Book excerpt: Modern College is a recent grad's collection of notes, research, and stories on how to navigate today's complex college environment in order to land your dream job after graduation.College has changed a lot over the years but the advice that we give to college students has not. Or so claims Alex Valaitis, a recent college graduate, and current product manager at LinkedIn. Alex argues that we aren't positioning students for success because the advice from previous generations doesn't take into account significant changes that have influenced the college experience such as technology advancements, the trillion dollar student debt crisis, and our rapidly evolving job market. Unlike most college books, the advice Alex gives is authentic and still relevant. Not only does Alex offer unique domain knowledge from working for the largest professional networking company in the world, but he is also only a few years removed from graduation. Alex has lived the modern college experience, and his story shows that while the college system may not be perfect, it can still position you for great success after graduation.In this book you'll learn:-An overview of the pros and cons of attending college-An expansive look at viable alternatives to a 4-year degree-How to choose your college major-Tips for building and expanding both your personal and professional network-Strategies for tackling careers fairs, standing out in online applications, and nailing job interviews-How to create a LinkedIn profile and resume that will make you stand out-A basic understanding of personal finances