6 things every university student must know and do before graduating

6 things every university student must know and do before graduating

Every university student must strive to do more, know more, and learn several skills which are not taught in the lecture hall. The commitment of time and effort to learning and passing courses at the tertiary level remains the number one priority, but investing time and effort in learning new things and acquiring relevant experience outside the lecture hall can prepare you for the afterlife you live outside the university campus.

“Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” —Nora Ephron

This educative write-up will shed light on some of the important issues that must engage your attention.

#1 Embark on an internship while in school

On-the-job experience or related experiences are always required for job seekers, including those who just graduated from universities and colleges. Employers are not only looking out for the best graduates, but also those who have relevant skills and experiences.

To acquire experience on the job, students are advised to do at least two internships before completing their studies. A student who is studying for a four-year bachelor’s degree has four long vacations. Ensure that you start looking for a company where you can undertake your internship as soon as the second semester starts. This gives you ample time to look for and find a company that is ready to bring you on board. The more internships you get, the better. Students are also advised not to waste time trying to undertake their internships in big companies. There are equally good internship opportunities in smaller companies, and you stand to learn more in such places than in bigger companies.

Oftentimes, graduates lack concrete professional skills to supplement their degrees. That’s why finding an internship or a part-time job during school is one of the most important things to do before graduating from college. It gives you a competitive edge for when you graduate and are looking for a job.

University isn’t just about getting the grades. It’s also an essential time of life to get involved. Whether it’s volunteering, becoming part of an artistic group, a fraternity or sorority, or anything else, college can help you explore your interests beyond the classroom. These extracurricular experiences help develop different parts of your brain and also provide the perfect platform for establishing friendships and developing people skills [Theinterngroup.com]

#2 Learn a skill or trade before you graduate

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin

What every university student must know and do before graduating includes learning a trade or acquiring a skill.
Learn a skill or trade that can help you start your own small business before you complete school, during your national service, start planning how to translate this skill into a business. While studying for my first degree, I learned how to build websites and Graphic designing. I converted both into businesses before I left school. Combining web designing and writing skills, I turned to blogging and I have never looked back. Today, IT skills are very relevant and others are learning cybersecurity, ethical hacking, digital marketing among others. Apart from IT skills, you can learn to bake cakes and pastries, fruit juicing and liquid soap making, and others.  Others can venture into learning about poultry farming. Do not leave school and all you can boast of is your Bachelor’s certificate. Do not come out of the university without knowing how to use MS Office applications like excel, word, PowerPoint, etc. Learn them very well, even if you have to pay for the training related to them.

#3 Learn to drive before you leave school.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” ― Benjamin Franklin

University students are encouraged to learn how to drive before they complete school. You do not need to own a car before you learn how to drive. Driving has become an important skill that can be converted into a part-time or full-time job as a driver while you look for a job after school. Uber and bolt as making many university graduates have decent lives while they continue to look out for other opportunities.

#4 Get a national passport

Another essential thing to do is to get a passport. Again, you do not need to be ready to travel outside Ghana before you obtain a passport. Today, a Ghana passport expires only after 10 years. Hence, if you obtain a passport in level 100 in 2022 your passport will expire in 2032.  You may not be able to tell the opportunities having a passport can bring to you in the near future.

#5 Build social capital before leaving school

Do not be an anti-social being on campus, however, do not associate with minds that do not project into the future. Choose friends very well, join associations and clubs that can help advance your career. Join groups that teach students leadership skills, assertiveness, public speaking, and the like. Build networks before you leave school because they will become useful in the near future. Do your best to learn and master the art of public speaking. Take your class presentations seriously because, in the world of work, those who speak, can convince management with good ideas and strategies are valued and preferred. If you learn the art of persuasion speakings, you will reap the benefits in the future. Read books on such subjects as well.

#6 Learn to save and invest while still a student

“Money looks better in the bank account than on your feet.” — Sophia Amoruso

A balance in your savings account will have more impact in the long run than this season’s newest styles.

The funds you are given by your parents or guardians may not be enough, but that in itself provides a great opportunity to learn how to save and invest portions of such funds. Open a savings account and keep the funds you intend to save in it. Do not use the very account you spend from as your saving account. Such an account should not have an ATM or a Momo account connected to it. This will save you from the temptation of spending your savings. Do not touch the golden eggs.

• Be specific with how much you want to save. From the start, set an amount that you want to have saved by next year.
• Answer the big question of how you are going to save money.
• Figure out where to put the new funds.
• Stay strong and track your progress.
• Transfer the savings into an investment fund to ensure you earn better returns.

“It is never too early to encourage long-term savings.” — Ron Lewis

READ: 5 Study Tips and Strategies Only Smart Students Use

Do not leave school without a conscious effort towards learning a skill or trade, obtain a Passport, learn to save and invest, and all other useful things that will prepare you for the future. This article titled “6 things every university student must know and do before graduating” must guide us however, there are more pieces of stuff that must be learned outside the lecture hall while on campus.

Source: Wisdom Hammond