4 Ways To Enhance Your College Career

By Liliana Cifuentes and Layla Melendez, UAlbany Department of Communication Social Media Managers. This post was written at the end of the Fall 2023 semester. Image Credit (top): University at Albany

As the fall semester came to a close, mounting pressure was placed on performing well on finals to ensure classes were passed.

For many students, good grades and high GPAs are all that’s needed for a decorated academic career or to stand out amongst others in the eyes of employers.

However, while grades and passing classes are important, they don’t overshadow the importance of putting yourself out there.

Similar to what you learn in your communication classes, marketing and putting yourself out there is how you’ll get noticed in all the right ways.

Here are 4 other things you should consider doing that will enhance your college career: 

Double Majoring

If you haven’t thought about double majoring, you should!

In most cases, studying communication alongside another field of your interest will allow you to not only stand out amongst other applicants, but gain more exposure in a related field.

A popular choice among students is Journalism, which goes hand in hand with Communication. Other students opt to study Business Administration / Marketing, Psychology, or Sociology.

No matter where you end up, Communication is vital to your success. Therefore, whatever else you choose to major in will serve as complementary. 

Extra Curriculars 

Many of you participate in the over 300 on-campus clubs and organizations UAlbany has to offer, which is amazing!

There are a few the school has that would tailor to Journalism and Communication majors including: The Albany Student Press (ASP), WCDB Radio, Fisheye Media, and the University Photo Service. 

Joining these clubs would be a great opportunity to refine the skills you’ve learned in your classes.

For those interested in news writing or broadcast, the ASP and WCDB have plenty of opportunities for you to write stories or broadcast your own content.

To gain more experience with visuals, consider filming with Fisheye or taking photos on behalf of the university.

Employers want to see that you’re making an effort outside of class to be as proactive and involved as possible. 
 

Last year’s flyer for Multimedia Night, a great opportunity to get involved with media organizations on campus. Image Credit: Albany Student Press.

However, there are opportunities in most clubs, such as cultural or social organizations on campus, to gain experience in skills like multimedia production, event planning, email marketing, graphic design, and more.

Every student organization on UAlbany campus has an executive board responsible for managing the club’s budget, membership, social media, programming, fundraising and every other aspect of operation.

By holding positions such as Public Relations/Communications Chair, Multimedia Chair, and Historian, you can get hands-on experience managing social media accounts, creating social media graphics and organizational documents, and documenting events through photography and content creation.

These are all valuable roles that would help you engage in communications-related responsibilities and demonstrate your proficiency to future employers. 
 

UAlbany Students for Sustainability tabling at annual Block party, the school’s premiere gathering of all student organizations on campus. Image Credit: Albany Student Press.
 

Internships & Networking

Internships are the best opportunity college students have to dip their toes into multiple industries and figure out what careers suit them best.

Through internships, students are able to experience what it is like to work in their desired fields and assume the daily responsibilities of a working professional.

These opportunities come with a variety of options with remote, in-person, part-time, or full-time internships all being possibilities.

Students can utilize job search platforms, such as Handshake or Indeed, while looking for intern positions. They can also drop by the UAlbany Career Center for one-on-one guidance.

Many departments also have internship coordinators that will work with students to identify placements in the Albany area and explore ways to gain credit for internship experiences.

Internships help you develop key skills and experience that demonstrates your capabilities to future employers. Securing internships throughout your college career is essential to post-graduate success.
 

Communication and Journalism Major Layla Melendez (black dress) at her summer internship capstone presentation. Photo provided by the author.

Networking also plays a crucial role in enhancing your college career and post-grad life. 

Building a strong professional network can open doors to various opportunities and help you stand out in the competitive job market.

Attend networking events organized by on-campus offices and organizations, industry conferences, and career fairs.

Connect with professionals in industries of interest through platforms like LinkedIn.

Reach out explaining you are a college student looking for an informational interview and willing to work with their availability.

Don't be afraid to reach out to alumni who have pursued successful careers in your desired field as well.

UAlbany offers online networking tool UCAN, to connect students with fellow Great Danes for advice and insight into a particular career or career-related interest.

The university and its departments also host and promote networking events including alumni webinars and company site visits that connect students with industry leaders.

Building these connections can provide insights, mentorship, and even potential job leads. 
 

Students Participating in Q&A at 2018 Cyber Job Fair. Image Credit: the University at Albany

As you navigate your college journey, remember that making the most out of your experience means going beyond the classroom. 

Embrace the opportunities to double major, engage in extracurricular activities, secure internships, and build a robust professional network.

Your time in college is not just about grades; it's about developing a well-rounded skill set and forging connections that will serve you well in your future career.

By taking these proactive steps, you'll not only enhance your college experience but also set yourself up to excel for your future endeavors.