Nothing can quite prepare you for the real world once you leave university. You’ve spent a good couple or few years working towards your degree, but now your final year is upon you, and you’re unsure of how to react. Before you leave, you need to take advantage of everything your college has to offer you – both academically and socially. If you’re entering your final year and are unsure on how to prepare for your imminent departure, here are five things to do in preparation.
- Research Your Industry
It is important you are honest with yourself about the skills you have, the skills you need to acquire and the skills you can use in your chosen career. This will help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses, which you can aim to improve before leaving university behind. To do so, you must spend time thoroughly researching your chosen career and industry to ensure it complements your knowledge and ability. For instance, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in publishing, then you’ll need to undergo internships.
If in doubt, you can discuss your requirements and options with a professor, who can put you on the path to success.
- Work on Your Resume
The thought of creating a resume might seem a little boring, but it is necessary if you want to secure your dream job once you have graduated. Many universities have career advisors on staff who will happily review your resume, and they might be able to identify any holes that could impact a job application. Aim to include everything from your high school diploma to voluntary work.
- Attend a Career Fair
Many employers are looking for talented graduates to help their companies flourish. As a result, they will often attend career fairs to meet students, who could one day become an integral part of their company. Attending a career fair will therefore provide an insight into the different opportunities that might be available to you once you have earned your degree. It will also allow you to make a long-lasting impression on a potential employer, who might happily give you a job once you have left university.
- Gain Work Experience
Gaining work experience is one of the most important things you can do during your time at university. Not only will it provide you with an insight into what professional life could be like in your chosen industry, but your experience could help you stand out from the crowd of graduates when submitting a job application.
Employers are looking for individuals with practical skills, so work experience will prove you have both the knowledge and experience they are looking for in a candidate. Possessing the right skills and experience will make it easier for you to receive a higher salary. Many businesses will provide work experience placements during university holidays, so actively look for opportunities to ensure your success in your chosen industry.
- Have Fun
You won’t want to be lax in your final year of university, however, you also need to embrace being a student for one last time. Before entering your final year, ensure you’re living with like-minded peers. Also look for comfortable student accommodation like those provided by Collegiate; after all, who knows where you’ll be living once you’ve graduated.
Continue to study, live like a student and embrace your final year of pre-adulthood, where it’s a career and adult responsibility. Most importantly, socialize and have fun.
Have you got any top tips on essential things students should do before they leave university? Please share your stories, opinions and advice by posting a comment below.
