5 Things To Do While Still an Undergraduate

I am a mechanical engineering student at an American university, who just realised that I became a senior. The past three years passed by so quickly, and having only one year left I thought it is a good time to reflect on my undergraduate experience. Below are five things that I personally believe that are very important for students like me to try doing before graduating. Thankfully, I have done all of them and they impacted me in a good way.

1-Study Abroad

If you have that option at your institute, and capable of doing it, then I advice you to give it a try. It might seem scary to some people, especially those who don't like travelling, but it is going to change your perspective on many things. One benfit I gained from studying abroad is to test myself whether or not I like living on my own (so in case you are thinking of relocating after graduation you know already how it feels). Also, by living in a certain new country for few months you get to experience a different culture, and see if you would like to live in that country in the future or not.

2-Get an internship

I think what I learned in few months in my internship was as valuable as what I learned in the classroom for the past three years. Internships are a great way to get a feel of the working environment, and also see if you like the sector at which you interned before you get a full time position in it (maybe you intern in a specific field, and you end up not liking it, so at least you know).

3-Make at least one good friend

Personally it takes me time (a lot of time) to build friendships, but having at least one good close friend makes the university experience much better. You will find someone to share with your disappointment about that last midterm, and you will feel that you are not going through this alone.

4-Build your network

Someone gave me the most valuable advice in my freshman year and told me to create a LinkedIn profile. I didn't know how much time and effort it takes to build your network. My take on that though is to be genuine when you meet new people. I mean listen to their experience and appreciate their personal qualities, don't just connect with them for the sake of having more people in your LinkedIn profile.

5-Learn how to write a resume

It took me almost two years of practice and trial and error before I was able to say that I can write a resume that I am proud of. It is a skill that needs practice and lots of revision. Try to learn that soon, so whenever you see an opening that you like you won't have to come up with a new resume on the spot. At least you will have a draft that you can edit.