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| Samantha Roney Class of 2015 |
As a senior finance major graduating the May it seems only natural that I start to reflect on my time at U of L. However, as I rapidly approach graduation there are several things I wish I had learned earlier in my college career. Here are my top ten things I wish I’d learned earlier in undergrad.
1. Taxes for Dummies
There are two things that are certain in life. One: you are going to die. Two: you are going to pay taxes. It would seem that since every person who makes money in the US has to file taxes, colleges would try to teach their students some basics. However, in my experience that is not the case. Heck, I’ve taken three accounting classes in college and I still don’t know what I can deduct, what I can’t deduct and what counts as income. It would have saved me a lot of money if I had learned all these things early on.
2. Finances 101
As a finance major it is probably no surprise that lack of basic business knowledge is my BIGGEST pet peeve with colleges. EVERY student should know to create a basic budget for themselves. In addition, students should be forced to understand student loans and how to pay them off in an efficient way so they aren’t still paying them off when they are 75 years old. Also, personal opinion—invest in a Roth IRA. It is by far the best investment for young college kids.
3. Basic Automotive and Home Repair
How to change a flat tire, how to jump a car, how to unclog a toilet…these are all necessary skills. Us youngens’ need to learn them.
4. When to call Mom
Always. Mom always has the answer…and if she doesn’t she will call Dad.
5. Renting vs. buying…anything
As college kids one of the first decisions we make is whether to rent or buy our textbooks, but those decisions don’t end with college. Renting vs. buying a house and leasing vs. buying a car are two big decisions that are crucial to understand the implications of both buying and renting.
6. Personal Hygiene
Dry shampoo can only get you so far. After college it becomes less socially acceptable to not shower regularly.
7. Social Media…what NOT to post
This is really what every college student needs to learn. Social media is such a fun way to keep in contact with friends, but there are several things you should not post. Some common sense goes a long way on the web, but my personal rule of thumb is if I don’t want my grandma to see it, I shouldn’t post it.
8. How to dress for professional situations
Wow this seems like such common sense, but it’s not. Women skirts shouldn’t be too short and necklines shouldn’t be too low. Men please stop wearing white Nike socks with dress pants.
9. How to small talk
This is one of my favorite things in the world. The art of small talk – and yes it is an art – is one of the best ways to network with people who can be good friends or good mentors. Plus it makes dinner parties much more bearable.
10. How to transition from college into the “real world”
As a senior this is what is forefront on my mind. What happens after college? What is the “real world”? Having made the decision to accept a job after college and not immediately go into graduate school, I guess the real world is coming whether I’m ready or not. Much like the other things on this list –hopefully- I’ll figure it out sooner rather than later.
Samantha Roney, of Danville, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. She studies finance, political science, economics, and international business.