All the Gilmore girlies have probably heard of “Operation Finish Line”. This is Paris Geller’s scheme of preparation for graduation, and although she deals with it *slightly* intensely, it is still a great way to make the most of the opportunities that university life can offer. Uni not only provides freedom, but also possibilities to get involved and to build your CV in the most beneficial way possible.
Whether it may be a poster plan on your wall, or whiteboards and post-it notes above your desk, all are great ways to stay organised. Here are a few ideas from my own Operation Finish Line to give you inspiration.
Get through *insert class here*
I’m not kidding, the first item on my list is to survive my stats class, my weakest subject. Developing an elaborate study plan can be really helpful to push through those final weeks before your exams. This has been really helpful for me in studying for my final exams (stay tuned to see how that goes…)
Get Involved in a Society
Societies are great ways to make friends, meet different people and to develop new hobbies that are manageable alongside your studies. Constantly working can be draining, and it can be easy to forget to socialise, which is exactly what clubs and societies provide. Make time for a bit of fun!
While you’re busy being involved in a society, why not take a step further and join a committee? Not only does this show employers that you have organisation and leadership skills, but being in charge can provide you with a newly-found confidence.
Get Involved in Activism
While you don’t have a professional reputation to uphold, go out there and make some noise! Find a cause you are passionate about and make your voice be heard. Protesting for a meaningful cause can be a truly rewarding experience.
Book a trip abroad
If you’re anything like me, the furthest you’ve travelled is from Scotland to Wales… once… when you were 3 years old. Get that passport ready and go on an adventure! Whether you choose to study abroad for a semester, organise a backpacking holiday, or go on a field trip for your course; all promise new experiences and a lot of fun. Save up for that trip and make the most of your freedom!
Book a careers appointment
I know, I know, career appointments can seem daunting. In high school, they often tell us to do the opposite of what we’re interested in. However, universities provide free careers services, so why not give it a go? It there is a study area you are interested in and see a potential career within, why not get some free advice?
Network
We are always being told that networking is important, but we are rarely told how it works. Career fairs in LinkedIn are very useful. Seriously, LinkedIn is such an underused professional tool. Bulk out your profile, add people to your network that may provide careers you’re interested in, and just message them! I’m not kidding, one of my proudest achievements is getting ghosted by the director of Blue Planet…
But on a more serious note, accumulating a list of useful contacts can lead to incredible opportunities.
Volunteer
Volunteering can be truly meaningful, whether it’s an outreach project at a school, hosting museum tours, or doing charity work. Not does it look good on your CV, but it can also be great fun. Taking part in events you are passionate about is an incredible opportunity. Also, the plus side is that it doesn’t have to be relevant to your degree or career path! Love animals but study Divinity? Host tours in the zoology building to practice your presentation skills. Passionate about consent but you study Marine Biology? Make speeches in schools about the importance of communication in relationships. It is important to maintain passions outside of your study area and to make time for the things you love. You’ve got this!