This may sound odd, but a successful career and a happy life is not something you should start thinking about after you graduate college. The Director of Career Services at the University of Buffalo says you should focus on those things when you begin college. WBFO's Cheryl Hagen spoke with Arlene Kaukus about her efforts to guide students toward success and happiness...
U.B. Career Services Director Arlene Kaukus says incoming college students should take advantage of opportunities from the very beginning of their Freshman year.
"When we talk to our students, we always try to encourage them to begin their college success from the first day they step on campus, not waiting until they're ready to graduate to prepare themselves." notes Kaukus."
"There are so many opportunities for students to learn about themselves and learn about their interests and develop skills by engaging in club activities on campus, becoming a leader with a student club and then building on their leadership experiences throughout their four years at college," says Kaukus. "Obviously, it's very, very important for them to go out and do internships in the real word, if you will, so they really get a sense of what is the world of work like and what is it that people expect from college graduates when they get into the work world and begin their career."
Not everyone comes to college though with a career path in mind, but there are ways to figure it out.
"Most of us really don't know on a day-to-day basis what our long-term plan or career plan is. So I say to them, Look, see this as an opportunity to explore, to try something'," says Kaukus.
Experiences, like clubs, volunteer work and internships can show you what you love, or really don't care for according to Kaukus.
Kaukus has what you might call abasic road map to success for students that includes everything from starting early and immersing yourself to making connections, especially with alumni.
"I always say this to students, alumni were where you were when they were in college," says Kaukus. "They were hoping and seeking someone who would provide a mentorship to them, who would open a door to an internship or perhaps a job possibility... They were in the same place as you where at some point and are more than willing to help."
Kaukus also advises students to be flexible.
"I continually say to students, find an area and then jump into that area, but always be open to the fact that's going to evolve over time. You have to be open to evolve over time," says Kaukus. "You've got to be flexible and you've got to be open because otherwise you're going to miss opportunities."
Career Services provides a great deal of support during students' first and second years of college, according to Kaukus, to help them find a good fit. During junior and senior years, Kaukus says they push students to make connections and see if their choice is actually a good fit.
"Don't get disheartened if it's not exactly the right fit," advises Kaukus. "If you keep searching, the right fit is there."