Is Socializing Important in College?

We have all heard the saying, "It is not what you know but rather who you know". This of course is not to say that earning a degree is not important. In fact numerous studies have shown that college graduates make double the amount earned by a non-graduate throughout their lifetime. So please do continue to earn your degrees.

Degrees aren’t enough. Most college students have a hard time finding employment after college despite the fact that they may have a 4.0 and have taken honors classes. Why is that? Networking! Networking is gaining connections through socializing. College students have a great opportunity to network through internships, professors, academic advisors, etc.  The key to networking is maintaining the connection. No one is saying to become best friends with your connections but you must touch base every once in a while. I normally email past professors once a semester with an update on how my degree is progressing and I ask them how their semester is going.

Connections are great to have. George Bush graduated from Harvard with a C average but, what made everything work for him was the connections he made while in school. Again I say try your very best in school because your connections can get you the interview but your grades and excellent interviewing skills can be the thing to get you the job. Balance socializing with the right people and maintaining your studies is the key to success. Do not be afraid to join the honors societies, Greek life, student government, sports teams and other extracurricular activities because you never know who may be able to help you in your travels. Just remember to pay your information forward.

By: Lillian Collazo
SD11 Winter 2016