Harsh Realities that all College Students Should Know
The harsh realities that will be mentioned in this post are things I wish I would have known before I signed up for college.
You will never be sure if you're picking the right major but what you can do is the proper research regarding the majors that you are interested in. Things you can research is what the future job market would look like or the job outlook in general. You can do that at the Occupational Outlook Handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm A counselor at the college in which you choose can assist you with choosing a major but ultimately, the decision is yours to make. You can also talk to someone in the career field in which you're considering. This is probably the best form of research because it is coming directly from someone already doing the job. Ask them what a day of work is like for them and determine if that is something you see yourself doing.
Even after you choose a major, you may still be unsure. I know you've heard of people changing their major a hundred times and being in school way longer than they should. The key is that when you pick a major, commit to sticking to it no matter what and making it work. Having an optimistic outlook regarding the major you chose is important. The many careers that you can do with one major gives you many options to do whatever you want. Even if you consider changing your major, you can just consider a different career in your major field that would suit your desires.
School is stressful. I know this may seem obvious but this is something to be greatly aware of. Stress can be a lot on your mental and physical health. I advise if things are becoming too stressful to talk to some sort of therapist. The mental support that a therapist can provide can reduce your stress and help you get through school. I believe school is like going through war. No one knows the sacrifices you have to make to complete a simple assignment. No one knows how much you talk yourself out of it but you keep going just because.
Having supportive people around is very important. You may be the first person in your family to even go to college and they probably won't understand what you're going through. If there is someone in your life who is completely unsupportive and doesn't even try to understand what you're going through, I advise you cut them off sooner than later. It will save you a lot of stress and heartache. There's people out there who will support you. Don't settle for negativity in your life or during your college journey.
Reality is harsh after you graduate. You expect so much to happen for you immediately after you graduate but you are absolutely wrong. Not only do you expect to have the highest average pay in your career field, but you may expect for life to completely begin. Things you may be expecting is moving out on your own, meeting your husband,/wife, having children, being there for your family financially, and so much more. Reality is you will be able to do all that but not directly after you graduate.
You have to work even harder after you graduate. I'm sure you've heard this before. I know you get enough of hearing the statistics of graduates not having jobs in their career field or making adequate enough salaries. The reality of this is, it is true. In those statistics, it is undetermined rather those people had the motivation they had in college after college. The answer to that question would probably be no. So many people expect things to just happen and that the hard work is done once they graduate, but they are absolutely wrong.
Statistics and odds are created to be beat. In order to do this, you have to be motivated to continue on even after you graduate. Most times graduates have no relevant work experience. This puts you in a tough position in the career world. You have to show that you are willing to continue working hard and showing that you can do the work somehow.
Don't expect the same amount of pay immediately after you graduate that the college told you would be making. You have the education but not quite the experience. So you won't be paid that salary you envisioned right away. If you're lucky you would have been able to intern in your career field while you graduated and by luck I mean, having someone to financially support you while you do this. Most times adults are working full time and going to school and have no time to volunteer or intern. So don't think once you get the degree, you're below volunteering and accepting a pay lower than what you thought you deserved.
You shouldn't stop at just a 4-year bachelor's degree. Hell, you probably shouldn't stop after your master's but that's another topic. A bachelor's degree would hopefully get you an entry level job. If that job doesn't have any on-the-job training or promotion program, you may be stuck in that entry level job. The job probably also won't pay that much. Getting a master's degree places you in higher salary place but keep in mind the things mentioned above. You have to work hard, show that you are willing to learn, and be committed.
College is just the beginning. I place high emphasis on this last harsh reality. Not only are you committing to an education when you decide to go to college but you are also committing to a lifetime of hard work where the learning never ends. Unless you want to settle or be a statistic, I suggest you get this in your head now. If you are in college or considering college I hope this articles finds you and helps you.
Subscribe to our blog to receive emails when a new blog is posted. It would be even nicer if you let us know you're subscribing in the comments below. I am a recent graduate of a master's program. I am 25. If you have any questions regarding my experience you can comment or email us at modernlyethnic@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Success from Modernly Ethnic.
You will never be sure if you're picking the right major but what you can do is the proper research regarding the majors that you are interested in. Things you can research is what the future job market would look like or the job outlook in general. You can do that at the Occupational Outlook Handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm A counselor at the college in which you choose can assist you with choosing a major but ultimately, the decision is yours to make. You can also talk to someone in the career field in which you're considering. This is probably the best form of research because it is coming directly from someone already doing the job. Ask them what a day of work is like for them and determine if that is something you see yourself doing.
Even after you choose a major, you may still be unsure. I know you've heard of people changing their major a hundred times and being in school way longer than they should. The key is that when you pick a major, commit to sticking to it no matter what and making it work. Having an optimistic outlook regarding the major you chose is important. The many careers that you can do with one major gives you many options to do whatever you want. Even if you consider changing your major, you can just consider a different career in your major field that would suit your desires.
School is stressful. I know this may seem obvious but this is something to be greatly aware of. Stress can be a lot on your mental and physical health. I advise if things are becoming too stressful to talk to some sort of therapist. The mental support that a therapist can provide can reduce your stress and help you get through school. I believe school is like going through war. No one knows the sacrifices you have to make to complete a simple assignment. No one knows how much you talk yourself out of it but you keep going just because.
Having supportive people around is very important. You may be the first person in your family to even go to college and they probably won't understand what you're going through. If there is someone in your life who is completely unsupportive and doesn't even try to understand what you're going through, I advise you cut them off sooner than later. It will save you a lot of stress and heartache. There's people out there who will support you. Don't settle for negativity in your life or during your college journey.
Reality is harsh after you graduate. You expect so much to happen for you immediately after you graduate but you are absolutely wrong. Not only do you expect to have the highest average pay in your career field, but you may expect for life to completely begin. Things you may be expecting is moving out on your own, meeting your husband,/wife, having children, being there for your family financially, and so much more. Reality is you will be able to do all that but not directly after you graduate.
You have to work even harder after you graduate. I'm sure you've heard this before. I know you get enough of hearing the statistics of graduates not having jobs in their career field or making adequate enough salaries. The reality of this is, it is true. In those statistics, it is undetermined rather those people had the motivation they had in college after college. The answer to that question would probably be no. So many people expect things to just happen and that the hard work is done once they graduate, but they are absolutely wrong.
Statistics and odds are created to be beat. In order to do this, you have to be motivated to continue on even after you graduate. Most times graduates have no relevant work experience. This puts you in a tough position in the career world. You have to show that you are willing to continue working hard and showing that you can do the work somehow.
Don't expect the same amount of pay immediately after you graduate that the college told you would be making. You have the education but not quite the experience. So you won't be paid that salary you envisioned right away. If you're lucky you would have been able to intern in your career field while you graduated and by luck I mean, having someone to financially support you while you do this. Most times adults are working full time and going to school and have no time to volunteer or intern. So don't think once you get the degree, you're below volunteering and accepting a pay lower than what you thought you deserved.
You shouldn't stop at just a 4-year bachelor's degree. Hell, you probably shouldn't stop after your master's but that's another topic. A bachelor's degree would hopefully get you an entry level job. If that job doesn't have any on-the-job training or promotion program, you may be stuck in that entry level job. The job probably also won't pay that much. Getting a master's degree places you in higher salary place but keep in mind the things mentioned above. You have to work hard, show that you are willing to learn, and be committed.
College is just the beginning. I place high emphasis on this last harsh reality. Not only are you committing to an education when you decide to go to college but you are also committing to a lifetime of hard work where the learning never ends. Unless you want to settle or be a statistic, I suggest you get this in your head now. If you are in college or considering college I hope this articles finds you and helps you.
Subscribe to our blog to receive emails when a new blog is posted. It would be even nicer if you let us know you're subscribing in the comments below. I am a recent graduate of a master's program. I am 25. If you have any questions regarding my experience you can comment or email us at modernlyethnic@gmail.com
Thanks for stopping by! Happy Success from Modernly Ethnic.
Join us here at Modernly Ethnic, The Creative Community™🧡💛💚💙💜💗
Subscribe to our this blog and at our official website at ModernlyEthnic.org
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Modernly Ethnic - YouTube
Send us emails modernlyethnic@gmail.com telling us your creative story for a chance to be featured on our blog 👍
With your support, you will in turn have our support and the encouragement of everyone here at The Creative Community™ 😊
Let's learn and grow together🎉😎✔
© 2021 Modernly Ethnic™ All rights reserved.
Comments
Post a Comment