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Being a college student in a Nigerian public university can be both interesting and enjoyable, but the stress that comes with it is on a different level.
As a graduate, I experienced the joy of getting admitted to my preferred school and studying my preferred course. However, once the initial pride wears off, the reality of being a university student can double your stress.
This article will explore different options for students to gain work experience while pursuing their undergraduate studies. 
Challenges Faced by Students in College
Challenges faced by Nigerian students on campus deserve to be studied independently. The system is quite rigid. From attending classes at unreasonable hours, paying excessive fees, deliberate mass failure, and let’s not forget the difficult lecturers who seem to be put on campus to make life as a student miserable.
However, as Nigerians, we have accepted this as our norm. Wearing it as a badge of honour for overcoming these obstacles and achieving good results. It is seen as the challenges involved in acquiring a higher education degree.
Activities to Engage in while in College
Many students are not aware that the school community offers numerous developmental opportunities. As students, our main focus is to graduate and enter the job market as soon as possible. However, this approach often leads to problems later on, as we rely solely on our certificates when looking for a job. Forgetting that experience is crucial in today’s world.
It’s difficult to find a job without work experience, as most positions require at least a year of experience in the field. That said, you can gain experience while still in school by asking the right questions, socializing with the right crowd, and staying well-informed.
Options for Students to Gain Work Experience While Still Pursuing Their Undergraduate Studies
- School broadcasting station
- The literary club
- The Rotary Club
- NGOs
- Learn a digital skill
- Visit the school counseling unit
- Participate in school politics
- Join a mentorship program or find a mentor for yourself
- Build a strong network of people
- Online internship programs
1. The College Broadcasting Station
Many colleges have their own broadcasting station, similar to a radio station. One of the best places for students to work is the school’s Media Department. If you are interested in media, working there can be highly beneficial for you.
In addition to gaining experience, it can open up numerous opportunities for you. You’ll have the chance to meet professionals in the field who can serve as your mentors.
2. The College Literary Club
If you are not a student in the Art department, particularly the English Language department, you may not be aware that there is a literary club. The literary club oversees everything related to the literary world, including creative writing, debates, and other forms of writing.
For aspiring writers, joining the literary club can be a great step towards advancing your career. It provides training and practical activities to help you develop your writing and communication skills, which are highly sought after in today’s job market.
3. The Rotary Club
The Rotary Club is a very popular organization in the university community. Although many students are not aware of this fact. The Rotary Club helps individuals to make professional connections, acquire new skills such as project management, and also nurture their leadership skills.
4. NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)
Surprised to find NGOs on the list? Don’t be. Some NGOs work with the school community. A friend of mine worked with an NGO when he was still an undergraduate, and that experience paved the way for his success.
Although some schools may not have them, you can research their availability in your college. If there are any, don’t hesitate to apply to them.
5. School Politics
Not everyone might be interested in getting involved in school politics, but participating in and holding a position in the university community has its benefits. Putting this on your CV and portfolio can give you an edge because holding a position showcases your leadership abilities.
6. Learn a Digital Skill
We live in a digital world. Don’t let your smartphones and PCs become just devices for watching TV dramas. There are numerous skills to learn on the internet. Enroll in online courses; it’s crucial.
Find a skill you’re passionate about and develop it. Even if you have financial constraints, there are free courses available on some platforms. Having a digital skill in today’s world is as valuable as gold. You can acquire skills in web design, graphic design, SEO, writing, and more.
7. Get Yourself a Mentor
When I was a freshman, a friend asked me if we could meet one of our lecturers for mentorship. I declined because I was not informed about how relevant having a mentor can be to my personal growth and I regretted that decision. Having a mentor while in school is something many people overlook. However, having a mentor can have a major impact on your personal development.
These are people who have gained a lot of experience, both in failures and successes, and will gladly teach you what they have learned and guide you away from paths that may be detrimental to you.
To choose a mentor, you can research any person of your choice. It could be your lecturers or someone you admire and respect. Go to them and ask how they can help you in your personal development. Trust me, they will be happy to help. You just need to be the person who takes the first step.
8. Build a Strong Network with People
Life is about networking, and this is something every undergraduate should know before graduation. Although we spend a lot of time socializing with people in different places, such as work, social events, and neighborhoods, many young people do not realize the importance of networking during their prime years.
Networking provides the opportunity to build strong relationships with others. Roommates, classmates, dorm and hostel mates, and lecturers are all valuable connections for students to tap into.
Although you may not understand it now, being able to relate well with lecturers and form good relationships beyond the classroom walls is valuable, especially when you need reference letters for future endeavors from your university.
9. Visit the School Counseling Unit
The school counseling sector caters to students’ welfare, including mental health support and career counseling. If you are unsure about which career path to take, you can reach out to the school counseling unit for assistance.
10. Search Online for Internship Programs
While most internships are unpaid, they provide valuable learning experiences. Though you might not be earning money, you are gaining wisdom and developing yourself to a point where you can be proud of your accomplishments.
As you grow in experience, don’t hesitate to apply for paid positions, but also consider taking on unpaid opportunities to gain experience and pave the way for your future.
Keep in mind that employers prefer candidates who possess prior knowledge of the task at hand. So demonstrating your skills and expertise will greatly increase your chances of getting a call back from a job interview.
In Conclusion,
As an undergraduate in the Nigerian school system, balancing academics with extracurricular activities can be challenging, but the outcome is fulfilling and rewarding. While you can seek a paid position as you progress, don’t be too proud to work for free; doing a fine job for free can also be valuable.
These are things I wish I had known when I was in university. I believe I would have excelled right after graduation and made a significant impact. However, it’s better late than never.
I am currently learning and growing, albeit a little later than I’d prefer. Whether you’re a graduate or an undergraduate, you can change your narrative now by seizing opportunities while you still can.
