ProfessionalDevelopment

By Lionel Barzon III

Five Tips for In-College

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Lionel Barzon III is a college student and young professional currentlyattending the University of Alabama, Huntsville.

Professional Development

DevelopmentIn College

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Lionel Barzon III

It can be confusing navigating the professional world when you’re in

college.

While some schools offer useful resources, like a career services center or

a post-grad office, you may still not feel ready to face the professional

world and search for a job.

You may be struggling to figure out what you’re supposed to do or what’s

the best way to appear professional and make yourself more appealing in

the job market.

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GettingInvolved On

CampusFocusing on your classes and grades may seem like

enough for you, but in order to really develop your

professional skills, you should be involved in various

aspects of campus life. Make sure you find time to

volunteer and get involved in clubs that relate to your

interests and major. Take on some leadership roles, which

will look great to future employers. You’ll also have the

chance to meet more people on campus and develop your

communication skills.

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Do Research

No, not academic research (though that can help

further your career as well). Take a look at the

people around you and identify those that have

lots of connections and are successful in what

they do. Find some professors or other

professionals who are in your field. Observe these

people and try to figure out what they do to

professionally enhance themselves.

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Know When to Say "No"

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No matter what field you go into, it’s important to know when

you have too much on your plate and you can’t take more on

without overcommitting yourself and causing your overall work

to suffer. Instead of constantly saying “yes” and stressing

yourself out, your future employer (and people at college) will

respect you when you just say “no” instead of taking on too

many responsibilities. You’ll also be able to focus more on your

mental health and avoid feeling burned out!

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Professional Development Lionel Barzon III

Seek Professional Events

You can attend professional events on campus, or

in the surrounding community. Taking this action

allows you to network and also improve your

communication skills. Attend departmental events

on campus for your major as well so you can

develop a closer relationship with your professors,

who will become valuable mentors and

connections.

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Develop Your Brand

A relatively recent concept, your personal brand is

incredibly important for marketing yourself and relating to

other people. On a basic level, it’s what traits people

identify you with, but on a professional level, it will be

your areas of expertise, your work ethic, and your personal

skills. Utilize online resources like LinkedIn and Twitter to

focus on specific areas and tailor your brand. Also, make

sure there isn’t anything online that reflects poorly on

your brand, such as inappropriate pictures from a frat

party in college or a negative comment you posted on

social media.

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The professional has learned thatsuccess, like happiness, comes as a

by-product of work. Theprofessional concentrates on the

work and allows rewards to come ornot come, whatever they like.

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