Article on Freshman Success Includes Advice from Dean Raj Bellani

November 3, 2014

"Freshman year is an ideal time to challenge yourself and expand your horizons," begins an article which is headlined "Freshman Year Checklist: 10 Things You Can Do Now to Succeed Later." Gianna Sen-Gupta writes, "That adventurousness is a mindset you should have throughout your college years, whether you’re choosing your major, securing internships or leading a campus organization."

Later, she notes, "Once you’ve had time to acclimate to campus life, start thinking about what career you’ll want to pursue. Draft a plan for achieving your academic and career goals and discuss it with your academic counselor or career center, says Raj Bellani, dean of experiential learning and career planning at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Outlining a plan will help you recognize when you’ve reached a milestone or when you should reevaluate any academic choices.

"If your major is still undeclared, Bellani suggests visiting your university’s career services office, 'to take assessments and identify [your] strengths, potential career fields and academic majors of interest.' Use your freshman year to explore the classes that pique your interest most, he says."

Access the complete feature here.

Dean Bellani recently authored a newspaper op-ed, summarized in this story.

Learn more about DePauw's Kathryn Fortune Hubbard Center for Student Engagement in this previous story or by clicking here.

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