Out of the Comfort Zone

You finally made it!  (or made it back safely…props!)

It’s the start of your academic year, and you’re starting to get into the groove of your classes.

The Quad’s back in shape, and you’re late to class daily because of the reminiscing and out-the-door Dunkin’ line.

WPI’s a great place to find yourself personally, academically, and developmentally.  Students are constantly being exposed to opportunities and challenges on our campus, and have a great foundation already by being a student here.

But the Tech scene also provides something that many students have already realized:  it’s the start of getting out of their ‘home comfort zones.’

You’ve got new roommates.  Mom’s cooking’s gone.  Laundry is suddenly a required activity.

The best first step out of your comfort zone is to leave it.  Separate yourself from the video games, the online chains, and invaluable time attaching you to the dorms.

By joining groups on campus that intrigue you, you’ll be developing your personal and leadership skills right off the bat, and will be exposed to new networks of people who may be of good help to you later down the line!

Don’t be afraid to step out of the comfort zone; you might find some great qualities and activities past your norm that you never knew existed!

Ways on campus to help build up that confidence and escape the comfort zone are to visit the CDC for mock interviews, one-on-one appointments, and attend company information sessions.  In doing so freshman year, I was able to achieve a great network of individuals from students to faculty that I could rely upon for advice and guidance.  (filling those shoes now has also been a blast)

In fact, building the confidence to leave the personal bubble is what instills a sense of trust to potential employers, especially with in-person interactions.  Their ability to see you acting independently and knowledgably are the most crucial factors to making that first impression worthwhile, especially while at CDC Career Fairs or on-campus company events.

So take a chance.  Attend one event per week you wouldn’t normally show for.  Find steps that will make you more assertive of your strengths and weaknesses, and how you can address that exile from the comfort zone.  Make this time a focal period to differentiate yourself.  

And most importantly, have FUN with it!