Building Your Career As a Jaguar!

One Culture, One Campus, Successful Student Body…
As a Senior Business Management student who is always focused on entrepreneurship and self-empowerment, I understand that there are a lot of things that students overlook, or new students may not know. Here are some tips, that will help you make it through a successful school journey while at SU! Some keys as I would like to call them; not DJ Khaled’s keys, but Jaguar keys! After all, being a Southern University A&M College student is a great thing, if anything, a privilege that you don’t want to let go to waste.
Your Image is Important
There will be several moments during your collegiate career where you will have to do classroom presentations, or presentations to your fellow student body members such as if you intend to run for an official office position (example: Cabinet Member, Homecoming Court, Elections, Greek Organizational Member, Internships, Career Service Events, etc.) and in these instances you will need to own at least a few clean, freshly pressed items such as dresses, dress shirts, slacks, etc. Grooming and hygiene are also important for young men and women, and there are two quality, full service shops located in the Union that have been in existence for decades. A barbershop, as well as a beauty shop with haircare services, nails, and onsite barbers, where licensed cosmetologist that provide great discounts at the service for us student body members are located! There are even some talented students on campus to help also.
Be Organized
It is key to check your emails at-least twice a week for you to adhere to deadlines and schedules that are ever changing, and to know your professor’s office hours. If you don’t keep track of these things, you will have a hard time come final exam week when everyone is walking around like zombies trying to stay focused. Study as much as you can throughout your off time. Seek as much help as needed because the online Academic Calendar, GROUPME, and MOODLE will become your best friend through this journey, trust me!
Be Prepared
You will run into different obstacles however, it is important to be ready for whatever. “The Yard” is an everchanging place for instance this semester everyone is experiencing the sidewalk debacle as well as all mud and water puddles from the floods and hurricanes that has been occurring in Louisiana. A pair of rain boots, reliable umbrella, or rain gear would be smart to have handy. Study as much as you can, exercise, eat breakfast, and take your vitamins. Also don’t complain just try to be on time for class and events in order to avoid lines, get good parking on the yard, and great seats at events!
Your Student ID and valid Parking Pass is your Life-Line
I can’t stress the fact that you will be towed or walk out of class on your way late for work to find that you have a boot on your car if you don’t handle your parking situation correctly. Also your Student ID is like your driver’s license on the yard…you will need this for printing, copying documents, dining usage in the union or café, campus event entry such as games and concerts so be mindful!
You’re A Walking Billboard for Yourself!
Be professional and assertive when it comes to building your image, how others view you daily is how they will approach you. If you are a thinking about starting a business or possess a talent that perhaps you are thinking of showcasing to the student body it is cool and smart to market yourself by having small fliers, through social media, student events, webpages, or business cards! If people find you being sloppy, unhelpful, or obnoxious they may look at that as a turn-off and avoid your presence, so make yourself approachable. Be mindful of your reputation, “Pretty Wednesday” is not thotty Wednesday it is a time to showcase individualism and showcase student spirit. Dress to impress but not club wear (ex: small booty shorts and 10in. stilettoes) Be tasteful, but still impactful at all times because people are always watching you. Every day you wake up brings you a step closer to help building your career path on this earth and its never too early to start developing yourself!
Stay On Top Of Your Game
Stay informed of events and things taking place throughout the semester through email, website, and social media. Prepare yourself, check your grades, meet with your groups and organizations, get to know your professors, student administrators, advisors, SGA members, financial aid counselors, campus police, etc. because you WILL need them a couple times per semester.
Keep a copy of EVERY document you submit to the office until you obtain that diploma. Honestly, I know you’ve heard the rumors and they are true! Don’t be afraid to reach out to help when needed and don’t wait till after midterms to get focused.
Don’t give up, or stress out and throw in the towel anytime soon, you now have the keys…
Good luck to a successful year!!!