Post-secondary school is a great time to get some serious knowledge about your area of interest, but you’re also paying a ton of money for your education, so you should probably take the opportunity to get the most out of the experience. . . So many students go to class and leave, forgetting about all the career and personal growth opportunities their institution offers. There are so many people to talk to, activities to participate in and things to do to help you stand out and get your money’s worth.
So if you want to stand out from the crowd and get the most out of your education, keep reading! These are things that I have personally implemented in my post-secondary career that have really made a difference in my performance and overall satisfaction in college.
1. Introduce yourself to the teachers
This trick is life changing. It forces you to step out of your comfort zone a bit. above all if you’re an introvert, but it really goes a long way. After the first class of the semester of each course, try to approach the professor, introduce yourself to him and mention one thing that you found really interesting in the course. If you’ve researched them, you can also tell them why you’re interested in their work or looking forward to their class. This discussion alone allows the teacher to see you differently – you are no longer one of the hundreds.
You could potentially become their go-to person if they have questions, or it could also be the start of a professional relationship, especially if you are interested in their research and want to work with them in the future. Teachers like to see when their students are excited and eager to learn, and won’t forget your gesture. Plus, you’ll be able to connect with industry leaders and get a better understanding of what they do.
2. Read your emails
I cannot stress this enough. So many students don’t check their school’s email regularly because of all the seemingly useless announcements there. But I promise you that among the garbage there is gold. There are often emails about Scholarships, networking events, quick surveys that reward you with free gift cards, and much more. If you regularly check your e-mails, you will sometimes find great opportunities for yourself. This tip alone is the best way to leverage your institution’s resources, since universities and colleges distribute most of their information via email.
3. express yourself
Many post-secondary institutions really care about what their students think, so if there is something going on that you would like the university to address, make your voice heard. This could range from an overly rushed project deadline, in which case you can voice your opinion to the class representative, or it could be a larger administrative issue. Either way, don’t be afraid to email someone involved in that specific department and make your voice heard. You might be surprised at the impact this could have.
4. Network like your life depends on it
Universities and colleges always have things going on, be it symposia, events, guest lectures, or anything else. Take the time to attend some events that you find interesting and talk to people about your shared passions. In addition to attending events, don’t be afraid to message senior years, assistants, or professors who have worked on projects or at companies you admire. Many universities/colleges are home to truly amazing professors doing cutting-edge research, and you have access to these people! If asking to meet them for a coffee or virtually is too quick for you, just ask them a few questions via email. You can learn a lot from those who have been in your shoes and are now years ahead. Also, people like to help students. Making connections is the best way to advance in your career.
5. Get involved in extracurricular activities
Seems like obvious advice, but it’s amazing what you can get out of clubs/societies. Here’s the thing: many extracurriculars really need people, so getting a role, while it might take more effort for bigger clubs, is doable. Second, extracurricular activities are one of the best ways to expand your knowledge outside of the classroom. For example, if you are interested in marketing/strategy, you can apply to be part of a club’s publicity team. Participating in competitions is also extremely valuable. Having non-academic projects on your CV is very attractive to employers and comes in handy when looking for internships.
Here is. If you follow these tips, you’ll really get the most out of your education and can walk away with a handful of resources, connections, and skills that will serve you well for years to come. Good luck!
READ MORE: 10 things no one tells you about post-secondary life
Michael Salib
Michael Salib is a third year architecture student at the University of Waterloo. As an artist, designer and writer, he identifies as a “creative lover”, letting creativity dominate his daily life. Michael is always looking to get involved and bring about change in his community. He has mentored and mentored students through their transition from elementary to high school, high school to post-secondary, and post-secondary to professional degrees for several years, helping them reach their full potential. He also has a gift for public speaking. In his spare time, you’ll see Michael doing a plethora of things, like traveling, hiking, playing, drawing, cooking, taking photos, and spending quality time with his loved ones.