SARAH SPEAKS: ON 10 TIPS FROM A COLLEGE GRADUATE

Hey beautiful people!

So it's been over two years since I finished university, now if I were to go back to university again, though not that I would because I'm so glad it's over but if I were, there are a lot of things I would do differently. So I thought I thought I'd share a few tips to help out all my college or soon-to-be college students out there.

1. Is university for you?

 Let's face it university is expensive so please please makes sure it is something you want to do. Yes I know in some places like Nigeria, it's not really a matter of choice as every parent wants their child to be a graduate but trust me you don't want to waste your parent’s money or your time. University is really not meant for everyone.

2. Figure out your calling

If you're confused or unsure of what course to study, try taking time off to figure things out. Forget the societal and parental pressure for children to be lawyers, doctors and engineers and follow your heart. You don't want to venture into something that you'll be stuck with for the rest of your life. It is your life after all!

3. While university is a place to learn, it is really not only about the books. 

That's one area I failed in. I was in such a haste to finish as soon as possible that I pretty much neglected the fun aspect. Yes I finished faster with honors but I missed out on all the fun in school. Remember all work and no play make Jane a dull girl, see what I did there.

4. Step out of your comfort zone by meeting new people.

 It's important to network as you never know who might connect you in the future. Let me give you an example, for my first job, my company needed to hire someone with the skills that matched that of a friend's. So of course I recommended her and she was hired. It doesn't matter how great your grades are really, you can't deny that connections make things easier, especially in Nigeria.

5. Grades do matter

 Now I say this at the risk of contradicting point 4 but they really do. Grades are like your first impression, companies look at your grades and think this is a sign of how responsible you would be if hired or better yet it shows your level of commitment and dedication.

6. Learn a new skill.

 These days having multiple skills can give you the edge in the work force. Try a new language, trust me no knowledge gained is wasted. Also these type of skills can help you in getting a side job. 

7. Work towards gaining as much career experience as possible.

 It's frustrating when companies put out job postings and ask for three to five years’ work experience; I mean how do they expect a fresh graduate to have that? Now it may not be that easy getting a job but you can always try an internship, even if it's not in your field of study. It just gives you something to put on your resume.

8. Save save save and save some more

I can't stress this enough, I sometimes think of how rich I would have be right now if I had saved more from my allowance and random jobs rather than buying shoes all the time (yup, I'm a shoefie).

9. Travel as much as you can.

 Now I know what you're thinking, travel on a student budget? Well this brings me back to saving which is a great way to do that, because honestly when you start working you won't really have the time.

10. Life after university may not be what you expected 

And that's okay just as long as you don't get complacent. Life is a journey, the fact that you're not where you want to be doesn't mean you won't get there, it just means you need to work harder.

Photography by MideCoker

Now, what tips would you give to fresh graduates?

*PS. Pictures are totally unrelated but I never attended my graduation so I got creative.

See you next time!

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