"Now this is the story all about how my life got flipped, turned upside down and I'd like to take a minute just sit right there, I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called"…San Diego.
Four years in college and now I'm ready for the big show known as "the rest of my life!" Day in and day out of midterms, homework assignments, group projects and crazy essays all for a piece of paper that says my name on it -- now what?
Fortunately, I'm not afraid of the big world. I've got the training and professional skills needed to excel at whatever career I choose. There are two main aspects, other than just going to class, that will truly prepare you for the corporate world: Get internships and get involved.
Internships Getting an internship is something that should not be procrastinated upon. Getting internships early and often is one big step toward realizing your true career aspirations. I highly recommend attaining internships in different fields, you'll better gauge what fields strike your chords.
After interning at a human resources firm, I quickly realized that it wasn't for me but on the other hand, volunteering for The Daily Aztec allowed me to find my passion for writing.
One common mistake college students make is that they wait until their last semester to get their first internship. This is a big deal, especially if you realize in your senior year that accounting really isn't for you! So get going on the internship search -- it's never too early to get started.
Besides the Internet, the best place to find an internship and help you with resume writing and interview preparation is at San Diego State's Career Services office.
Organizations
The second vital step you must take to better your skill-set for the real world is to join organizations that will foster your leadership and teamwork expertise. Getting involved with clubs will add value to yourself and especially to your resume. A few notable organizations are: the American Marketing Association, the Students In Free Enterprise, the Associated Business Student Council and the Entrepreneur Society. Another group that stands out, and I highly recommend you check out, is Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional co-ed business organization. Its semester long "Leadership Development Program" will help train you for personal and professional success. The program teaches key aspects of business plan writing, resume writing and interviewing techniques.
Moreover, you will be given a first hand experience with marketing, financial management, leadership training and many other skills that are crucial in today's business world.
The other benefit of joining these organizations are the networking opportunities. Not only will you meet other like-minded college students, but you are very likely to meet alumni from these elite organizations as well. These alumni often come back with job and internship opportunities they offer to younger members of their own clubs that they joined when they were students themselves -- after all, it's 90 percent about who you know.
So don't waste any more time. Get involved on campus and get that internship now. Time flies way too fast and the next thing you know, you'll be in front of that dreaded white GradFest tent asking yourself: "What now?"
-Vince Golangco is an advertising senior.
-This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Daily Aztec.
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