Many students could not imagine a day without checking their Facebook or googling a question, however few think about the humble beginning of these giants in our society. Both of these corporations, along with Fedex and Napster, to name a few, were the fruits of college ideas. Developing innovative ways to think about the way people interact with their surroundings is one of the ways these companies came to exists, but is also how students approach projects. By applying these simple ways of thinking to doing projects in and out of class, students can get the most out of their college experience.

When professors assign projects, students usually cringe as they anticipate the work load. However, students should not discount class projects while in college. Although the projects can be time consuming and seem to last forever, they are meant to help students gain a better understanding of the subject matter and delve deeper into a specific area. Students should use the opportunity to make discoveries and gain a better understanding of the subject, and should seek to adapt it to their own interests. Although economics may not be particularly interesting to a computer science major, how the cost of computers and their parts are changing in different markets and a student’s understanding of this pattern could effect their future job.

Projects do not have to be confined to class. Hobbies can develop skills and interests, which can generate questions that students can test and research in their spare time. Passion and interest are the best stimulants, so students should seek out something to get involved in so they can exercise their skills. This doesn’t have to be done alone. Friends can play off of friends, just like Mark Zuckerberg did as he developed Facebook.

N.C. State is said to be “the autobahn of innovation” and students are encouraged to use their intellect and imagination to develop and implement their ideas. The University is the perfect place to cultivate ideas because there are experts in all fields accessible to students. Much like how Sergey Brin and Larry Page worked with faculty at Stanford to develop the idea that a “googol” could be applied to searching on a network. Students can talk to these professors or researchers and can get involved in research and projects, despite what major they are in.

College does not have to be a time of parties and homework. There will be life beyond college and students shouldn’t wait until afterwards to start using what they are learning. Finding an interest and a passion while in college will allow time to develop ideas while still having access to an extensive support system. Some of the greatest ideas do not come with age.