To play off of the last blog post, it's graduation time for us here at Full Sail University. As much as I've learned throughout my time here on campus, there are some things that I wish I would have done differently based on the work I'm doing right now. I feel like I would be doing a disservice to those that read my blog and are debating on going to college if I didn't try to impart some wisdom based on my experiences. Let's discuss some focus points that are vital to remember while you move through your college degree.
Save Money
This can be the most difficult of things to do, as many people either are working when they can to pay for their expenses or they can't work at all and have to borrow money on a loan to keep a roof overhead and food in the belly. With that in mind, save if you can. Even if it's money that you earned before college, it's a good idea to try and put back whatever you can manage because you're bound to run into several expenses once you graduate. Especially in the Entertainment Industry, even with a Masters degree it seems like some companies still want you to complete an unpaid internship. If that's the case, you will be dedicating between 40 and 60 hours a week towards the internship and not getting paid a dime. Considering you will need a place to live, transportation, food, and the other necessities, money is vital to survival when you first graduate.
Start Researching Jobs Soon
The sooner you start the job hunt, the better. Like I mentioned earlier, many companies are looking to start potential employees out with an internship and they are mostly unpaid. This is why it's a good idea to try and knock out that internship while you are still in school and able to borrow money. Once you graduate, student loans are no longer an option for you. The only option you will have is a standard loan from a bank, and you will have to start paying that back almost immediately. Taking into consideration the fact that you probably already have student loan debt under your belt that you will have to start paying back upon graduation, this really isn't an option. This makes it extremely important to start looking for jobs soon, so you at least have an idea of where you want to take your first step in your career.
Apply for Jobs Early
This somewhat goes along with researching jobs early, however you probably won't apply for actual jobs until being close to complete if you aren't going to do an internship. A smart man once told me that applying to jobs is like fishing with a net. The smaller the net, the less fish you can catch. The larger the net, the more fish you can catch. Translating this into job hunting, the more applications you send out, the more likely you are to find a job or at least get an interview. Even if it's a job you don't think you would take even if they offered, still apply. You can always use those jobs as practice in the interview process. That way, if you answer a question incorrectly or stumble your way through, it will be with a job you didn't really want in the first place. Additionally, applying to jobs early allows you to keep plugging away and will cut down on the time between graduation and unemployment.
Learn the Value of Teamwork
This is one of the great lost causes for many students in college. It's understandable that some people don't enjoy working with others because you have a melting pot of different personalities and are often dealing with at least one person that doesn't want to pull their own weight for the better of the group. However, college is the perfect time to get used to managing these situations because almost every job imaginable requires teamwork in one way or another. If communication is an issue, then put yourself in situations where you have to converse. If you have issues with people that don't pull their weight, join the club and work through it. Trust me, you aren't the only person who's frustrated with that individual. However, the best team members just suck it up and pick up the slack.
Work Harder Than the Next Guy
Only one person in class can be at the top (well, unless there's a tie!). That being said, it's important to put in every ounce of effort you have to be the best you can be. Why? Well, there a couple reasons. The first is that you begin to build a reputation for yourself of being awesome at what you do. When your peers notice your abilities, it will potentially open doors for you. Secondly, a high GPA and scholastic awards on your resume can help you seal the deal on that job you're applying for. Remember, every place you apply to has another X amount of people applying for the same job, and their resumes are mostly built just like yours. Being able to add that additional flare could get you noticed. Finally, one of my favorite sayings...you practice how you play. School is practice for you to fine tune your skills so when it's time to get paid you know what you're doing. If you put 100% into your work at school, it will be much easier to translate into a job. If you put 50% effort in...well, you know where I'm going with that. You can't expect anyone else to work harder than what you are.
Hopefully this helps some potential college students out as they decide on their next step. Just as I was when I first enrolled in school, sometimes it's difficult to listen to advice from anyone but yourself. However, speaking from experience, I truly feel that these "guidelines" will help make anyone a better college student and potential employee for any company.
