4 Things University Never Taught Me

Professors teach you a lot that you don't know, but there are a few things that could have been useful before entering the true "adult" years. Saving money, software, networking—all things you kind of learn in college, but don't learn enough about to be useful. If I could go back, I would spend more time trying to understand these things on my own terms instead of being distracted by Facebook, Instagram and all that.

1. Excel, PowerPoint and Other Work-Place Tools
   There are multiple programs that are crucial to understand for a lot of positions. As a graduate of Business Administration, it's hard to come across a job that doesn't at least require some experience in Excel. Some universities do have programs in first-year that introduce students on how to use excel and other word programs, but first-year is possibly the worst time to train someone in such a matter. For my major in particular, I was never required to use excel practically, but all of the job positions I see in Finance, HR, Marketing, Administration and likes, these tools are absolutely crucial. These programs can be expensive to attain per student, but larger universities need to invest more in what programs they are weaving into the curriculum. Thankfully, I learned these programs along the way without the help of professors or the university, but it was still a challenge to teach myself through. Thanks to some of my friends, Dennis, Ibrahim, and a few others.

2. Networking and Interview Skills
   Most universities in the Nigeria require that you take a class in Communication, usually the GSTs, but that class really doesn't prepare you for a real world interview. Seriously, all I did in my GSTs and other communication inclined classes were to write attendance, eat egg-roll and sleep when I am dosing. Temisan Olanike, Maryann and Gladys can relate to this. The irony is that we will still have an "A" in the course. It's not an effective class and feels kind of pointless after you've got that final grade and throw away everything you learned. Although it's more work, students should be required to go to networking events on campus or interview seminar events where they can learn how to prepare for a real world career. It may irritate some students and would have irritated me without a doubt, but it's something that's necessary. It's something I wish faculty and university leaders made me participate in during my undergrad. Thanks to Nene who taught me a lot on these.

3. How to Create a Proper CV, Cover Letter, and likes
   Nothing is worse than not creating a good looking CV or not being able to construct the perfect cover letter that represents everything you are. It's difficult. Without spending hours looking through online guides and samples of CVs and cover letters, most people would be lost on something as simple as formatting. There are resume building events you can attend, but most people don't go to them or don't have the time, and then they're wondering how to create the best CV after they've graduated. Please, Universities, require students to practice CV and cover letter writing in a foundation writing class. And don't make it just theoretical when you want to do oh. Please.

4. Knowing where to Start on the Job Hunt (What salary is Worthy, What Jobs Match your Skills)
   Finding a job that fits your skill set and pays you what you deserve isn't easy. For fields that have a more direct route, it might be less complex, but for people who do not have a direct field to fall into, the job hunt feels like torture. Coming out of Universities at my early twenties, I wasn't prepared for the job hunt. I didn't think about the questions "what am I worth being paid?' or "is this job worthy of my degree?" But, these questions are all crucial. If you've put time, money, and hard work into a degree or certification, you deserve a job that respects that and obliges to your level. At one point, I was willing to work for free and pretend it was an internship, just to gain experience. Once you're a graduate, you shouldn't have to fall below what you deserve. No one in college taught me that or taught me how to match a job with my degree. You'd think it'd be obvious, but itt can be more complicated than that in a stingy economy. But thank God I have learned quite a lot recently in this area.

Seriously, if you're still in college, take advantage of that amazing free time you have and put it to use by learning all the things you need to know once you leave University.

What else you ought to learn that your University never taught you? Share your thoughts.

Original Copy by The Odyssey

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