Adding Value To Yourself

Let's put the pieces together!

Welcome to the final part of the Undergraduate Discourse series! We've come a long way I must confess.

In the first part, we saw how to make the years count. We went further to discuss grades and then financial independence as a student. This article would focus on putting all the pieces together and adding value to yourself. So, consider this as an open letter where I pour out my heart to you.

How to add value

Join a student body

There are several student organizations that you can choose from. This is advantageous if you aren't interested in your course. You can join associations in your area of interest.

Here, you'll have the chance to meet and coordinate people and also take leadership roles. It's great if you can effectively belong to many organizations.

But, before you join, know what the organization is all about. Know the level of commitment that is required. What are the objectives of the club? What would you learn? Is there an opportunity to serve?

Don’t join a club only because you fancy the lapel pin!

While an undergraduate, I joined a particular organization without defining my goals. It was burdensome. I paid my dues and attended a few meetings. Can I be sincere? It was a waste of my time. The organization offered value just that it didn't align with my goals. On the other hand, I was an active member of another club I belonged to. The reason was simple: I was keenly interested.

Volunteer

There are events where you can volunteer. A faculty, or department, an organization is always hosting an event. Find a way to participate. Don't volunteer just because you want to wear a branded shirt but really because you want to work.

Why volunteer?

You can build your network and sharpen your interpersonal skills. 

How can you volunteer?

Usually, posters are release to heighten public awareness of most events. You can find a contact from the poster (it’s usually at the bottom), and make your interest known. If the organizers are people you can walk up to, speak to them.

Explore the university environment

To think that I never attended a stage play while in University still amazes me! 'What was I doing?' I think I know! There was a Museum, an Institute of African Studies, a zoo, and biological gardens. I never went there. This doesn’t have to always be the case. Your school may not have a museum but there’ll be places you can always visit.

Remember we discussed the proper planning of your day, you can find a way to fix places you'll like to explore into your routine.

It’s good to read books and get good grades, but seriously, I still wish I did more exciting kinds of stuff in school (it's already in the past).

Use Social Media to your Advantage

Some say data is life. I don’t completely agree but to a reasonable extent, there’s so little you can do without data these days. But, who can we blame actually? Rather, than spend countless hours on social media, or the web, whiling away time; choose to benefit from the media. There are so many things to do. If you're giving your money and time into it, don't you think you should get something good in return?

If you have a business, put it up on social media platforms. If you have a skill, put it in writing. If you're good at organizing events, put success stories up, and let people know. You never know who is watching.

The Undergraduate years would serve as a period to gain experience and learn from your mistakes.

Be ready to be uncomfortable

Growth comes when we break the norm of regularity. I’m not saying you should stress yourself out or put yourself under undue pressure. Just remember that nothing good comes easy. Be it an academic goal, leadership goal, or financial goal, you have to put in the work.

“Nigerian universities are terrible." "Lecturers don't come to class (which was true in my case)" "Classes are overcrowded” While these may be true to an extent, is this always the case? Don’t let this be the reason you don’t put in much work into your studies.

Final-year is overrated

Yes! I said that. Apart from the project that'll be submitted; don't get too excited about it. Yes… I know the feeling, and I've been there before. But, trust me, the hype isn't necessary. If you aren't in your final year, don't worry, you'll agree with me when you get there.

Many activities are organized for final year students, if you can afford them, it's totally fine! If you can't, please don't borrow. It's not worth it. Sounds like I didn't participate in final year activities, right? I did… And now, I wish I didn’t. Those clothes I sewed are sitting pretty in my wardrobe. If you can’t afford everything, stay with the ones you can conveniently afford.

Maximize people

At every stage of our lives, we're all surrounded by people. Be it a volunteer role, an association you belong to, your classmates, members of your faculty and department, always maximize them.

As much as you can do, leave positive impressions with people. Be a valuable addition to any team you find yourself.

“Every day we live life on a stage, we have an uninvited audience observing and watching… At a critical point, they’ll speak for or against you. Be deliberate about how you live.” - Ibukun Awosika

We’ve all come across people that have left a bad impression on us. Don’t be such a person!

Pursue Excellence

Whatever you do, wherever you are, let excellence motivate you. Fine, you’re in University and you may not even have as many opportunities or platforms as you think you should. Notwithstanding, let excellence drive you. Always be ready to put in the work, put in your best into any activity you’re involved in.

“If you do well, people will remember you.” Oprah Winfrey

Be it your grades, business, leadership positions, always put in your best. Never misuse any opportunity for service that you have.

To conclude, your University years can be memorable and interesting. While these tips may not be a one size fits all approach, I am certain they'll be of great help to you.

To everyone that has walked this four-week journey with me, I'm grateful. Especially if you aren't even an undergraduate, thank you! I know time is of much essence and you chose to spend some minutes of yours with me.

Did you notice we had no action point today? It's really simple: Get a friend to read this article!

I can’t wait to hear your feedback. Thank you and I'll see you in the comments section.