As I am approaching the end of my degree and therefore life at university I thought I would write down a list of things I wish I did, or did more of, while I've been here. This is not to say that I have regretted anything because University has changed me so much and I have developed so much as a person. I just wish I started University as the person I am today because there would be so much more I would have the confidence to do etc.
1. NETWORK
It is unbelievably important to socialise and network at your time at university. Not only with your different companies from career days but also mainly with other university students. Try and meet as many people as possible and then KEEP IN TOUCH! Even if this is just through being friends on social media and giving the occasional comment on their posts. There are so many different ways of meeting people at University and one of the main ways is through number 2.
2. JOIN SOCIETIES
People underestimate how good societies are for meeting people. All my friends that I have made at University have been through going to different society events. Mainly all societies have different 'give it a go' sessions that run during freshers week and the beginning of the semester which I would urge you to go to a few of them. Everyone that goes is in the same boat as you and wants to meet new people! Perhaps if you're looking to join a society that looks really good on your CV, look at joining Enactus or RAG. Once you've found a few societies that you like, join and actively go to their events. You'll find that a lot of the same people go to the same events which will allow you to build on relationships.
3. BE ON A COMMITTEE
Once you have found a society that you have liked, apply to join their committee. Not only does this look fantastic on your CV but you get the opportunity to meet loads of people. There are many roles that you can apply to if you wanted it to support your future career prospects e.g. treasurer (dealing with finance), media (social media) etc.
4. READ MORE
Not Harry Potter etc but read more around your subject area. I've found that it really is the students that are actively involved in their degrees are the ones that do really well. However don't live/breathe/walk/talk your degree, you need to have a life as well and other interests around your degree. Go to talks, events, galleries, depending on your degree and become engaged with your degree. Even if it just following a few well known people in your degree area on twitter is better than nothing. Just try and keep on top of things. This knowledge will help when you go to find a job as well.
5. WORK EXPERIENCE/ INTERNSHIPS
Most jobs and graduate jobs are non degree specific. Just make sure that you can back up your knowledge and skills from different work experiences and internships. Start as early as summer of your first year at university, which would make it easier to get an internship for second year, and thus make is easier for you to get an graduate job.
Good luck to all of you who are applying for university and all of you at university. University is HARD there is no doubt about it and no one prepares you for how hard it actually is (especially third year). Hopefully we will all be able to pull through with good grades and making the most of our university experience!!!
Blue Daisy
1. NETWORK
It is unbelievably important to socialise and network at your time at university. Not only with your different companies from career days but also mainly with other university students. Try and meet as many people as possible and then KEEP IN TOUCH! Even if this is just through being friends on social media and giving the occasional comment on their posts. There are so many different ways of meeting people at University and one of the main ways is through number 2.
2. JOIN SOCIETIES
People underestimate how good societies are for meeting people. All my friends that I have made at University have been through going to different society events. Mainly all societies have different 'give it a go' sessions that run during freshers week and the beginning of the semester which I would urge you to go to a few of them. Everyone that goes is in the same boat as you and wants to meet new people! Perhaps if you're looking to join a society that looks really good on your CV, look at joining Enactus or RAG. Once you've found a few societies that you like, join and actively go to their events. You'll find that a lot of the same people go to the same events which will allow you to build on relationships.
3. BE ON A COMMITTEE
Once you have found a society that you have liked, apply to join their committee. Not only does this look fantastic on your CV but you get the opportunity to meet loads of people. There are many roles that you can apply to if you wanted it to support your future career prospects e.g. treasurer (dealing with finance), media (social media) etc.
4. READ MORE
Not Harry Potter etc but read more around your subject area. I've found that it really is the students that are actively involved in their degrees are the ones that do really well. However don't live/breathe/walk/talk your degree, you need to have a life as well and other interests around your degree. Go to talks, events, galleries, depending on your degree and become engaged with your degree. Even if it just following a few well known people in your degree area on twitter is better than nothing. Just try and keep on top of things. This knowledge will help when you go to find a job as well.
5. WORK EXPERIENCE/ INTERNSHIPS
Most jobs and graduate jobs are non degree specific. Just make sure that you can back up your knowledge and skills from different work experiences and internships. Start as early as summer of your first year at university, which would make it easier to get an internship for second year, and thus make is easier for you to get an graduate job.
Good luck to all of you who are applying for university and all of you at university. University is HARD there is no doubt about it and no one prepares you for how hard it actually is (especially third year). Hopefully we will all be able to pull through with good grades and making the most of our university experience!!!
Blue Daisy
