Build your skills, your networks and your CV

Build your skills, your networks and your CV

University life is about more than achieving an academic qualification. It offers a rich and varied environment for developing skills like public speaking, leadership, organisational ability and teamwork. If you participate in societies, clubs or sports teams, you will also build networks of friends and colleagues that will last a lifetime.

You don’t have to do everything at once. First find your feet. Learn to manage your time so that you know what your priorities are and structure your schedule accordingly. Once that is in place, look around to see what else may interest you. Every university has clubs and societies in the academic, cultural, political, religious and social fields – and if it doesn’t exist you can start it! Think of debating, chess, ballroom dancing, photography, fund-raising for RAG (“Raising and Giving”), the university radio station or newspaper, music, comedy, drama. The list is endless – and we haven’t even mentioned sports and games.

Another area of activity that will bring you deep personal satisfaction, as well as looking good on your CV, is volunteering for projects that uplift and support society. Law faculties usually have clinics, and so do medical faculties. The community you come from will certainly value your time and energy as a mentor and role model for the young people that follow after you. City universities are often close to projects that work with street people. Look around for a platform where you can contribute.

Don’t overload yourself, but do participate. You will develop your skills and learn new ones, make friends (often for life), have a lot of fun, and acquire something for the day you have to write your CV. Remember, when you go out there to find a job, your CV must stand out from all the others. This kind of extra participation may just make the difference.