Hey Outlier,
The second month of 2020 is about winding down and I’m sure those who resumed their Masters degree in January have settled in now. Maybe you’ve had some great experiences and a few not-so-great ones. I can relate. We understand how what you earlier imagined might not be what you’ve experienced so far – from school life to getting a part-time job plus juggling multiple priorities here and there – it can be a lot.
On the subject of priorities, it is important that you’re not distracted at this point in your time in the UK. There are many things that would demand your time and you’ve got to prioritise, prioritise effective time management and divide your workload into personal deliverable timelines. This article is really just saying one or two things that might help out and is based on our interaction with most of you in the community.
Generally, your academic work is your primary aim here and should come first. Push yourself out of your comfort zone in everything related to your schoolwork. Could you start working on that assignment now, or take up responsibility for that group work even if your mates are nonchalant about it? Use every online and library resource provided by your institution and always ask your tutors well-thought-out questions when you’re confused because when you get that distinction, you get it for life! Afterwards, you will be able to look back and be happy about the efforts you put into it. Another point to make here is that – such efforts and steps taken are examples that you might have to talk about in an interview someday. This has personally helped me.
Also, on job applications in the UK: understandably, it can be daunting when putting in job applications. Applying for jobs can be a full-time job on its own – with having to prepare your application, work on your Cv, do online tests and all sorts. This doesn’t apply to the UK job market alone. It is important that you don’t see success as something you pursue but as something you are becoming. This means that we need to work on ourselves to become valuable and not easily replaceable.
If I asked some international students what skills are you bringing for the job you want, the answer might likely contain basic skills. But this is the 21st century, and there’s a need to upskill. I once applied for a job and had conversations with the recruiter via email. She said they were not going to sponsor a visa for that role, I was curious and asked why because I saw that they had a sponsorship license. She replied that they are only able to offer sponsorship for skill sets that are significantly in demand. So rather than just applying, I think it is worth spending time to do research in your interested career field and build up your skills. There are many free and paid online courses that can be of help. But I would encourage you to use the free time to develop yourself.
In addition to this, please don’t live in isolation. Learn how to network and be part of a community, which is why we have The Outliers Circle. You only get some information by virtue of your relationships and connections. Lastly, a well-known quote from the movie Akeelah and the Bee came to mind – “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” What are you afraid of? Wake up and face your fears.
See you in our next article!
Shola.