Recently, while sitting with some fellow students in the cafeteria at my university, we started talking about our plans after finishing our studies. Ideas such as pursuing a master's degree or taking a break to travel were mentioned. However, some wanted to start their careers immediately after university at companies like Google, Amazon, and the other FAANG companies. This made me realize how unrealistic some of these expectations are. I don't want to criticize them for having these dreams because I had them, too. However, I hope they soon realize that this isn't everything in life and understand the path ahead. Of course, I still support them, because anything is possible.
My development
I taught myself how to program about three years ago. At that time, my father gave me a book called Programming for Beginners. It was overwhelming at first because there was so much to learn, but it gradually became more fun. I worked on my own projects, and it was satisfying to see that things worked.
Of course, I thought big. Very big. Do you remember the movie "Prakti.com"? It's about two adults who experience the digital revolution firsthand as Google interns. There were colorful offices, endless free food, and brilliant colleagues who were changing the world. At that time, I was naturally fascinated. "Yes, I want to have a life like that later on. I'm going to be a Googler!"
Then I got my first working student job. It was a small company of 50 employees where everyone knew each other by name. Suddenly, it dawned on me: I like this much better. I wasn't just another employee in the development department; I was Tim, the working student who talks directly to the team leader and whose code actually goes into production. There were no endless meetings about meetings or never-ending bureaucracy; I had real responsibility from day one.
Maybe my attitude will change again at some point, who knows? For now, though, I'm glad I realized in time. The Google dream was nice, but the reality of smaller companies is better. At least for me.
Back to reality
We ended our conversation, and I deliberately didn't say much. I didn't want to talk anyone out of their dreams. But one thing has been on my mind ever since: the desire for big money.
Don't get me wrong. Money becomes more important with age. Family, home, and security. That's completely normal. However, if money is the only motivation, then, in my opinion, it becomes problematic. The truly successful people you read about in the news didn't become rich just to be rich. Ok, maybe they wanted to be rich too, but they became obsessively good at what they did. They took action. The money came later.
Where does this obsession with money come from?
Social media. Period. I've noticed it myself. These annoying posts about "mindset", "six-figure salaries before 25", and "becoming a millionaire at 23". TikTok creators sell the dream of quick riches. LinkedIn is full of 22-year-old "CEOs" (I mean I don't see much potential in LinkedIn anyways), and success is suddenly only measured in money.
The problem is that most of my fellow students, or young adults in general, consume this content but don't do anything with it. They are lazy and rest on their laurels, thinking that they will automatically be successful just because they are "studying". They don't believe the rumors about how difficult it is to find a job after graduation. There are definitely ways to find a job while relaxing for the entire duration of your studies, but then what makes you a better candidate for companies than those who didn't relax during their whole study period? Right, nothing.
A perfect example: The last group project. There were seven people, zero communication, and everything was done last minute. At the end, two people did all the work. Those who see no point in working on a university project and learning from it will also expect everything to fall into place for them. But this won't happen.
Sounds harsh? It is. But if you convince yourself that “yes, I could have done that, too”, then you won't end up at Google, either. Because they actually want to see something you did, not just listen to what you say.
My opinion
The problem isn't just with the students. I think university departments should also be responsible for getting students ready for life after finishing their studies.
Sure, we do internships. However, an internship is not the real working world. You are the intern. At large corporations, you make coffee and perform other menial tasks. At smaller companies, however, you might have a role in deciding which framework the team should use. In both cases, though, you're not a full-fledged employee who has to meet 11 p.m. deadlines.
Nevertheless, one truth remains: If you want to be successful, don't wait for college to prepare you.
How do I change something?
It's a question everyone should ask themselves. My answer? Just do something.
After university, sit down and get started. Think of a project and implement it. Doesn't work? Doesn't matter. You tried, and that's what counts. Find the fun in it. Not having fun? Try something new.
That doesn't mean you have to hide in your basement or give up your social life. It means using the time you normally spend mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, Instagram Reels, or whatever, to do something that will help you grow.