6 habits every student should master before graduation

While students should always audit and analyse themselves and their progress often, there are some habits that they are best to adapt sooner than later.

All knowledge could be useful for something in the future, and it’s always great to have as many skills as possible.

Below are 6 common habits that students should master, improve upon or learn that will be useful throughout their professional and personal lives:

1. Properly speak and write

It is always best to leave a good impression, rather than a bitter mark. In today’s digitally-oriented world, many people often seek shortcuts to communications. Shortcuts can actually complicate communications. Extensive word usage should not be disregarded and grammar should be carefully considered.

2. Deliver a presentation and persuasion

It is a known fact that many people, even adults, suffer from speech anxiety. It is not unusual for the average person to detest public speaking.

Even if your desired career will not involve much public speaking or involvement with large amounts of people, you will still have to deliver your ideas effectively, sell yourself and the perspective you have. Fears can be controlled and managed with willpower and discipline.

3. Have a solid base of common knowledge and celebrate curiosity

There will be multiple chances to formulate substantial conversations, and when there is one, it is good to have valuable points, arguments and facts. Absorb the news, expand your sense of people’s needs and wants and create an understanding of current situations across the world. Cultivate your ideology. Question everything. Build your opinion, define your values, sharpen your knowledge, read often, analyse things closely and expand your vision. Allow the brain to absorb new information and see things that may have been overlooked.

4. Maintain posture amongst all types of people

Create a personal relationship with people. Know how to be a good listener, and know when to speak. Be sensitive to others’ cultural backgrounds. Formulate a way to deal with different people with complicated situations, views and issues. Also, a way to deal with others when danger might be present.

5. Carry the essentials

You never know if you’re going to cross someone that you always wished you could have networked with. Always carry a pen and possibly a notepad. You do not want to keep hunting for a pen when one is needed. A notepad is very useful when there are ideas floating, and they should be written down. Such ideas could inspire you sometime later in life, even leading to become a large project.

6. Own the basics

Know how to do basic operations: know how to cook one good meal, know how to iron and remove the stains of your clothing, know how to make a valid, powerful presentation, Know how to use the computer, etc.

Photo: Lead City High School, Ibadan