Courses that can set students up for success

As millions of college students head to campuses, they will be confronted with the dizzying prospect of selecting classes. For some, the choices will be limited, but there are always a couple of electives.

I contacted some of my go-to resources to learn what they think every college student should take. All of them are seasoned professionals from diverse backgrounds and are ages 40-70.

A physician told me that her growth in college came “not only from the classroom, but from being on my own, in the time before my parents could be at my fingertips with a smart phone. I learned how to take care of myself, figure out how to solve my own problems, find my way around physically and emotionally. I learned that I wasn’t the smartest or the best or the most qualified, because I was surrounded by students that were my equal or perhaps were even sharper or more motivated than I was.”

After pressing her on a specific class, this science whiz surprised me by saying, “My creative writing class was an important way of forcing myself to be self-aware.”

Three people from vastly different fields (television producer, lobbyist and hedge funds) all said that classes where you have to read, write and think critically (i.e. English and history) would serve students well.

As one noted, “If you can’t write an email, document, PowerPoint, social media post or signage correctly and with proper spelling, you’re DONE!”

A non-profit strategist went beyond the general “learn how to write” advice. She said college students need to “hone the basic ‘three paragraph’ essay,” rather than master the 20 page research paper, replete with “a thesis with an endless narrative to support/prove your notion. While the process of researching is certainly beneficial, in today’s world of limited attention spans, I have found that it is more important to communicate your ideas in 300 words or less.”

A marketing executive said every college student “should take an introduction to psychology course. It’s critical to have insight and empathy for others, whether they’re customers or colleagues.”

Separately, a tech pro thought that her background in neuroscience, which taught her “how our brains work, has had endless benefits for understanding my own health, learning, and capabilities.”

Many suggested a class in public speaking or improvisation, which “can help you think on your feet” and better prepare you for life, “the ultimate improvisation.”

I know that at this point, you might be thinking, “What about the science, technology, engineering and math stuff?” Almost everyone said that a basic understanding of accounting was imperative.

“So many people I meet are numbers-phobic. It’s not OK; you have to understand the basics to even make personal financial decisions.” One lawyer turned entrepreneur said, “Although I hated it at the time, my accounting class has turned out to be critical in the day-to-day management of my business.”

Others chimed in with statistics (“relevant in so many professional areas -- business, social sciences, hard sciences or any market research driven pursuit”), economics or behavioral economics and coding.

Finally, a number of my friends recommend playing sports (intramural counts!), being part of the student newspaper or government and, in general, being as social as possible.

“Teamwork and a network of relationships are two of the most important things you can take away from college.” Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is the Emmy-nominated CBS News Business Analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, Jill covers the economy, markets, investing and anything else with a dollar sign on TV, radio (including her nationally syndicated radio show), the web and her blog, “Jill on Money.” She welcomes comments and questions at askjill@ jillonmoney.com. Check her website at www.jillonmoney.com