Success Guide

For each year of your college career, this guide highlights major activities related to your academics, professional development and leadership. These are interrelated components and equally important areas to prepare for a successful career.

Academics
Successful students do more than just attend class. They understand their curriculum, and they work hard to assure their own learning. You should meet with your academic advisor once per semester (or more!). Don’t wait until the day before your enrollment time. Your academic advisor will assist you with program planning and all aspects of your college career.

Professional Development
Professional development helps you gain the skills necessary to be successful in college and to land your first job and succeed in your career. Professional development can help you get the skills that can’t be learned in the classroom. Engage in these activities:

  • Attend the Annual IDFS Symposium
  • Visit the Career Center - the staff staff are available to assist you with resume development, interview skills, job search, or other career-related topics.
  • Apply for a professional mentor - The College of Health and Human Sciences Professional Mentoring Program provides students with the opportunity to learn from highly successful and experienced professionals by forging long-lasting, professional relationships. These individuals are alumni and friends of K-State who volunteer their time to help students prepare professionally and succeed in their chosen career.
  • Obtain an internship
  • Other activities that will help you build skills for success.

Leadership
The #1 experience employers ask about is leadership. You need to work each year to explore, build and focus your leadership activities to fit your academic and careers goals.

Other Proven Tips for Success

Go to class. Students that go to class and make their academics a priority are more successful than students that skip class on a regular basis. Find like-minded friends and make a commitment to your education.

Ask for help. Successful students do more than just attend class. They constantly interact, question their knowledge and seek out help from faculty, study groups or tutors when needed. Every student faces challenges during their college career, academic or personal. Seeking out help and advice is evidence that you are actively managing these challenges, not evidence of weakness. Your academic advisor is a perfect person to brainstorm ways to overcome these challenges, and match you with K-State resources to help. Don’t put it off, ask for help when you need it. Email Luke Holt or call 785-532-1320.

Connect. Join a club, intramural activity, volunteer or organization where you can meet students outside class to make friends and build a network of contacts and support. These connections will continue into your professional life, and the skills will last a lifetime. Click here to browse the student organizations and clubs K-State has to offer.

Develop a plan that works for you. In college you will have a lot of demands on your time. You can very easily get distracted. Having a vision for your future, with short term and long term goals, provides direction, serves as your road map and helps you be successful. Get a planner, use this guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty, family and mentors to create your individual plan for success. Visit Counseling Services website to find great resources to help manage your time and balance priorities.

Your Success Guide

Year One
Connect and Explore

Year Two
Identify and Prepare

Year Three
Lead and Enrich

Year Four Plus
Strengthen and Excel