Love sure is a battlefield, but it isn’t the only one we women are fighting on. With the working world being more competitive than ever, women need all the edge we can get to put ourselves on the map, and college is a great place to achieve that edge.
College has an abundance of opportunities that we can’t afford to pass up on, and yet a little thing called love seems to crawl to forefront of our concerns.Not only is there an immense amount of pressure on being successful and independent, but also on seeking and finding a man. Let me get right on that. So how do we determine which wins this tug-of-war? In today’s society, independence is admired. We just can’t and we won’t depend on a man as our source of stability and security.
Let’s say you find someone, develop a relationship, graduate and then things don’t pan out.For argument’s sake, let’s say you passed up on crucial life experiences that strengthen your resume because the relationship took up a good chunk of time and effort, which all relationships do. Now you’re trying to make it on your own in your field and it’s a struggle because you may not have the edge to set yourself apart from the rest. Where do you go from here?
It’s important to consider where you want to end up and where certain paths will lead.Let’s consider how being a single collegiette can actually be awesome. You have all the time in the world to focus on yourself! You can discover a lot about yourself and what you want out of life when you’re single. Fancy that.
Be sure to pay attention to your interests outside of school. They play an important role in determining a fulfilling career. Right now, you actually have the time to explore your interests. You’d be surprised how easily your personal interests can be integrated with a major or career, and you’ll find the process all the more rewarding!
Demetria Lucas, author, blogger, life coach, and public speaker, lists these 6 tips for getting ahead in your career on her blog A Belle In Brooklyn:
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Apply YourselfIf you want to be the best at what you do, go after what you want. Don’t wait for it come to you.
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ResearchRead up on the job extensively, pitch yourself accordingly.
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Build Relationships, then Build on ThemBuild on what you’ve previously experienced and keep up with connections.
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Be Confident (and Graceful Under Fire)Confidence is key. Project the fact that you are an asset.
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Fill the VoidEvery lane is supersaturated. And yet, you still find yourself wondering, “why is there…?” Or “why doesn’t anyone…?” That’s where you come in. If you’re wondering, lots of other people are too. Take the initiative and put them out of their misery.
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Go on Informational InterviewsIt’s not a job interview. You’re going to pick someone’s brain about what they do, how they do it. AND who they think you should meet in your field that would be helpful.
Bonus: Date (Actually) Nice Guys
The guys you date can have a profound effect on your career. An unsupportive BF who doesn’t get what you do or respect your work is a distraction you don’t need.
There is nothing wrong with holding down a relationship while in college. In fact, some significant others can be inspiring and motivating. The takeaway here is to prioritize what’s best for your own life, and recognize what does and does not enhance it. Just remember there is nothing wrong with being single! We have our whole lives to meet and experience new people, but we don’t necessarily have our whole lives to achieve our edge.