This is a guest post by Matt Wilson.  He is co-founder of  http://Under30CEO.com a social network for young entrepreneurs.  His mission is to lead people to go out and do something they are passionate about instead of falling into the rat race and playing by corporate America’s rules.  Under30CEO’s newsletter http://HelpAnEntrepreneur.com allows anyone to ask a business question and get answers from real people in their inbox or Twitter feed. 

Think college is about what’s in those books? Think again.  

Most students never take advantage of the most important part of college: networking. 

What makes Harvard different from your local community college? They don’t teach any different at Harvard.  There’s no secrets to success that come out behind the iron gates.  It’s the networking. 

At Harvard if you are in the club, you’ll get the job.  Your classmates are going to be rocket scientists, nobel peace prize winners and Fortune500 CEO’s.  Your classmates parents are doctors, lawyers and scientists.  See all the success you can tap into?

Your school has these opportunities too

But they aren’t in your dorm room.  Breakout out of 2 East and make yourself known on campus.  Think about these questions: What legacy can I leave? How do I want to be remembered? How can I leave this institution better than I found it? How can I establish credibility on my campus?

As President of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization at Bryant University I saw a need to support, inform and inspire people who didn’t want to go into corporate America.  As a result we brought national accolades to our school: we were named the #1 Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization in the world and I was named National Student Leader of the Year.  Now, every door for me is open at Bryant.  When I meet faculty, staff, administration, alumni and other students I can establish credibility quickly–they know I’m driven and are willing to pursue opportunities with me.

Get involved

You won’t meet the best and brightest your school has to offer by waiting around. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way in these few short years of your life. This is where you’ll meet the network of people that can help you for the rest of your life.

It’s not about what you know, it’s who you know

Your college degree opens you up to a new network of people.  They view your resume and say “this kid’s smart” and let you in the door.  If you’ve graduated college, the logic is that you must be employable.  Now that you are in the door it’s up to you to make something of the opportunity. 

College is an amazing opportunity to meet tons of smart, innovative, passionate people.  Don’t miss out.