Be Work Ready While You Study

It’s a almost an unwritten rule that when you’re in college, you’re supposed to have the best time of your life – this is when you do things you can’t while you were still in high school, and this is your last chance to goof around before taking on real responsibilities. Although this period is definitely a rite of passage for most young adults, students must keep in mind that fun always has its limits – or else you’ll end up with no direction and no opportunities. So while expanding your social circle, gimmik on weekends, and whatever stuff that college people do these days, here are a few reminders in the midst of all the madness during college life.

Paying attention can have its rewards – This is one of the most useful, albeit overrated advice parents and teachers give to students. But still, imagine meeting someone in your office who remembers how to apply the basics of algebra, rules of tenses, and the who’s and when’s of western civilization. Surely, your boss would be more impressed with that person not just for his memory but for listening and using the things he learned from school and giving the impression that he’s well educated.
Gaining independence – It’s natural for students to divide in clicks during the first two years of college and stay with that group until they graduate. If you are in a group, don’t ignore the fact that one day, you have to let your barkada go and search for opportunities on your own. One major example is your projects and thesis. Do not insist on working on a project with your best friends and treat it as an opportunity to have a sleepover. In the real world, you’ll most likely end up working with someone you barely know or even someone difficult. You need to learn how to deal with people while it’s still early so adjustment during the first few months of your job isn’t as stressful.

Internship of your choice – Just because your friends decide to have their internship program together at a radio station that doesn’t mean that you have to join them – especially when you have a different place in mind. Don’t ever think that you would feel left out if you choose your own path because it’s better to learn things from your company of choice than learn stuff that you won’t be able to use after you graduate. Sure you may be alone and forced to make friends in a strange new office but you’ll surely find yourself in the process – and that is rewarding enough.

Organization is key – Working with organization is always a must. Knowing where to start and what to do next is crucial in the real world. Most successful men and women in different industries tend to be obsessive-compulsive and most of all, hardworking. So while it’s still early, develop the habit of keeping things in order, organizing your schedule, analyzing your work load.

Be professional – Factors like time, self-presentation, ethics, and manners are very important when trying to be professional. Always be on time (even earlier) when you arrive for appointments even if it’s just a get together with your friends. If you develop your punctuality, you’ll most likely bring that habit to your career. Also, make sure that you always look presentable when you meet with people because this creates a lasting impression. Last but not the least, don’t forget your manners when dealing with people.

Strive for perfection – The “bahala na” attitude is something that most students should drop before moving on to real life. In order to stand out in a company, you must always make sure that your projects, presentations, reports, etc. are impressive. In any industry being the best you can be always counts. Even if you’re still in school, always give your 100 percent in assignments, tests, projects, and activities.

(This article by Karen Choa Sy first appeared in The Philippine STAR's CAREER GUIDE, a weekly jobs section powered by JobStreet.com)