prepare for the day that Peter Pan must spread his wings and say goodbye to Neverland for good.
1. Despite what our generation tells us, being logged into Facebook does not count as social interaction. College is the time in life where friends are literally at your doorstep (or more like, dormstep). Use the time to mingle and develop your social skills — they will get you far in life. So go on, ditch a homework assignment for a mixer on occasion. Think of it as interview training. The wee hours of the morning are for writing papers anyway.
2. Pay attention in composition class. Oh, the dreaded composition classes. If you are the kind of person whose hand trembles at the idea of writing that eight, or even two-page, final essay, find relief in the fact it will make you a less shaky writer when it comes to pleading (professionally, of course) via email for a chance to work at your dream company. Sources agree that writing skills are very, very important in the business world. (Head nods in agreement from the power suits reading this).
3. Write a thank-you note from time to time. We all love talking about humility, so why not put it down on paper that you are actually humbled by and appreciative of the kind things people do. Thank-you notes are a part of important follow-up protocol in the business world, so start practicing now. Send your card through campus mail — you won’t even have to buy a stamp.
4. Use your resources. College is a wonderful place where people are paid to care about your success. Even if you are footing the bill, take advantage of that fact. If you, like me, get nauseated at the idea of going into an interview, go to the Career Center and arrange a practice interview. If having a published piece of work would benefit your portfolio, sign up for The Bison writing class. Now I know that sounds like a not-so-discrete plug to recruit more Bison writers, but trust me — it will help you.
Look for more career tips in an all-new column upcoming on the link.
