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3 Career Moves You Won’t Learn in College

College is a time for learning and expanding your mind: both inside the classroom and (for many) living as an adult on your own for the very first time. What many don’t consider however, is what happens after college is over: getting a job to pay the bills, financially preparing for adulthood, and thriving in the workplace. In fact, many institutions are excellent at providing an education to perform a job in the desired career, but they fail to explain how to get the job once you've graduated.

Here are 3 Achieve Lending approved career moves you won’t learn inside a college classroom.

It Isn’t What You Know, but Who You Know

College is one of the biggest authentic networking opportunities you’ll ever have. In the years following college you’ll attend numerous networking events, which are beneficial, but often awkward. Leveraging your time in college can be a great way to make authentic connections since you’re all sharing the same experience: college.

From classmates, to teachers, to fraternity/sorority members to clubs- college will provide you with an opportunity to meet others with the same interests and in the same field as you. This will prove invaluable later on as you try to get started on a career path.

Often the deciding difference between two outstanding candidates with the same skills and background is a personal reference or recommendation. And think of it this way, keeping in touch not only makes you a better person and friend, but can also benefit you down the road.

Leverage Technology to Make Connections and Get Ahead

Technology is the great equalizer: even without a formal education, the abundance of information on the Internet can provide access to opportunities and knowledge that wouldn't be available to most. Social media is a great way to reach out to people you admire, re-connect with old friends, or meet new individuals in your field to help advance your career.

Starting a blog can be a great way to polish your writing skills and be seen as a thought leader in your area of expertise. Coding is a skill you don’t necessarily have to go to school to learn and is always in high demand. Additionally, enrolling online in continuing education courses, attending free webinars, or auditing classes on sites like Lynda.com can be a great way to use free resources to get better at what you do.

The Importance of Building Your Own Success

A traditional education can be a necessary tool for some career fields, but never underestimate the value or what you can learn by building and running your own business. While you can certainly get a business degree, college can’t prepare you for pitching investors, managing different personalities in the workplace, or trying to land new clients.

Conversely, if you are in an artistic or service driven profession, the old adage “practice makes perfect” rings true. You won’t master your craft without building up a portfolio and honing it over time.

“Practice makes perfect” can be applied to just about any hobby or job, but it also works when thinking about building a successful life.

College is never a bad experience. We’re simply advocating students take advantage of everything offered to them through their institution, while not being afraid to forage off the beaten path. College degrees are becoming an accepted norm; they no longer separate a candidate from the pack.

Getting creative and thinking outside of the box in terms of career trajectory and how to get there are surefire ways to succeed.