Dearest undergrad,
I write this letter to inform you of something important. Many of us missed this in our time and sadly, many are still getting it wrong today. Please start planning for life after school now. There’s no time. Every day you sleep and wake up, another day of your life is gone.
You may say but I already have a plan. I want to work in a Fortune 100 company the second I graduate. Not bad. If you want to own a patent or become the next Mark Zuckerberg, that’s fine also. How are you working towards these goals? do you sit all day and dream of helicopter rides and fancy suits? or you work your butts off to secure this future? Goals are mere wishes if you don’t put in the needed work.
Don’t wait till you graduate before connecting with people or setting up that LinkedIn page. Cherish relationships. Maintain healthy relationships with colleagues and lecturers as much as you can. You never know where you’ll find yourselves tomorrow.
Don’t wait till after NYSC before drafting your first CV. In fact, if you don’t have a CV at this point, stop reading this letter and draft one now. There are many free samples on the internet. Know the career path you want and start charting a course. If you want to study abroad on a scholarship, research the available scholarships during your spare time. Know the schools that suit your course at your fingertips.
Please get relevant skills.
If you don’t know how to type and save a document on a PC yet, I’m begging you, learn it ASAP. The world’s gone digital and even basic computer users are often overlooked for more competent hands. Learn something other than what you learnt in class. People are making a living off skills they picked as undergraduates.
Strive to intern at every opportunity you get. ASUU strike? No problem, find something to do even if it’s for free. I can hear you scoffing at this thought and I know it may not make sense now. Just pray you don’t be in a position later where you’ll wish you had seized these opportunities.
Please join relevant bodies while you’re in school. It’s wise joining these associations as student members and upgrade to grad members when you graduate. It saves you some money at least. Do you know there are Accounting students who bag their ICAN before NYSC? foresight, my good friend, foresight.
Lastly, please try and get a good grade. Yes, there are many 3rd class and school drop outs millionaires today. But, if you want to increase your odds of getting a good job or scholarships, a strong first degree helps.
Start actively planning your life now you’re in school. Learn from the experience of those that have gone ahead of you.
See you at the top.