We all step into our university life with hopes and dreams of a bright career and a beautiful future. But somewhere along the way, we tend to get distracted from our goals.
Money might become a top priority for some, while others get involved in developing a happening social life. By the time you realize that it is the time to build your career, it is already too late.
I know that at such a young age, students are naïve and often don’t know what is best for them. Therefore, to help you out, I have here come up with the most powerful career advice that every university student needs and must be told.
1. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
More often than not, students end up following what their friends and colleagues are doing. This is where you go wrong. You must introspect and discover what your unique strengths and weaknesses are.
While your strong areas need to be focused on, the weak areas need to be given a back seat. You do not have to push yourself to be the best at everything. You just need to be the master of the subjects or areas that you are good in and utilize your full potential in building a career for yourself.
Of course, if you want to overcome a particular weakness, the university is the best time for that as well. Take support of your friends and family in conquering your weakness and enhancing your strengths.
2. Expand Your Skill Set
University is a great place not just for academic learning but also for discovering new skills and hobbies that may never have even crossed your mind. The curriculum at university is generally designed in a way to give you enough time to pursue those skills and hobbies.
For example, you may discover that you have a flair for drama by joining the Dramatics Club of your University and who knows if you end up with a career in Hollywood! Or maybe you will turn out to be a natural leader for your team in an inter-university competition which will establish your career in the business world.
In either case, it is important to try new things and see what interests you. This way, you will be able to understand yourself better.
You can even talk to your university tutor to discover your skills. This would help you in making the right choice when it comes to choosing a job.
3. Keep Yourself Updated on the Job Market
It is true that University days are some of the best days of a student’s life. However, some of the best career counselors have advised students to keep a tab on how the job market is even when they are a while away from graduating. This can easily be done through internet research, reading newspapers or even by talking to your professors, tutors, and seniors.
When you know what the industry needs right now, you will be able to prepare yourself accordingly so that when you finally go for a job interview, you will be perfect candidate meeting all the requirements of the job.
For example, if you are an IT student, you must keep yourself updated on the new technologies and innovations in the field and update your knowledge accordingly.
4. Go For Internships
Internships are an integral part of a student’s life which give them a taste of what life after University is going to be like. You might have high hopes from an industry that you are choosing to go into, only to find after working for a couple of years that it was not the right choice after all.
Rather than experimenting and switching careers, I would recommend you to research your industry while you are still in University. Many Universities also have conducive internship programs which you can take benefit of.
Moreover, internships at big companies or firms also look good on your CV when you are applying for a job. So, next summer, do not waste away your time in vacations and parties but take an internship that suits your fancy.
5. Don’t Be Afraid of Failure
University life can often result in heartbreak when you are not able to achieve what you were aiming for. My advice is – do not shy away from failure but pick yourself up after each fall and continue with even more determination.
Some of the most successful people in the world have faced major failures in life but have still achieved great heights only due to their determination. You will come across a lot of people who will try to pull you down by saying that you are not capable enough or that your dreams are too unrealistic.
However, if you know what your true strengths and weaknesses are, you will be confident enough to not give up in spite of failure.
6. Live a Balanced Life
Earning tons of money does sound very appealing especially when you have risen from being a broke student to owning your own house and car within a short time. However, corporate jobs can suck your life faster that you will not even realize what is happening.
You will do well if you follow the veterans’ advice and try to live as balanced a life as possible. Do not just run after a job which is giving you the highest pay-check but choose a job which takes you closer to your dreams, which lets you pursue your hobbies and gives you time to spend with your family.
Wrapping Up
These were some essential pieces of advice which you must stick to, to have a fulfilling life. What are your views on this? Let me know in the comments below.
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