Have you ever walked out of a lecture hall after a class thinking to yourself, “I’m never going to use this information in the real world”? If you have, you’re not alone. For many students, including myself, it doesn’t always feel like what we learn in college is applicable to our futures. However, the reality is that a connection between many aspects of our education and real life does exist– it’s just a matter of bridging the two together.
Here are some tips for connecting your education with your life outside of the academic sphere:
- Reflect on the material you’ve learned in class. Did you enjoy learning about it? Are you looking forward to going to the next lecture? Are you understanding the material well, and are you able to demonstrate your understanding on exams and projects? These are all important questions to ask when you reflect on your education, but don’t let the last question deter you from your interests. There is always the opportunity to improve academically on a subject you find interesting.
- Reflect on the transferable skills you’ve gained in class. Other than the class content, what skills have you practiced in class that can prepare you for future careers? Even when a course’s content seems to have no connection to your career-related interests, it can often teach you how to problem-solve, critically think, collaborate with peers, and present information to an audience. Think about how you can apply these skills to future opportunities and careers.
- Engage with the course material outside of the classroom. Join relevant extracurriculars, consider research opportunities, and apply to internships. These are just a few of the many ways to convert your knowledge into action and see the tangible products of your education.
- Talk to your professors. Cornell University professors are world-class experts in their fields of study. They have a wealth of knowledge to share with you about the real-life applications of their course content in the form of careers and other related opportunities.
- Check out the Career Exploration Center! The CEC is here to help you find career paths and opportunities that align with your interests. We have several resources to share with you to help you connect your education to your life!
-Shruti Nagpal, GPHS ’25