Five Things I Wish I Did Better While In School

If you're still in school or about to get in, you are in the best place to read this piece. Here are five things I wish I knew back in university

Firstly, I want to congratulate you. You're in the best place of your life. I know a lot of people can't wait to be done with school and start your life dreams and aspirations.

That's great but trust me, this is the best place and time you can ever be in.

When I got into University, I had zero plans and expectations. It was just the next step after secondary school.

Personally didn't see the need for it or maybe I didn't struggle much to be in school. Who knows?

Maybe if JAMB had jammed me mercilessly, I might have cherished the moment or I just didn't see it as important as I see it now. I have no regrets though. But I wish I took it seriously.

Well just for the record, I wasn't wayward or nonchalant with academics. I just wish I did more. I never had a carryover but I knew I could have performed better than I did.

If I could do it all over again, here are five things I would do differently. If you are in school or about to get in, you should consider these things. Five years from now, you would be glad you did.

1. Chosen a different school

Most times we settle for schools based on they gave us admission or proximity to home. That's wrong. I am a proud alumnus but if I could do it again I won't attend the same school.

Your school speaks volumes. I would have attended a private school with a good network or maybe fought to school abroad. See, some schools open doors that you might never have access to otherwise.

As you make that crucial decision, please remove cost, proximity, or friends from your mind and focus on the prestige attached to that institution.

If you're in school already, no regrets. You can still make the most of it by following the next four things to note. Please, I'm not underrating any institution but we both know the truth on this matter.

2. Aim for good grades

Cliche right? But it's the truth. I had no clear degree I wanted to come out of school with. I knew I was never going to craft a CV or even apply for a job. To me, the certificate would merely be handed to my mom as appreciation. But if I had known, I would have been more focused.

I wish I made a first-class, oh boy, I doubt I would be in this country at this moment. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Make that first class. It is still a glorified act.

Please note that you're not getting it so you can get a good job. Far from that. You get it so you can be in certain circles when the time comes.

3. Network

I failed woefully in this regard. Back in year one, I think the first semester, virtually, everyone knew me at some point. I had a silly dream to be known in each room in halls of residence.

During clearance, people thought I would be running for politics or something. I was that influential.

Then came the second semester, I became a worker in the vineyard, and there went all my vibes for the “things of the world”.

The only people I knew were my fellowship members and course mates. The once jovial guy became a shy introvert.

Notwithstanding, I was still well known in fellowship. Thinking back now, I know I blew my chances.

How else can you have access to over a million people of the same age grade in one location at a time? Doubt you can.

Young one, now is the time to build a solid network. Those course mates of yours would be the leaders, celebs, influencers tomorrow. Today, I see people we attended school together doing great things and I'm glad. A tiny part of me wishes we had interacted better back then. Build that network now.

4. Explore your creative side.

From a tender age, I love speaking and writing but never used that. I remember a while back, someone messaged me and said he had no clue I could write back in school. I understand his point.

I probably should have joined the editorial department in my fellowship or began a newsletter outlet in school but no.

I pushed the thought aside. At least one of my articles got featured in a magazine but that was in my final year.

For speaking, I could have asked for opportunities to speak. I know a course mate who was on the radio at the time. I saw his AD on the notice board couple of times but never occurred to me to reach out to him. Today, he has worked with IK. Who knows where I would be now if I had honed my skills back then.

Dear young one, University is the ideal place to get to know yourself and start exploring your creativity. Make the most of that phase.

5. Start a side hustle.

Balancing business and school is tedious but worth it in the end. Reminds me of Ochuko, my friend. One time he went out to get a pair of trousers, the price was high. He simply bought material and returned home. Right in front of me, he cut the material and made a trouser he wore for the lecture that day.

Two things happened, he was able to save money and then got other students to request he made wears for them. His room was a market most times. Today he's doing great stuff.

Dear young one, it's not too early to start a business. Shey employers are always looking for people with five years of experience? Use your undergraduate years to build that experience.

There you go, five things I wish I did back in school. If you're a graduate already, don't feel bad about it. You can still make the next years the best years of your life. Like we heard all last month, We MOVEEEEE!!!!!!

You got here.

Thanks a bunch for navigating through. I hope you learned something from this slide.

Feel free to send a message if you have questions or need assistance on getting any of these correctly.

Cheers

James Iroro

Director, Inkgenius Consult