Graduate emphasizes the importance of networking in competitive job market
Lindsay Truax
Issue date: 10/9/09 Section: Campus
During college, Edwards lived on campus for over a year and then, like most students, moved into an apartment in town. When asked what advice she would give to college students on where to live, Edwards said living on campus is vital to fully experiencing all that FMU has to offer.
"I think everyone should live in a dorm once," Edwards said. "It's definitely an experience. Living on campus is smarter because it's cheaper and closer to what's going on."
Edwards worked throughout college and also participated in several internships. Although the experiences she gained were invaluable, she admitted that she does regret not devoting more time to enjoying being a college student.
"Remember to enjoy being young and live in the present with an eye towards the future," Edwards advised. "Don't be too eager to grow up. It will come soon enough. Working in college is beneficial for your resume and for developing your time management skills, but it's also important to allow time for getting involved on campus. That also looks good on your resume, and it's fun at the same time."
One important lesson that Edwards learned after graduation is that life in the working world is fast-paced. Edwards explained that it is very easy to get side-tracked in the endless days of work and paying bills, and that it is easy to lose a sense of who you are as a person. Edwards recently became determined to make a conscious effort to stay true to herself and the goals she hopes to accomplish in life. In order to make a concrete effort, Edwards made a list, including everything from her career goals to her desire to go skydiving, and is checking things off one at a time.
"It's important to figure out who you are individually instead of getting caught up in outside influences," Edwards said. "It's important to take time to do this while you're young and don't have as many obligations to other people."
"I think everyone should live in a dorm once," Edwards said. "It's definitely an experience. Living on campus is smarter because it's cheaper and closer to what's going on."
Edwards worked throughout college and also participated in several internships. Although the experiences she gained were invaluable, she admitted that she does regret not devoting more time to enjoying being a college student.
"Remember to enjoy being young and live in the present with an eye towards the future," Edwards advised. "Don't be too eager to grow up. It will come soon enough. Working in college is beneficial for your resume and for developing your time management skills, but it's also important to allow time for getting involved on campus. That also looks good on your resume, and it's fun at the same time."
One important lesson that Edwards learned after graduation is that life in the working world is fast-paced. Edwards explained that it is very easy to get side-tracked in the endless days of work and paying bills, and that it is easy to lose a sense of who you are as a person. Edwards recently became determined to make a conscious effort to stay true to herself and the goals she hopes to accomplish in life. In order to make a concrete effort, Edwards made a list, including everything from her career goals to her desire to go skydiving, and is checking things off one at a time.
"It's important to figure out who you are individually instead of getting caught up in outside influences," Edwards said. "It's important to take time to do this while you're young and don't have as many obligations to other people."
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