College students: get as much experience as you can

While you may assume that you're too inexperienced to get a job that isn't waitressing or baby-sitting, it's never too early to find a job that pertains to your major.

Everyone has to start somewhere. As a college student, you shouldn't get a job just to slap something on your resume. Do something that you'll learn from, and it'll give you a taste of what you're in for after graduation.

You'll benefit from each experience in different ways.

After my summer as an intern here at the Times News, I can confidently say I'll return to Penn State this fall with more than an additional bullet point on my resume.

While I did improve my writing and communication skills, I've learned some things that I'll surely carry with me for quite some time.

First, I've learned to take myself seriously. My previous work experience as a cashier and camp counselor were enough to get me by, and every day after clocking out, I'd return home, hardly considering my job as part of my identity.

Now, whenever I leave the office in Lehighton, whether I'm snuggling with my dog at home or grabbing dinner with my friends, I still feel as though I have a camera around my neck and a tablet in my hand.

My mind is in reporter mode, even when I'm not on the clock, as I observe the people around me as stories to fill the black and white pages of the newspaper.

There are always stories to be told, and it's been fantastic to be the one to do it.

Finally, at 21 years old, I feel like a grown-up. Not because I show up to work in a dress and cardigan with a coffee in my hand, but because thousands of people rely on me to honestly and factually inform them of things that matter.

Finding opportunities isn't as hard as you might think. Keep an eye out for any career fairs at your school, or ask your adviser if he or she knows of any internships on campus. Some are paid, and some count for college credit.

Not to mention, having a job has far more benefits than just a paycheck in the mail.

Use it as an opportunity to meet as many people as you can. I've learned that there are far better opportunities for outgoing people, rather than those who keep quiet.

In May, on my first day here, just picking up the phone to call someone made me nervous.

What if I say the wrong thing? What if I'm wasting their time?

Now, I'm happy to pick up the phone and speak with someone.

If I had remained as reserved as I once was, I never would have met such nice people, like the lovely couple at my table at the MCT Heroes Banquet, or the Vietnam veteran I had the pleasure of interviewing.

Your job feels less like a job when you're surrounded by passionate, kind people.

The same goes for the staff here at the Times News.

They were always willing to answer my questions, lend their advice, and recommend sources to me, despite their busy schedules.

The more people you meet, the more confident you'll be when it comes time to move on to the next semester and your next job.

If you're intimidated or overwhelmed at the thought of getting a "real" job, on top of the thought of starting your first semester as a college student, take a deep breath. Although life around you may change, you can still stay true to yourself.

I've learned that firsthand this summer.

Years from now, when I look back at the stories I wrote for the Times News, I can only hope that my byline on the black and white pages of summer 2014's issues will reflect on the writer I've become.