As a well-known LinkedIn influencer, Nazrul Irfanradi acts as the main resource for his followers inside the LinkedIn app. Many students in Malaysia’s higher education institutions look forward to him because he actively built his profession while still completing his studies at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) through his position as a Maybank Student Ambassador. He is currently employed with Nestlé Malaysia as an Executive (Service Specialist).
Fast Action, Fast Result
Image via Nazrul Irfanradi
I took the road less traveled and that has made all the difference.
Nazrul Irfanradi, Service Specialist (Executive)
He encourages students to start working towards their goals as early as they can. Here are the things he wished someone had told him during his first year of study.
1. Start Drafting Resumes
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When do students usually start working on their resume? Usually by the end of their studying period, just before they start their internship. However, Nazrul Irfanradi suggested students start drafting their resumes at the earliest chance they have.
This way, they will be aware of the areas to be improvised, and concentrate more on those lacking ones. Do not leave everything’s preparation till the last year. It will lead to inadequate information and by the time they realize that, it will be too late for improvements.
2. Join University’s Career Fairs
Image via Asia Pacific University
It has sort of become a norm that students should only be active during their final year. The early years of study are for adapting and having fun. True, but if you have big goals, do you think you will have enough time to gather enough experience by the end of your studying era? Join the university’s career fairs so that you can become more aware of the demands of the market and your career path.
3. Use LinkedIn Actively
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In order to demonstrate improvement over the course of your three years of study, join LinkedIn in your first year of college. As soon as your profile is complete, start networking actively. Make the most of your account and begin creating those essential connections instead of just letting it sit idle. You will be able to network and make relations earlier on in the process if you do it this way.
4. Get Busy With Industry-Related Programmes
Image via LinkedIn
To get industrial knowledge from your goal industry, you must enroll in industry-related programmes as well as college and faculty programmes. Students who do this will have more time to improve themselves. If you do this, by the end of your studying period, you can just focus on maintaining your performance as you have already grasped the idea of working since you have made mistakes earlier in your first year.
5. Learn Industry-Related Skills
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Learning soft and practical skills relevant to the industry is crucial in addition to academic endeavors. The employability of students can be greatly improved by their proficiency with software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, WordPress, and Facebook Ads management. Likewise, in order to address the demands of the future workplace, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills should be developed early.
Nazrul Irfanradi highlights that, regardless of the year you are currently in, it is never too late to begin learning anything new. However, it is always recommended to begin as soon as possible. Remember that you are allowed to go at your own pace. The choice is in your hands. Hence, you decide when is the best time to make a move.
