Wendy’s Tips for A Successful College Experience

I had the opportunity to go back to my college alma mater Florida State University this past week and participate in E-Week, an event geared to educate and inspire students to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit.  As with most things in life, when you give you always get back so much more.  I had so much fun interacting with bright, articulate, inquisitive students from all types of backgrounds.  I also had the chance to meet other alumni and entrepreneurs doing exciting, crazy, BIG stuff.  It was incredible.

It also made me think about what I wish I would’ve known if I were in their shoes today. Here are the key 5 things I came up with to get the most out of your college experience:

1. Take advantage of everything around you.  Take in new, different experiences.  Check out art exhibits, film festivals, music events, the circus.  FSU, as do most universities, has over 500 different organizations so there is always something new and exciting to experience.  Make it your mission to try something new every week at least.  You won’t regret it and you may learn something new about yourself.
2. Spark other areas of your brain.  You are at a great learning institution.  Don’t just take classes because you have to.  Take an extra class every so often just because it sounds interesting.  If you are in business, take an acting or art class.  If you are a music major, take a marketing class.  If you’re a math major, take a literature class or fashion design class.  Spark other areas of your brain.
3. Interact with your professors, deans, faculty and staff.  They are there because they want to help guide you.  Schedule some time every week to chit chat and pick their brain.  They are invaluable resources to you not only while you are in school but also as you embark on your career path and beyond.  Form those relationships now.
4. Start a business while you are in college.  Any business.  You are in a safe and supportive environment and this will be one of the best learning experiences you have plus you can make some money.  Again, it doesn’t matter what your major is.  Just do it.
5. Lastly, view your experience here as a lab.  Everything is an experiment.  Play, have fun and enjoy the experience.  It will be over before you know it.  Don’t take it all so seriously.  Do your best but also pay attention to what you like and, just as important, what you don’t like.  These are good life clues that will help you know yourself better which equips you with the tools to create a life that taps into your passions and strengths vs. just doing something because that’s what one of your parents did or it sounds good on paper.