Besides a nicely framed degree, attending a University provides major advantages later
in life. Some of these important aids include:
1. Building a social and professional network?
One of the main advantages of University is in the people you meet. Remember, students in the same class as you have a higher chance of landing in the same industry (you’re studying the same topics after all).
As such, many new entrants to the workforce – particularly in professions such as law and finance – find that their former coursemates end up being colleagues, or associates in related industries. Some coursemates may be foreigners, who can provide inroads if you ever end up working abroad.
You should also consider that University lecturers are not all theorists: many were veterans in their field, before becoming teachers. As such, they may have contacts in industries where you want to work – and their word-of-mouth referrals can give you a strong lead over other job candidates.
For these reasons, it helps to see your coursemates and lecturers as a future support network. You shouldn’t isolate yourself, and refuse interactions to “focus on your studies”. By all means, work hard and be disciplined – but don’t neglect to meet people
and form relationships.
A University education is expensive – and having a powerful network is one of the benefits you’re paying so much for. Ensure you don’t graduate without it.
2. Soft skills development?
Soft skills cover a wide range of abilities, which improve your odds of success at any
job. For example:
- The ability to read and write on a professional level.
- Skill in articulating complex ideas or concepts.
- Critical thinking, including healthy skepticism to avoid manipulation and scams.
- Being able to present to a crowd, or defend your arguments in a rational manner.
- Leadership and organisational skills, for group projects
- Simple office skills, such as knowing how to use PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Google Drive, etc.
- Discipline and self-motivation (because unlike school teachers, lecturers rarely push you to work; they just give you a bad grade or fail you!)
Most employers expect you to have these skills, from the moment you start work. These skills are especially vital in sales jobs, or careers where you need to deal with clients.
A simple example would be articulation skills: someone who cannot explain a product, or comes across as unprofessional because of the way they speak, is unlikely to make a sale.
When Universities impose certain standards – such as referencing for essays, or academic standards for reports – don’t treat these as a nuisance. These are a form of education: you’re learning to express and present your views on a more professional
level.
3. Opportunities with industry experts
Being a University student is a great reason to contact industry experts. You can always mention that you’re studying, have a relevant project, etc. as a reason to make a cold-call; this is an advantage that many working adults can only wish they had.
While there’s no guarantee you’ll get a response, you at least have a foot in the door. Note that many companies are always on the lookout for fresh talent; and many will grant interviews, as a way to also meet promising students.
Universities also tend to have initiatives and projects that overlap with corporate interests. For example, some companies work with Universities, to get an objective study or review of their products. It can be helpful to jump in and be part of the team, as it’s a way to meet industry veterans. Remember: under normal circumstances, you may have to pay a small fortune just for these peoples’ time.
Beyond this, it’s common for Universities to create job placement opportunities, such as internships. This is a useful way to vet future employers, or to ensure employment opportunities after graduation.
4. A platform for projects and initiatives
Do you have wild ideas or innovations you want to try? Whether it’s a small side-business, or a highly technical project, a University offers a chance to test it.
It can be much easier to approach the faculty for funding, than it would be to find investors in the real world. Many Universities, for instance, have business incubators for start-ups, or labs / workshops that can be used for prototyping. Outside of academia,
you’ll usually have to pay huge sums for such facilities; or you may end up having your projects commandeered by “helpful” investors.
You can see your University as a more protected environment for innovation; and one where, most of the time, the consequences of failure are not as steep (e.g., your project may be funded, rather than you having to get a bank loan).
5. Life skills development (if you live on your own)
Life skills range from knowing how to budget responsibly, to negotiating costs such as rent, to simply learning how to sew, cook, or do laundry.
Looking after yourself also means insuring yourself and knowing how to make claims, or how to react to situations like theft or serious illness. These will be vital later in your career, such as if your employer needs to send you abroad for a few months – or even a few years – to work.
There’s an art to even some of the simplest life skills (e.g., how much food is the right amount for a week? Are you saving more by making and storing meals in bulk, or at each meal time?)
You may want to consider living alone on campus, if you have the opportunity. For Singapore Citizens, it’s also a good way to prepare for National Service, if you haven’t already been through it.
Start building your career prospects while still in University
Don’t wait till you graduate. Start looking up ideal careers, and reaching out to people, even if you’re still a student. If you have an interest in the finance industry, or want mentorship as a fresh graduate, consider reaching out to us at Exodus Capital today.
We help everyone from fresh graduates, to career switching veterans, to get a decisive leg-up in the lucrative finance industry.
Disclaimer:
The content, views and thoughts expressed in the post belongs solely to us and not of Manulife Financial Advisers Pte Ltd or any group of organisations. It may not be applicable to everyone or all contexts. None of the information stated here constitutes an offer to buy or sell product, financial instrument. Any expression or opinion is personal to the author and the author makes no guarantee regarding the completeness and accuracy of any information supplied.
