Today’s education system encourages students to learn and study for the next big standardized test. However, what they don’t always teach is the knowledge to prepare us for the ultimate “big test”. The test of surviving in the “real world”.
We interviewed Tim McDonald, Director of Community at the Huffington Post. He believes your knowledge should contribute to society and positively affect the workforce.
Do what you love and become a leader in that area. Students should gain real experience that will help them with their careers. All of us have experiences; we should use these experiences for the training and credibility that they provide.
When you are doing volunteer projects or a part time job at the local store, these are experiences that develop marketing skills. What are you trying to achieve while doing those things? What skills are you applying to your passions?
6 Tips from Tim McDonald:
- Help change the education system. It’s nearly the same as when he was in school. Students would benefit from individual experience as they prepare for the “real world”.
- Use your experiences from jobs, volunteering, being a member of a club or organization, etc. Anything that you have used in school to help you develop your goals for your career and life.
- Get involved! Do things that you are interested in while in high school. This will help you decide what you passion is, sooner rather than later.
- Be smart on social channels, as employers will look at these during the hiring processes, and throughout your employment.
- Become a thought-leader by starting a blog. Focus on the things that you want to be known for. Share your feelings and opinions about your topic.
- Set specific goals regarding what you want to achieve. Become the expert in your own field of passion.