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Self: How to Succeed at University

I know you're not meant to have regrets, but I wish I'd had a better time at uni...




I did a Journalism degree (I realise now that you can pick up journalistic skills along the way in your new job - so I would do a degree in something else for a wider range of knowledge) and while I was at uni, I worked relatively hard on my assignments and work projects. I did write for the uni newspaper, but I didn't max out on the opportunities I had there.

If I was a student now, I'd...

1. Start the first year well. Attend (most, if not all) lectures and become pally with my lecturers (well, not best friends, but get on well with 'em) and do the work they set to the best standard possible. I figure, if they see potential in you, you never know where it may lead job-wise after you graduate.

2. DO LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE while at university, if not sooner. Especially if I was sure about what I wanted to do in my career. One woman I know, Jessica Huie who’s created a range of ethnic greeting cards, started off doing work experience for a radio station, magazine and PR company – WHILE AT UNI, leading to job offers when she graduated. I'd make the most of the fact that if I wasn't a medical or dental student, I'd have a reasonable amount of time to do other things. BEING PROACTIVE IS KEY.

3. Take part in loads of societies – or create one myself if none floated my boat.

I'm sure there are more. Do you have regrets about your time at university? What did you do right? Let me know, I'd like to know what you think. Please post your comments below.

xoxo

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