Advice for Unversity Students - Things I Wish I Knew in My Early Years (Pt. 1)
When I first started university, I had no idea what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be. It was a tough journey, but now that I’ve graduated and work in a field I love, I feel compelled to share advice that helped me get where I am.
To give you some context, I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Commerce in East Asian Business Studies and a minor in Marketing. This was different from the degree I had in mind when I first enrolled, and like many others, I had to explore various majors before finding the one for me. Initially, I had planned on pursuing a degree in Economics, with the eventual goal of attending law school. However, after two years, I realized that Economics was not for me. And so, I instead pursued a Business degree and eventually discovered my passion for international business, leading me to specialize in East Asian Business studies.
Throughout my first four years at university, I did absolutely nothing besides focus on my grades. I didn't attend any activities, made very few friends, and barely participated in campus events. However, it was during my final year that I decided to make a change and become more involved. My schedule became very packed as I was simultaneously working for the University of Alberta, serving as an executive for a club, participating in case competitions, and attending several business events - all while still being a full-time student. Though I was extremely busy and quite stressed at times, it was the most fulfilling year I ever experienced, and I only wish I had done it sooner.
Having experienced both extremes - doing absolutely nothing and doing absolutely everything - I know how hard it is to push yourself to do more. This type of lifestyle may not suit everyone, but for those who want to make a change, I can offer some good advice. In the first part of my blog, I will provide some advice that may be considered common knowledge but is still important to know, and in the second part, I will go over tips that I learned along my university journey, and are not often discussed.
*Note: Please take these tips with a grain of salt; as a former business student, they may sometimes be a bit biased towards those studying business, and some may not apply to every student. This advice is generalized but still applicable to many students.
Part 1: The Essentials You Should Already Know
1) Get Involved - Seriously!
If your university experience revolves solely around studying, you're missing out. Involvement isn't just about creating memorable moments and expanding your social circle; it can also be a stepping stone to landing a job. My last year of university, where I did everything to get involved, was the first time I genuinely enjoyed school.
Try to join clubs, volunteer for events, and seek out opportunities beyond the lecture hall. The experiences you gain can be as valuable as your grades!
2) University Isn’t Just About Grades
Speaking of grades, while they can be important, they're not the sole ticket to success. Many employers value practical skills, experiences, and the ability to navigate real-world situations. Instead of only focusing on getting a 4.0, look into internships, engage in extracurriculars, and develop skills that complement your academic achievements.
3) Impressions Matter
Treating people well isn't just a cliché; it's a career strategy. Make sure to be the colleague people want to work with, deliver on group projects, and avoid burning bridges. Your peers could be your employers in the future, and first impressions stick.
4) Prioritize Making Connections
"It's not about what you know, it's who you know." This adage held true for me, as I landed my current job because of connections I made through a club. Building and leveraging your connections can be your gateway to unexpected opportunities.
Make sure to attend networking events, connect with alumni, and actively engage with professionals in your field. Putting in the extra effort is worth it - just think of it as an investment in your future career.
5) Say No to 8 am Classes
You might think you're a morning person who can handle getting to school early, but trust me, you’re probably not. From my personal experience of having fallen asleep more times during an 8 am class than actually paying attention, I would recommend leaving it as your last resort.
6) Maximize Your Summers and Plan Ahead
Summers aren't just for lounging; they're an opportunity to get ahead. Whether it's taking spring/summer classes, securing an internship, or going abroad, make sure you start to plan in advance. A proactive summer can pay dividends in your future career.
7) Think Twice Before Buying Every Textbook
Falling for the misconception that you need every textbook is a common first-year mistake. Save yourself some cash and only invest in the required ones; your wallet will thank you!
8) Actually Read Your University’s Newsletter
From events, competitions, job openings, to free food, your school newsletter can be filled with incredible opportunities, and it is a great way to find out what’s happening on campus. Even if it doesn't align with your interests every time, I promise that quickly scanning it can be worthwhile.
Conclusion
University is a labyrinth of experiences, and the tips I’ve shared in this blog only scratch the surface. Stay tuned for my second part, where I'll dive into tips often overshadowed by more conventional advice.
For any questions about my university experience, how I chose my degree, how I got into my career, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to connect with me on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/belleboily. I’m happy to chat with students, especially those who struggled in their first years like I did!
Belle Boily