UCSI Co-Operative Report 2009

Career preparations
Your three-year plan
As resources for self-enhancement and career planning become more accessible,
employers’ expectations also increase, and so will the competition. Here’s a guide on how
to gain an edge and make the most of your time at university – from your first to final year.
Year 1
So you’re a first-year student – there should still be plenty of
time to sit back and have fun, right Well, doing something
worthwhile and having fun are not mutually exclusive.
Know yourself – Find out about your personal qualities,
what you like, what you care about, what you’re good at,
what excites you, what you think is important etc. The
Co-Operative Education and Career Services Unit
(CECS) offers workshops that help you learn about the
various industries and prepare for future employment. Make
good use of these workshops and find your passion! Only then
will you know what you want to look for.
Get involved – Once you set foot on the university campus,
you will be presented with a variety of extra-curricular activities
– interest clubs, student societies, sports teams, enrichment
programmes etc. The choices can be overwhelming. Try to
strike a balance in what you participate in. If you join three
sports teams, it may give the impression that you’re not wellrounded.
Don’t hesitate to step up and run for a position in an
executive committee or in voluntary work. It will provide you
with great opportunities to develop leadership and team skills
that will serve you well in your personal development and also
will be what employers look for. You can also consider joining
a competition to challenge yourself, and find out how your
talents and skills compare to those of your peers.
Think ahead – Think about how you can use your extra
time and academic break to give your portfolio a boost. Find
a part-time job; and even if it’s not directly related to your
career aspirations, it will help you develop transferable skills.
Take up a leadership role in these activities if possible. The
experience of leading and organising activities is something
that employers look for that will serve you well in your
personal development.
20 I UCSI University Co-Operative Education Report 2009