Leveraging my school to gain professional experience and make valuable connections

When I joined National Defence University, I faced a tough decision - whether to go for morning or evening classes. The morning classes would be with people my age. In contrast, the evening classes had a more diverse and professional demographic, including in-service defence professionals, diplomats, public sector professionals, and other students. I ultimately decided on the evening classes because learning from experienced professionals would enrich me better in the long run.

Attending evening classes not only enriched my academic knowledge but also expanded my professional horizons. With the flexibility of evening lectures, I was able to pursue work internships during the day, attend industry events and network with experts in my field.

Here are some key things that helped me stay on top of things:

1. Attend and Actively participate in all the classes: This may sound like a no-brainer, but attending all the courses is essential to make the most of your education.

2. Take notes: Taking notes during lectures and asking questions as needed helped me to grasp concepts within the allotted time of the class.

3. Seek mentorship: Finding mentors can make all the difference in your academic and professional journey. I sought out mentors through professors, students in advanced semesters, and professionals in other departments.

4. Keep yourself updated: Keep yourself informed about the news and current affairs in your field, either through social media, news or the website of the organization you want to join.

5. Show interest: Show your interest in the things you want to do. This can open up doors to internships, opportunities, and networking because people would know your name when they'd hear about any opportunity.

6. Be persistent: Keep going even in the face of rejection. Persistence is vital to achieving your goals.

A photo of me by another team member during a university event

Managing academic commitments can be daunting, but I found a way to handle them effectively. I made it a point to attend all my classes and take thorough notes during lectures. To ensure I understood the concepts being taught, I asked questions when I needed clarification and tried my best to grasp the material during class. Doing so could save time and avoid spending hours outside trying to catch up.

It is also essential to keep an eye out for opportunities within the university, such as internships and events. These opportunities allowed me to network and gain valuable experience in my field. I clarified to my professors that I was interested in any opportunities they might know of. This led me to an internship with a TV show as a research and coordination assistant after my first semester, under the supervision of one of my professors, who was the executive producer and host of the program.

In the next semester, I found and applied for an internship at one of the major think tanks in Pakistan. Through that internship, I was able to meet and network with numerous researchers and retired and serving diplomats. I took the opportunity to learn from their experiences and stories, gaining valuable insights and knowledge to apply to my career. I was also active during department meetings, asking well-crafted questions and contributing my research-based input. (Key people always take notes, so give your best shot). This led to an exciting opportunity where I was asked to MC a couple of events hosting esteemed diplomats, government officials, and media professionals, giving me a gateway to new opportunities and networks.

Building relationships with mentors, peers and professionals in other departments was also crucial to my success at and after university. I joined the Media Society, which allowed me to attend events and expand my knowledge base, allowing me to network with other departments and enhance my skills. As a result, I had more time to connect and build relationships in my field. 

Then next, I secured an internship with the editorial team of the department's research journal. One of my teachers was an editor, and I expressed my interest and capacity to work with her, which allowed me to gain even more experience in the field and build my skills in a practical setting.

These experiences helped me learn and grow as a student and a professional. However, it was sometimes challenging. Sometimes I faced rejection and disappointment, but I kept moving forward. Persistence is the secret ingredient that can help you achieve your goals.

My success at university was mainly due to my dedication to my academic commitments and my commitment to building relationships within my field. 

All of the academic commitments and relationship management that I focused on during my time in school proved invaluable in pursuing my career goals. With the guidance of mentors and the networking opportunities I actively sought, I secured opportunities and built a strong foundation of experience in the field. These experiences also allowed me to gain insights into different industries and roles and develop a diverse set of skills that would prove highly desirable to employers.

After graduating, I was able to leverage this foundation of experience to secure a full-time position in a highly competitive industry, working for an international non-governmental organization (INGO). The skills and knowledge I had gained from my academic commitments and relationship management helped me excel in my new role, and I was able to hit the ground running from day one.

My journey has taught me that success is not just about achieving a single goal but a culmination of all the small steps and efforts we take. It is about consistently building and refining our skills, nurturing relationships, and remaining committed to personal and professional growth. 

Let me know how you like this and what you want to read next. 

Summary of Key Takeaways for Students: 

• Attend and actively participate in all classes

• Take thorough notes during lectures

• Seek mentorship while in school and after

• Keep yourself updated on news and current affairs in your field

• Show interest in the things you want to do

• Be persistent even in the face of rejection

• Look for opportunities within the university

• Network and build relationships with mentors, peers, and professionals in other departments in your university

• Join clubs or societies to expand your knowledge and network base

• Express your interest and capacity to work with experienced professionals and teachers

• Learn from the experiences and stories of professionals in the field