Advice from professors that has given me perspective

As a first-year college student and graduate student, I had a limited understanding of what higher education was like and how to make the most of my experience. Upon completing both undergraduate and graduate studies here at JMU, I would like to share the academic advice that professors, faculty, and staff have given me, which has given me diverse perspectives and strategies to maximize my educational experience.

#1. Regardless of the class you take, try to curate your projects to the career field you want.

This is something I learned later in my academic career when I discovered more about what I want to do. My parents always told me to pursue something I enjoy, so that it never feels like too much work. I’ve discovered that catering every project to your intended career is a good way of determining early on if you find the path boring or not your cup of tea. If you continue to enjoy the work you’re doing, every project can be a contribution to your portfolio or resume, making it easier to highlight the skills needed for that career.

#2. If you have time, consider joining clubs or organizations that involve your ideal career or passions.

Something I was concerned about was extracurriculars and the social scene. Joining a club or program that is similar to your interests or desired career not only connects you to peers that share the same interest but also can be a standout feature on your resume. It can also get you involved in other organizations or events around campus.

#3. If you have trouble defining the skills you have or need, consult job postings for your desired career and see what they require.

Another challenge I’ve faced is presenting my skills professionally. As I was figuring out what I wanted to do, I struggled to find the words to properly express my skills and goals. When I was given this advice, it cleared things up so well. Looking at job descriptions that have job responsibilities or required skills gave me the terminology I could use in my resume and during interviews. They also made me aware of the many more skills I could learn in my desired field.

#4. Don’t be afraid to share your work, research, or ideas with others. If you ever need advice on how to move forward, ask a professor you’re comfortable with.

As someone completely new to higher education and an aspiring writer, I often felt self-conscious about letting others read my work or share my research ideas. But during my graduate studies, with the support of my colleagues, I gained the courage to share my writing on a broader scale and to converse with my professors about potential research plans I’d like to pursue. When I first entered graduate school, I didn’t know that students could conduct research outside of classes and present it at conferences or submit it to journals for publication. From what I’ve learned, if you have an idea and aren’t aware of what the next steps are, asking your professors is a great start. They are always happy to guide you!

#5. Never be afraid to ask for help. Learning from your mistakes now will make you feel more comfortable in the future.

This last piece of advice I have to admit had to be told to me multiple times, even back in high school, but it is good piece of advice. As a student learning and building upon new things, it's normal to make mistakes along the way. As I’ve progressed in my academic career and started a new internship, I’ve had to remind myself of this and ask for help when I need it. I’ve experienced pretending to know what I’m doing on a project before only to have it snowball out of control. Since that experience, I’ve learned that it's better for everyone, especially when working in a team, to be transparent and ask questions to make projects run smoothly and to prevent a mountain of stress.