TLC 070: The Shoulds and Shouldn'ts of College

Welcome to The Leadership Container, where I provide actionable ideas to help you elevate your skills as a college student or young pro. I am one myself and am on a journey to find success!

During my time in college, I often found myself wondering, "What really matters, and what doesn’t?" It felt like everyone was just being pushed along the same conveyor belt, following a one-size-fits-all approach. But I wanted to know what actually made a difference—what classes, habits, and experiences would really move the needle. The problem? No one really broke it down for me. And like any Gen-Z student, I wanted the answers fast.

It wasn’t until after I graduated that I finally got some clarity on what was important and what wasn’t. They say hindsight is 20/20, and man, are they right. Looking back, a lot of the stuff that seemed crucial at the time turned out to be pretty irrelevant.

Here’s the thing: What’s important really depends on the kind of life you want to live.

For me, I knew I wanted economic security, a career that I’m passionate about, a loving partner, and so on. Pretty traditional goals, right? But your priorities might be different. Maybe you’re all about enjoying the moment, no matter the cost. Or perhaps you’re looking to move back to your hometown and live with your parents for a while. Whatever your goals are (and figuring those out is key), some things will help you get there faster, while others might hold you back.

For most of us, college is about setting ourselves up for a solid career while still having a good time. But first, you need to identify what you want and how quickly you want to achieve it.

So, here’s the rundown: the skills and experiences that’ll push you closer to your goals—and a few that won’t.

You should aim to leave college with...

• Adaptability: Whether it’s dealing with new situations, tech, or team dynamics, being adaptable is crucial.
• Leadership Potential: Rallying others around a vision is a skill that will take you far.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to analyze situations and make informed decisions is invaluable.
• Communication Skills: Both verbal and written communication are key in almost any career.
• Internship/Professional Experience: Real-world experience is a game-changer when it comes to job hunting.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Being able to work well with others is something employers look for.
• Time Management: Juggling responsibilities efficiently is a skill that will serve you well beyond college.
• Networking: Building a strong network can open doors to opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.

You might want to rethink if you’re leaving college with...

• A Head Full of Gen-Ed Facts: If all you’ve done is memorize information for general education classes, you might not be getting the most out of your time.
• Zero Clarity on Your Career Path: It’s important to have at least some direction before you graduate.
• A Record-High GPA (and Not Much Else): Grades are great, but if that’s all you have to show for your college years, you might need to broaden your focus.
• Social Popularity: Being the life of the party is fun, but it’s not going to land you a job.
• No Soft Skills: If you haven’t developed your soft skills—like communication, teamwork, and leadership—you might struggle in the real world.

To wrap it up, remember that college is more than just a series of classes and social events—it’s a launching pad for the life you want to create. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but taking a step back to think about what’s truly important will make all the difference. Focus on building the skills and experiences that align with your goals, and don’t waste time on things that won’t serve you in the long run. By the time you graduate, you’ll be better prepared to take on whatever comes next, with a clear path ahead and the confidence to follow it.

Be Great,