As a student, you might often be made to consider your future career and how you can study hard to reach your goal.
However, in our modern society, grades are not everything and there are other aspects that you need to work on as a student in order to be work-ready in the future.
I have consolidated a quick guide on what you should also be placing focus on, besides your studies!
1) Network
Don’t underestimate getting to know new people or hanging out with your friends as a timewaster. Gaining connections is extremely important as it provides you with opportunities and knowledge. Obtaining new knowledge can allow you to make better decisions in your future.
When you talk to people and discuss interests, you might gain useful link-ups that could provide you with a stepping stone towards your goals.
You can also learn from the experiences of others and talk to people who can give you more information about things that you’re interested in.
It is good to get to know people from different walks of life so that you are not just constricted to the same social circle. Step out of your comfort zone and interact with new people whom you’re not familiar with and you might be surprised.
If you find that your network is limited, sign up for events that you see on posters, do volunteering, or search for part-time or ad hoc work. These opportunities will make networking much easier and natural for you.
Networking also builds social skills which are extremely important at any stage of your life.
Strike up conversations and don’t shy away from making new friends.
2) Start working towards your goals
As the saying goes: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Early planning for the career that you want can help you to be efficient in working towards your goal.
If you are still unsure about what you want to do, spend time doing research on the different routes that are possible for you. Consider your strengths, interests, and what you’re looking for in a job.
Here are some aspects that jobseekers consider:
- Work-life balance
- Salary
- Interest/passion in the job
- Their contribution to the company
- Entitlements (e.g. staff privileges)
- Working style/environment (e.g. work hard, play hard)
- Colleagues and superiors
- Flexibility (e.g. nine-to-five/ad hoc)
Once you have a rough idea of your end goal, decipher the route that you need to take to get there.
For example, if you want to be a photographer, start taking photography courses, watch tutorial videos, and most importantly, start practising.
Always keep a collection of your work so that you can showcase your passion and experience to your future employers/clients.
3) Make use of available resources
There is so much to be explored in the working industry and it can be very confusing for young students. Fortunately, students in Singapore are equipped with many opportunities to learn more.
An example is the Education and Career Guidance (ECG) programme which has been inculcated as part of the school curriculum. Students can have “visits to industries or universities, career talks, work shadowing arrangements” and more.
There are also talks and seminars organised which you can keep a lookout for. Some of them may be publicised through posters, at community centres, or through your school email.
Instead of idling away your free time, set aside some time to expand your knowledge by taking advantage of the opportunities that students in Singapore have access to!
Conclusion
With the advancements and progressions in our society and education systems, students now have more authority in the construction of their future.
As a student, you don’t have to be limited to just studying, but instead, have a headstart in working towards your goals.
You should exploit the opportunities that you have and make good use of the available time and resources while you’re still young!
Want more advice for students? Click here to read our articles.
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