I assume by now you will have been bombarded with introduction lectures, careers lectures and all sorts of other information sessions. Whether you are first year or fourth year believe it or not but you will use all of that information. I know that you will feel like you just want to get on with the core modules of the subject you are studying but being at university isn’t all about the degree, it’s about building up graduate and personal skills. I know when I sat through a careers talk in first year I thought that it was way too early to be taking the information away with me and using it, I mean I was only in first year right?

Right! But I still use the information on CV writing, presenting and even how to write a proper letter now. What I’m trying to say is think of the bigger picture here. If you are first year you only have three years and you will be finished your degree! Try thinking back to year 11, it doesn’t seem that long ago does it? But that was a whole three years ago. Look at how quickly times goes, so why not use that time to help your future self. Take the information away with you, even if you don’t use it straight away I guarantee you will use it throughout the degree. Sign up to workshops put on by outside staff from careers or public lectures, because they might just be the tools you need to get the job you want or the contacts that’s lead you on to your employer. Just because you don’t know what you want to do for your career yet doesn’t mean you can’t start putting some things in place, or laying down a carpet of skills that cover a range of areas. Don’t leave everything till last minute; you definitely won’t thank yourself for it.

Psychology blogger

Jessica Temple