What starting a blog in college did for me! Perks of starting a college blog, perks of blogging, blogging in college, college blogging, millennial blog #BlogTips

When I started my blog on my very first day of college, three and a half years ago, I never would have imagined that it would lead me to where I am now. Blogging in college has become such a huge part of my life and has opened so many doors for me.

Blogging has made me a more ambitious person, helped me discover my future career goals, and given me the opportunity to help hundreds of thousands of college students worldwide – while still in school myself!

If you’re looking to start your own blog in college – check out my guide on how to start your own successful blog here!

Here are some of the amazing perks that have come with starting a college blog:


1. Networking

Here I am, meeting Kayla from Kayla Blogs on New Years Eve!
Here I am, meeting Kayla from Kayla Blogs on New Years Eve!

Blogging in college has connected me with some amazing people and companies over the years. From working with great companies such as Staples, Armitron, Jiffy Lube, Lenovo, and M&Ms on amazing sponsored partnerships to connecting with spokespeople at networks like Her Campus Media, Clever Girls Collective, and IZEA blogging has provided me with many professional connections.

Through blogging I’ve also had the chance to virtually meet and chat with some amazing bloggers like Sara Katherine and Mostly Morgan, and even meet up with Kayla Blogs in person (and show off my connections at Universal Studios Hollywood.. that was fun)!

 

Related post: How to Network at Career Fairs

 

 


2. Resume Booster

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My blog is proudly and prominently featured on my resume, my LinkedIn account, business card, and personal resume website. Employers, potential employers, networking connections, mentors, and coworkers always bring up my blog and ask me all about it when I talk to them. Blogging and being an “influencer” has become such an interesting topic in today’s social media society that people love to hear more about it!

On that note, employers always bring up my blog in interviews. Founding and blogging on Dani Dearest shows my passions, drive, self-starting nature, and skills. Having side-hustles are really endearing to employers and in general look really good on a resume.

Related post: 15 Resume Boosters for College Students – that aren’t work experience!


3. Creative Outlet

AKA the main reason I started Dani Dearest (hence my tagline: in an attempt to become creatively fulfilled) –

I’ve always loved writing. When I started college I craved a way to continue writing in my free time and to creatively express myself. Blogging was perfect for that. Blogging has allowed me to creatively and actively express myself, help others, and discover more about myself… as cheesy as that is.


4. Money

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Through the partnerships that I have been able to complete on this blog, I have been able to work with some amazing brands and make some money while doing it. While I did not start my blog with the intention of making money, having a side-hustle to help me save up to pay back my student loans is a huge perk!


5. New Skills

A lot of different kinds of work goes into blogging. Through trial and error I have been able to pick up (mainly self-taught) many skills that have come in handy in my blogging career! These include…

Photography

Blog post photos, page photos, instagram photos, pinterest photos… while this is still a skill I am working on nailing, it is a really fun one to have.

Writing

As mentioned above, I’ve always loved writing. Being able to use and hone that skill even further with my blog is such a big perk!

Editing

With writing, comes editing. While being the editor-in-chief for my university’s Her Campus chapter I discovered that I really enjoy editing. Working with guest posters on this blog allows me to continue to practice that skill.

Photo Editing

With photo taking comes photo editing: I love photoshop and using it to design graphics and edit photos is a ton of fun to me.

Coding

Fun nerdy fact time: I taught myself HTML and CSS coding when I was in middle school through Neopets. Yep, I loved it. I didn’t have much use for those skills in high school… so once I started this blog in college I was so excited to be able to code again to customize my site! It’s super easy to learn coding if you don’t know how – and it’s a fantastic skill to have.

Pitching & Marketing

Working with brands and companies means that I pitch and communicate with a large number of marketing executives worldwide. As someone interested in working in the marketing field myself, this is a great skill to have. I’ve learned a lot more in marketing and pitching my blog to people than I have in marketing classes in school. There is no replacement for hands on experience.

Social Media Management

The beauty of running your own blog is that you really get to post anything you want on your social media channels because you are your brand. Through blogging I have learned how to present a brand on social media, craft branded social media profiles, and SEO those channels with keywords and other fun marketing tactics.


6. Helped Me Pick My Major / Find My Dream Job

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When I started college, I went in as an undeclared major.

Yep – I ignored all of the advice that I got to choose my major during high school, and started school undeclared. My second semester I took a few intro classes to test out different areas of interest. At the same time, my blog really took off. Through both an intro to communications course and the fun hands on experience I gained through this blog, I discovered my love for marketing/social media and it was all easy from there!

Through working on my blog I have narrowed down my field of study to advertising/marketing and my dream job to working in entertainment marketing!


Starting a blog in college has been a blessing in disguise. I never knew that this little thing that I created my very first day of my first year of college would become such a huge part of my life and my future career.


If you’re looking to start your own blog in college – check out my guide on starting a college blog!

 



Have you considered blogging? If you are a blogger – what has blogging done for you?

 


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What Starting a Blog in College Did for Me
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12 thoughts on “What Starting a Blog in College Did for Me

  • January 14, 2018 at 11:10 am
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    I love this! I can’t imagine starting a blog while in college, with all the other changes you have to focus on – so props to you! I started my blog the year after I graduated, and it’s a slow, but enjoyable process. I love having a space to share my adventures, and I love interacting with the blogging community. I’m still learning about working with brands and monetization, but I’m excited to see what the future will bring! Best of luck to you as you continue on your blogging journey!

    Reply
    • January 14, 2018 at 12:14 pm
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      Thank you so much for your kind words, Larissa! Yes starting a blog in college can be a ton of work – but it’s so worth it and so much fun at the same time! I just checked out your blog, and I love what you’re doing with it. Keep up the great work 🙂

      Reply
  • January 14, 2018 at 11:14 am
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    these are all such great benefits you’ve gotten from blogging… and you’re right some side hustle never hurt anybody!

    Reply
  • January 14, 2018 at 4:51 pm
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    Amazing post! I just started my blog experience. Although I am a grad student, I am hoping to reach future grad students and current grad students through my posts.
    http://studyinginheels.com

    Reply
  • January 14, 2018 at 11:57 pm
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    What an awesome and amazing post, sometimes we do know know what we are capable of, I also went into blogging because undiscovered I have something for writing. Keep it up dear, the sky is your starting point.

    Reply
  • January 15, 2018 at 12:32 am
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    Wow! So awesome!

    I honestly think every college student should try out blogging. It costs very little and the skills you gain are for life (and you can even earn money and get a job). I’ve been at it for 5 months now and can’t believe how much my life has changed.

    Congrats and keep going!

    Reply
  • January 17, 2018 at 4:19 am
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    Yes! To all of these things! I couldn’t agree more. I’ve had a blog, of some sort, since I was about 16. It’s such a great way to release creative energy and express yourself.

    Reply
  • January 29, 2018 at 6:53 pm
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    I totally can relate to this! Blogging has so many things to offer than we think. Anyways, thanks for sharing this! Cheers!

    Reply
  • January 30, 2018 at 8:44 pm
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    Hey, I just wanted to say that your blog inspired me to start my own. I’m excited to see where this new path in life takes me.

    Reply
    • January 30, 2018 at 8:59 pm
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      That is so great to hear, Callie! Please do keep me updated on how it goes – I’m always here if you have any questions 🙂

      Reply
  • February 4, 2018 at 6:43 am
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    I had been blogging on and off for a while now. But I think it’s finally sticking now but I’m in my last semester of college! Never too late, I guess! Love your blog, Dani!

    Reply

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