8 Habits Students Should Build Before Graduating

Fresh graduates aim to land a job within a few weeks of graduation, but this is not an easy task. Graduates who wish to acquire a job that suits their major must start preparing for it while still on campus. They should be able to handle academic tasks with extra curricular activities to have an attractive resume when graduating. 

Time Management

Manage your time at university by clearly planning out the day. Dedicate specific times for academic tasks, sports, aesthetics, volunteering, and part-time jobs. By carefully constructing a time schedule like this, your routine looks similar to a typical workday. This will help you imagine yourself as an employee.

Consistent Skill Development

Try to develop soft skills necessary for the workplace. It includes learning digital tools like Microsoft Office, social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok (useful to become a digital/social media marketer), and designing software. Improve your writing skills by frequently writing articles for blogs. Choose any topic you enjoy and start writing. Try different types of writing like creative, formal, academic, and story telling. Read various types of literature to aid your writing. Take the initiative to speak for an audience. Don’t hesitate to sign up for public speaking platforms.

Networking Early

Participate in events, conferences, and discussions at the university. Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals, organisations and companies that fit your academic field of study. Take part in career fairs to explore the diverse job opportunities that meet your needs and passions. Get career guidance from the career guidance counsellors present there.

Job Shadowing, Internships, or Volunteering

Job shadowing refers to on-the-job training that lets an aspiring employee closely follow and observe another employee’s performance. This is usually used to hire new employees to an organisation or a role. Undertake paid or unpaid internships to gather professional experience. Engage in volunteering activities that help society.

Maintaining a Portfolio

Create a file or digital portfolio to store all your work that you have done so far. It may be art work, writing samples, short videos, data analysis documents. A well-maintained portfolio can be presented to potential employers during interviews.

Financial Literacy

Start saving your allowance or pocket money from parents and grandparents, and the salary you receive from your part-time work and internships. Budget your expenses. Learn about investing and starting a business to achieve financial independence and potentially become your own boss.

Learning How to Write Resumes, Cover Letters, and Emails Professionally

There are several online resources to help you learn how to write resumes, cover letters, and emails professionally. There are templates to simplify this process. Try to use professional jargon when writing emails and cover letters. Follow these simple steps: 

• Use a polite greeting. 
• Start with the last point of contact between you and the recipient. 
• End with a friendly closing line joining the next point of communication with the recipient. 

Develop a Growth Mindset

Remember that you are working towards a career that you are passionate about. Therefore, don’t dwell upon failures. Failures must be taken as learning experiences. Move forward and keep finding new opportunities to add to your experiences in diverse industries.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt 

At CareerFirst, we are dedicated to finding new job opportunities for fresh talent, professionals in a field. You can choose from diverse careers offered in the private sector, government ministries, and international organisations. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn to receive the latest job vacancies from diverse fields. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it important to build career habits before graduating?

Building habits before graduating helps students become job-ready and more competitive in the job market. It also ensures they develop essential soft skills, work experience, and a strong portfolio before entering the workforce.

2. What are the most important time management tips for students?

Students should create a balanced daily schedule that includes time for academic work, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and personal development. Treating each day like a workday prepares students for future professional routines.

3. How can students develop soft skills while still studying?

Soft skills can be developed by joining clubs, participating in group projects, volunteering, and taking leadership roles. Writing blogs, practising public speaking, and learning digital tools also contribute to skill growth.

4. Why should students participate in networking activities?

Early networking helps students gain insights into their chosen field, discover job opportunities, and build professional relationships that could lead to internships or job referrals after graduation.

5. What is job shadowing and how does it help?

Job shadowing involves observing a professional in a real work environment to understand their role and responsibilities. It gives students firsthand exposure to specific careers and helps them make informed career decisions.