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Jeremy Yau, October 13 2021

three ways to maximize your university experience

When I entered university, I was overwhelmed by the amount of work and focus that I was required to put into my courses to obtain good grades. I honestly underestimated the amount of work that was required. But, as first year came to a close, I wasn't doing as well as I would like to have been - academically, physically, and mentally. I wasn't satisfied with the outcomes of midterms and assignments, especially with the amount of work I put in when studying for midterms and completing assignments. 

As I was completing my first year, I realized that the university was a place not only a place for academics, it was a place that would provide a multitude of opportunities to learn, grow, and discover one's passion for the world. It was a place where, if I got involved and "applied myself" smarter, I would slowly reap the benefits that the University of Ottawa would provide.  But, with the goal of better utilizing the resources at my school, I went down a multitude of rabbit holes researching what and how I can get involved, better my experiences at university, and what the university and I could do to mutual benefit from each other. Just to preface - this process actually took the entire year and even though I am in my fifth year of study, I am still discovering what the school has to provide and the various activities I can do to grow and give back to the Ottawa community.

So, with the goal of constantly giving back to the community, here are 3 tips to help maximize your university experience and make sure the path you are going down is the right one.

1. find the university program that meets your interests

As some of you may know, I started university in the Biotechnology program at the University of Ottawa. The Biotechnology program is a double degree and allows students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering. I completed one year in the program and decided that I was out. Out of chemical engineering for the least.

I staying in science for the next year and realized that it was a temporary fix. As much as I enjoyed research and learning about biology and chemistry - it was not right for me. I could not picture myself working in a lab for the rest of my life. 

So in the middle of my second semester I decided to switch into the Bachelor of Commerce in Healthcare Analytics program at the Telfer School of Management. Through this program, I have been able to combine my live for the health sciences, math, and research with business. Because of this program, I was able to meet some of my closest friends, participate in some amazing conferences and extra-curricular activities, and gain some valuable insight towards my career goals through the co-operative education program.

Deciding to switch faculties was something that was one hard thought, but maximizing on your university career means taking advantage of the flexibility and opportunity electives the university provides and not being afraid to switch into a program that you actually like!

For more information about the Healthcare Analytics program, visit the program website here. 

2. join and participate in extra-curricular activities

Universities (and other higher educational institutions) act as hubs for students to come and learn.  With large groups of students, it is only natural to have the desire to connect with students with similar interests and passions. With that being said, a way to maximize your university career and experience is to just join and participate in extra-curricular activities.

One of extra-curricular activities that really helps me level-up my university career, and better my university experience, is Enactus uOttawa. Enactus uOttawa is a social entrepreneurship club on campus that aims to use the power of entrepreneurship to create long-lasting impact on people and the planet. I have been apart of the team for 4 years now and have been able to step into and excel a role that is totally different from my program. This was through the roles Head of Member Engagement, Member Development Coordinator, and now the VP of Member Development within the Member Development team, the HR function of the entire Enactus uOttawa team.  But through this club, I was able to help contribute in building up entrepreneurs within the uOttawa and Ottawa community, divert plastic waste away from oceans and landfills, address the waste water crisis in indigenous communities, and help individuals who lack access to adequate and healthy foods.  

All in all, by participating in extra-curricular activities, you will not only be able to meet other like minded individuals, make some amazing friends (like the ones in the photo above!), you will be able to learn and apply knowledge gained from classes, give back to the school community, and make a positive and powerful impact on those around you. 

3. engage in professional development activities and events

The last way to maximize one's experience at university is to participate in professional development activities like resume reviews, networking events, and university co-op/internship programs.

Ever since transferring into the Healthcare Analytics program, I have had the opportunity to participate in the co-op education program provided to students with high academic achievement. With that being said, I have had the opportunity to partake in three 4-month terms, with 1 more in to be completed in the summer of 2022. Despite the 3 coop terms being completed during the COVID-19 pandemic,  I have truly learned a lot from my coworkers and gain experiences in science entrepreneurship, naval innovation, and in the creation of the continuous professional development activities and workshops. By participating in co-op/internship opportunities provided by the university, is a way of maximizing your university experience by being able to expand your personal and professional connections and better discern the future opportunities you wish to pursue.

conclusion

Maximizing your university experience means leveraging the opportunities provided to you by university to grow, make friends, discern your future path, and ultimately having a college experience that will last a lifetime. 

So. How will you maximize your university experience? 

Connect with me and let me know!

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Jeremy Yau

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