Try Everything in University

A university freshmansenior emailed me a few weeks, introducing himself and expressing frustration with how seemingly difficult it is to meet and connect with other "people who like thinking generally, innovating, and who aren't afraid to run with the ideas that come out of it."

Sure, generalists by nature tend not to huddle together, but interesting and ambitious creative people are everywhere. My advice to him was this:

As for connecting you to other open-minded people, you're in a better position to do that than it sounds like you think you are. You're in university - lots of very smart and ambitious people from all sorts of disciplines and backgrounds. I did two degrees simultaneously and as a result had the benefit of studying in two totally different faculties (arts and commerce). But if I could do university over again I would have networked and socialized even more with people in different departments - something you can't rely on the university to facilitate for you. As a science major, I'm sure it will serve you well to strike up friendships with business major (just be careful who). Or perhaps there's a side-project you could do with someone in Fine Arts or Music. Or debate with someone in PoliSci or Law. Whatever. If you're a good observer and matchmaker, as generalists tend to be, you'll find good people to hang out with. Trust me, these can be some of the best connections you ever make in your life and could develop into career/research/travel/life endeavours.

But don't just take my word for it. Darren (who I've borrowed this post's title from) and Seth offer similar advice.

(And if you're specifically looking to meet other Creative Generalists - shameless plug - you're welcome to join our Facebook group. Here's the link.)