Pro tip for UIC students

Find ways to get involved on campus.

As I finish out my junior year and head into my senior year of college, I can’t help but look back on all of the opportunities and experiences I didn’t take advantage of at our university. I realize now how important it is to be involved at school. Being involved with different campus organizations, services and events gives students networking resources and the ability to build lasting friendships while harnessing leadership skills. These will also help build your résumé. I won’t have time to complete all of the activities I now wish I had. The only thing I can do is pass on this newfound knowledge I wish I had going in to my freshman year. Believe it or not, college is the fastest four years of your life.

One of my professors, Anna Kornbluh, said that she read an article about how this generation of college students must work full/part-time jobs and maintain a full-time school schedule. This eliminates the chances of students being able to take advantage of all the resources universities have to offer. Students of previous generations didn’t have to worry about school and work like we do with the influx of student loan debt. I work part time in the Loop and go to school full time, so I agreed with the article. However, I won’t use this as an excuse and have been working hard to get involved on campus for my last year of college. My advice:

1. Use the UIC Connection OrgSync site. It showcases a bulletin board of upcoming events sponsored by UIC, internship opportunities and a way to keep up with the various organizations on our campus that work to build leadership skills. UIC Connection is the perfect way to be involved with the ins and outs of our campus.
2. Actually get involved. Once you begin using UIC Connection website, actually become involved with what’s going on on campus. There’s no better way to connect with peers who have similar interests. Join an organization, volunteer, network at events. It will all look good to future employers and you’re advancing your own skills.
3. Connect with your professors! I’m planning on continuing my education, either in journalism grad school or law school, and I need references from professors for applications. Luckily, I have sustained communication with the professors I really liked. Regardless if you’re continuing your education or not, your professors know firsthand how to operate in the post-collegiate world. Building a relationship with them will only work to your advantage and they may even set you up with internship/job opportunities they know.