Part 2: Amplifying the Value of Your College Experience

Entering college is an exciting new chapter, but it’s also an investment – of time, effort, and money. After tackling financial aid and making an informed college choice in Part 1, the next step is ensuring you get the greatest return on that investment. This means engaging in your career development, finding mentorship, and pursuing skill-building experiences from day one. These steps not only enhance your résumé but also build your confidence and connections for life after graduation. In this article, we explore how first-generation and online students (indeed, all students) can proactively make the most of college to set up a bright future.

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Start Early on Career Development

Classroom learning is just one part of your college education. Equally important is learning beyond the classroom. This includes internships, part-time jobs, campus leadership, and other hands-on experiences that prepare you for the workforce. Research consistently shows that students who participate in experiential learning reap big benefits. For example, a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that students with a paid internship receive more job offers and higher starting salaries than those without internship experience (Kahn & Patil, 2025). In fact, engaging in at least one work-based learning opportunity during college is linked to better career progress and higher early-career satisfaction (Strada Education Network, 2024).

Unfortunately, not every student has equal access to these opportunities. First-generation college students and those balancing jobs or family responsibilities can find it harder to take on unpaid internships or extra activities (Business-Higher Education Forum, 2024). If you’re in this situation, know that you are not alone, and your college likely has resources to help. Career centers, for instance, exist to connect students with internships, co-ops, and networking events. Many campuses also offer work-study positions or internships that provide flexibility. By starting early (even in your first year) and using these resources, you can secure experiences that make you more competitive and confident.

Consider these steps to jump-start your career development:

• Visit the career center in your first semester: Get to know the advisors who can help polish your résumé, practice interviews, and alert you to internship postings.
  
• Seek out internships or research projects: Even short-term or part-time experiences build skills and help you explore your interests. If an off-campus internship is challenging due to time or travel, look for on-campus jobs or virtual internship programs related to your field.
  
• Attend job fairs and networking events: Take advantage of any employer visits, virtual career fairs, or industry panels your college offers. Introduce yourself and ask questions; each conversation can be a learning experience.
  

By actively pursuing opportunities, you are investing in yourself. Every new connection or skill learned is one more asset for your post-college life.

Mentorship and Networking: Building Your Support System

One of the most empowering steps you can take in college is to find a mentor. A mentor could be a professor, an advisor, a supervisor at work, or an experienced student or alumnus in your field. Mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and often open doors to new opportunities. This kind of support is especially valuable if you are a first-generation student who may not have a built-in network of professional contacts. Connecting with mentors and peers helps you build “social capital”, the networks of relationships that can boost your career and personal growth.

Research underscores the power of mentorship. Studies have found that mentored students report greater confidence, clearer goals, and even improved early-career outcomes (Strada Education Network, 2024). In one national survey, college graduates who had a mentor during college were twice as likely to be engaged in their work and thriving in overall well-being after graduation (Gallup, 2014). The message is clear: you don’t have to navigate college (or the job market) alone. Seeking advice is a sign of strength and initiative, not weakness.

How do you find mentors? Start by building relationships with faculty and staff: visit professors’ office hours or talk to your advisor about your interests. Join student organizations or honor societies to connect with senior students who can offer valuable insights. Many colleges also have formal mentorship programs, pairing students with alumni or professional volunteers. If you’re studying online, look for virtual mentorship communities or LinkedIn groups in your major. Don’t be afraid to send a polite email to someone whose career path you admire; often, people are happy to share their story or advice. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street built on respect and genuine connection. Come prepared with questions and be open about your goals. Over time, these relationships can blossom into a support system that will continue long after you earn your degree.

Skill-Building Experiences: Invest in Yourself

Beyond grades and classes, employers today are looking for adaptable skills and real-world experience. In a rapidly changing job market, it’s less about your major and more about what you can do. Skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are often called “soft skills,” but they are crucial competencies that you can hone during college. The good news is that almost every college activity, from volunteering in the community to leading a club or working on a group project, can help build these skills.

Get involved in activities that interest you, whether it’s joining a tech club, writing for the student blog, organizing a community service event, or participating in a hackathon. Such experiences not only enrich your college life but also allow you to practice project management, collaboration, and creative thinking in a low-risk environment. Research shows that students who engage in extracurricular activities often develop better time management and interpersonal skills, and feel a stronger sense of belonging on campus (Kurtović et al., 2021). For first-gen and online learners, these activities can be a game-changer: they provide a sense of community and a break from isolation, which boosts motivation and persistence through challenges.

If you’re worried about stretching yourself too thin, remember that quality matters more than quantity. It’s better to commit to one or two activities that truly excite you than to sign up for everything. Look for “high-impact” experiences like service-learning courses, undergraduate research, or leadership roles in an organization. These tend to yield deeper learning and more significant growth. For example, volunteering for a cause you care about might sharpen your ability to organize events and communicate effectively, while also giving you purpose and stress relief. Likewise, taking on a leadership role, such as serving as a team lead on a class project or an officer in a club, helps you practice decision-making and teaches you to motivate others. Each of these experiences feeds into your personal and professional development, making you more resilient and versatile.

A Call to Action for Your Future

Making college count involves actively shaping your future. By focusing on career development, seeking mentorship, and engaging in skill-building experiences, you take ownership of your journey. This proactive mindset will pay dividends long after graduation. You’ll leave college not only with knowledge in your field, but also with a network of supporters, a portfolio of experiences, and the confidence to navigate the professional world.

About the Author: 

Dr. Jessica Henlon holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Education. She is an Education Contributor for Florida National News. Dr. Henlon can be reached at Education@FloridaNationalNews.com or book.jessicahenlon@gmail.com.

References

Business-Higher Education Forum. (2024). Forging partnerships: How business and higher education can collaborate to develop talent for the AI-powered future. https://www.bhef.com/sites/default/files/2024-BHEF-Forging%20Partnerships.pdf 

Gallup. (2014). Great jobs, great lives: The 2014 Gallup-Purdue Index report. Gallup-Purdue University. https://www.gallup.com/file/services/176768/Gallup-PurdueIndex_Report_2014.pdf 

Kahn, J., & Patil, S. (2025, April 18). Impacts of experiential learning on the Gen Z early career experience. National Association of Colleges and Employers. https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/trends-and-predictions/impacts-of-experiential-learning-on-the-gen-z-early-career-experience/ 

Kurtović, A., Vrdoljak, G., & Hirnstein, M. (2021). Contribution to family, friends, school, and community is associated with fewer depression symptoms in adolescents – mediated by self-regulation and academic performance. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, Article 615249. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.615249 

Strada Education Network. (2024). Talent disrupted: A closer look at underemployment among recent college graduates. https://www.strada.org/reports/talent-disrupted