The Dual Value of College: Education and Networking

College: A Foundation Beyond the Classroom

College has two distinct values: the education you receive and the network you build. It's not just about attending classes and getting grades; it's about immersing yourself in an environment rich with opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and apply that knowledge to your personal and professional life.

The Importance of Involvement

Getting involved in different organizations during college can profoundly impact your growth and career trajectory. In my college journey, joining the Young Professionals of Pitt County was a transformative experience. Here’s how:

- Community Leadership: I served as a community leader for an organization representing diverse industries, including engineering, finance, marketing, healthcare, and education.

- Building Connections: I helped establish relationships between business leaders in Greenville, NC, and students/alumni from East Carolina University through networking events and programming.

- Strategic Initiatives: I worked closely with the Board of Directors and other community leaders to strategize new initiatives to engage and retain young talent in Pitt County.

- Skill Development: Over four years of volunteer service, I gained valuable networking, leadership, event planning, and relationship-building skills.

Extending Your Impact with Alumni Associations

After graduation, staying involved with your alma mater through the alumni association can be incredibly beneficial:

- Networking Opportunities: Alumni associations provide a platform to stay connected with fellow graduates and expand your professional network.

- Career Support: Many associations offer resources for career development, including job boards, mentorship programs, and professional development events.

- Giving Back: Engaging with the alumni association allows you to give back to your college community by offering your expertise, mentoring students, and supporting college initiatives.

Broader Volunteer Experiences

My volunteer experiences extended beyond college organizations. For instance:

- Hult Prize Business Development Campus Director: As a campus director, I marketed, spoke publicly, and developed business strategies to promote the Hult Prize startup challenge focused on social entrepreneurship. I recruited and mentored student teams, some of which advanced to regional finals in London and Bogota, and participated globally to promote the competition.

- Oncology Lay Navigator: I served as a liaison between cancer patients and clinical staff, helping patients navigate the healthcare system, collaborating with healthcare professionals, and participating in quality assurance meetings. I also completed training to become a Certified Lay Patient Navigator and represented Vidant Health at major awareness events.

- Zoo Life Experience: Starting as a tour guide at “It's A Zoo Life,” I eventually traveled the East Coast for corporate events and birthday parties with exotic animals. This experience even led to appearances on TV shows with Animal Planet, TLC, and Discovery Channel.

The Lifelong Journey of Learning and Networking

In college, I learned the value of experiencing new ideas and continually challenging myself. This attitude has carried over into my post-graduation life. The key to seizing opportunities is engaging in conversations that can change your life. Social media plays a crucial role in this process, allowing you to research people, get involved with nonprofits, and share your opinions and stories until you find where you fit.

It’s not easy, but with time and strategy, you can make the journey enjoyable. College is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure in learning and networking.

Share Your Stories!

Please share your experiences and thoughts on why college is important below. How has your college journey shaped your life? Let's inspire each other with our stories!