When I started my Master’s at Durham, I was eager to make the most of my experience, just like everyone else. Yet this eagerness was also accompanied by a sense of anxiety towards trying new things. But during one of the orientation sessions, our program director said one thing, “don’t be a minimum guy”. What he meant by that was not to limit yourself by only doing the bare minimum. This stuck with me and ever since then, I have tried to take on new experiences to make the most of my time at Durham University.
The reason I am writing this blog is to help anyone else who, just like me, doesn’t want to be a “minimum guy” but is struggling with ideas to try new things.
Career fairs and events
Attending career fairs might seem like an obvious step, but it’s one of the best ways to meet people and expand your understanding of the job market. I know these events can feel intimidating, especially if you’re still trying to figure out what’s next. But trust me, going out there and talking to people is one of the most effective ways to grow your understanding.
Clubs and societies
This one might be a bit obvious, but joining clubs and societies has been a great way for me to socialise while also pursuing something new and exciting. It’s a great way to break out of a mundane routine and has also allowed me to try new things.
LnT Sessions
If you keep an eye on your email, you’ll notice plenty of sessions hosted by the LnT department. These workshops often focus on academic and professional development, helping students build their professional skills. Since attending these sessions, I’ve realised they cover topics we often don’t know but are too shy to ask about—like how to craft an impressive CV or ace an interview. Honestly, I used to feel like these were things everyone just magically knew, without anyone ever teaching you how.
I’ve realised this is the best time to make the most of my LinkedIn profile. So don’t let it fall behind and keep updating. Moreover, you can use LinkedIn to stay in touch with people you meet during career fairs and other events and also connect with your professors.
Have fun
As you balance everything together, it can be quite easy to forget the most important step of them all, which is… having fun, and there are plenty of options for that here. My personal favourite has been visiting the Cat Cafe!
I hope you find these tips useful as you start your Durham journey!
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