I know a lot of creative and artistic people, the kind of folks who, if I wanted to learn art would alternately be fantastic tutors, while their actual skill would convince me my practice would never equal their ability and I should just give up and go back to blogging. One of them, when we discussed the economy, said simply that they're hoping that going to school (as well as working a job), and when they're graduated they hope things are better.
Now this person is pretty talented, and I have no doubt they have a good future. In fact, a lot of people may be tempted to stay in school until things get better.
I'm not going to argue it's a bad strategy, I'm going to make a few suggestions on maximizing it. If I was in school now instead of working, I'd probably prefer staying until the economy improved. As it is we may not be out of a recession for two years in the US.
So a few things to keep in mind that will let you take advantage of school:
- Take advantage of student discounts. I'm not joking here, some
schools have insane school discounts for students, or you have access
to cheaper "student edition" software. Even part-time students usually
get great discounts – as my wife found out when she went to school part
time. - Take a look at benefits. My school provided health benefits to
students as an option after graduation for some time. That might be the
edge you need in the job world. - Network, network, network. Learn to network – most of us (me
included) could be much better at this than we are. School gives you a
chance to meet people, professors, etc. that can help you out in the
future. Also keep in mind the authors of those books you're reading
might be worth contacting and corresponding with. - As part of networking, remember there are recruiting events and other events on campus that can let you connect with employers.
- Ask for advice. You'll have teachers, counsellors, etc. that can
provide you with all sorts of ideas for coping with the job market when
you're out of school. - Look for experience. Internships, extra credit, assisting
professors, etc. Find ways to get new skills, knowledge, and entries on
your resume. - Use the job resources at school. I'll be first to say that my
experience with career counselling and job services at school hasn't
impressed me, but they're there – and my experiences may not be
relevant or representative. - Take that extra class or minor. Sure it may be more work, but an
extra class or minor may make the difference in your career as long as
it works well with your major and/or provides useful skills. Classes in
home economics/accounting (for budgeting), writing (for
communications), economics (for understanding what's going on), are all
examples of that "one extra" class. - Travel. If you get a chance to visit a sattilite campus, take a
class trip, etc. that will let you scout out new areas to live, keep it
in mind. You may even find a transfer worthwhile. - Play entrepreneur. See if you can use the time and the resources to start a side business.
- See what special part-time jobs are available at your school.
- Finally, employment wise and education-wise, considering "flipping
your priorities" if money is tough. See if you can get a job at your
school (or a school) that gives you educational benefits. A full-time
job and paid classes is nothing to sneeze at.
Now one warning – debt.
If you're going into debt, be very, very careful because we're facing
some economic problems. Get ready to work on paying off that debt in
what is likely to be a troubled economy, or at least one in recovery:
- Work on living frugal. You'd be amazed how you can save money with a bit of work.
- Pick a good place to live for jobs and expenses.
- Live light so if you have to move it's not costly.
- Work out career and economic plans on how you'll pay off that debt
- and be realistic. If you don't know how to do this, LEARN how to do
it. You're going to need those skills. Let me repeat again – economic
planning and budgeting are not voluntary areas of knowledge.