Why Blogging Is Important In College

Over the past three years, I have seen how blogging has grown to enrich my life–specifically as a college student in North Carolina. While having a blog may be like a second job to some, in college, blogging has been a learning experience where I’ve learned about myself, my major (Strategic Communications) and the professional world. In between taking classes and going to campus activities, I schedule the time to blog about college life, traveling and design.

But why is having a blog in college so important? Here are only some of the ways blogging has improved my life in college:

1. Blogging in college helped me succeed in my classes

Because of blogging, I was excited to take classes such a Web Publishing, Media Writing and other electives for my major. Through customizing my own blog and researching some HTML/CSS before my classes, I was able to better understand code and web standards in class, something I think all bloggers should research. I learned that blogging and web development was something that interested me and I was excited to learn more about writing and coding for the web, which helped me succeed and grow more in my classes.

2. Blogging in college offered a chance to network

By developing an online presence, having a blog can open you up to new connections within your profession–especially if you want to go into the communication, marketing, advertising or web fields. I’ve connected with other communication professionals through Facebook groups and met some other professionals at conferences for my blog. It overall helped me grow my professional network!

3. Blogging in college expanded my skillset

Ever wanted to add HTML/CSS to your resume? Or SEO? Or WordPress? All of these things come along with blogging, and in turn, have helped my resume and skill set. The learning doesn’t stop in the classroom in college. Blogging became an outlet for learning something new. Whether that meant writing about a new topic such as a new coffee shop in town or expanding my graphic design skills with Adobe software. Blogging has been a great avenue for learning as well as diving deep into my own creativity.

4. Blogging in college helped me build my personal brand

Blogging truly has helped me define myself and also how I want to portray myself to others. I have found what I am passionate about. And perhaps more importantly, I have learned to define what I can do for others. Many professors in my classes mention creating a personal brand for yourself, and blogging has been a major step in building one for me.

5.Blogging in college gave me real-life experience

Many times we hear that most of the learning you do in college is outside the classroom. In this case, blogging has led to many real-life experiences where I learned how to communicate with brands, clients, readers and other professionals. Blogging has helped me gain experience with emails, social media, and online etiquette. There’s nothing like learning how to craft a good, engaging email and being able to connect with someone online in a meaningful way. By practicing these soft skills, I have been able to save time and expand my productivity on a day-to-day basis. At the end of the day, blogging is communicating with the world in real time, in real life. It doesn’t compare with a class assignment, which may give hypothetical situations.

Blogging is the real stuff.

How has blogging enriched your life? Did you start a blog in college? Let us know in the comments below.

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About Gina

Gina is a college blogger, studying strategic communications at Elon University. She’s a nature walker, graphic designer and world traveler, who studied abroad in Seville, Spain. She enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle, whether that means running or being active on Twitter! Some things that are important to her: building relationships with others, cultivating creative adventures, and inspiring others to live out their passions.