NAVIGATING THE FINAL LAP - A GUIDE FOR FINAL YEAR STUDENTS

By Akano A’ishat

It’s not just an ordinary flex when you mention you are a final-year student; there is a lot of pride and style that comes with it. Is it turning four years into six, five into seven, or six into eight? While much of our young adult years are invested in obtaining that degree, numerous lessons have been learned. From the challenges your lecturers put you through, long hours of classes, deadlines to meet, meetings to attend, and countless errands to run—believe me, if you haven't gained wisdom from all this, you may never do. After spending all this time and effort in school, it's worth acknowledging: "President General, I salute you." You did well, but the race isn't over yet.

Now, let’s get down to business. As final-year students near the conclusion of their university journey, emotions run high. From the struggle to secure a bed space in private or school hostels (for those living on campus) to the realization that you are closest to entering the bigger world. Some may realize they are about to leave school with little more than a degree, while others may regret not doing more stepping out, networking more, and being more involved. Some may feel like they've merely achieved a milestone at the age of 22. While I point out these facts, I don’t intend to judge anyone's achievements. Not everyone will leave school with glass slippers. Some may have one, some none, while others may have better prospects of getting theirs later.

This point marks a crucial juncture. It’s not just about completing the academic session but also about filling the gaps where there are loopholes. It’s about retracing your steps and ensuring all course requirements are met. Do you have the required total units registered and passed before graduation (side-eye)? Do you still have copies of all those forms you filled out and submitted in the 100 level (side-eye)? Have you completed all necessary registrations—Jaja, Kenneth Dikeh Library (another side-eye)? Looking back at our time in school, we realize there were a few things we weren’t informed about and, unfortunately, didn’t discover ourselves. One of them is paying attention to every detail. If you find yourself not meeting some basic requirements, it's essential to gather all necessary documents promptly, as they will be needed sooner rather than later. Also, prepare yourself for the potentially overwhelming clearance process to wrap it all up.

Even if you believe you have all the knowledge needed for the rest of your time in school, there’s no denying there are still things you are unaware of unless this is your second time in your final year. Balancing academics, social life, work, and future planning can be overwhelming for a final-year student. It’s essential to develop effective ways to manage your time, and stress, and strike a balance between hard work and self-care. The first habit to master is organizing your time efficiently. Start your day by identifying the tasks you need to accomplish. Utilize a to-do list or planner tools to track your commitments, schedules, and deadlines. This will boost your productivity and allow ample time for rest.

While the final year opens doors to various opportunities, some doors may close. If you’re considering joining new organizations or clubs at this stage, it might be too late as some organizations decline acceptance to final-year students. However, this doesn’t limit the other fields you can explore. You can volunteer for organizations open to all students, explore internship opportunities, or attend workshops and seminars. As you approach graduation, prepare yourself to transition into adulthood. The opportunities you’ve seized during your time in school can serve as stepping stones. Begin identifying your career interests and align your activities accordingly. Research organizations and job opportunities that match your interests. Tailor your CV or resume to reflect your chosen field. Yes, CV and resume—I said it right. By now, you should have one. However, if entrepreneurship is your calling, start building your brand now. School is a fertile ground for marketing your business. Now, everyone knows everyone.

As we move towards the climax of your final days on campus, the final year project represents the pinnacle of an undergraduate student’s journey. Start your project, or if you’re at an advanced stage, your dissertation or thesis early. Ensure your topic is one you’re passionate about, seek guidance from your supervisors, and utilize reliable resources such as previous theses, libraries, and the internet.

If you plan effectively, your last days as an undergraduate will undoubtedly be enjoyable. As you work, take breaks, and savour the experience. Create a bucket list and note down things you’d like to do before it’s over. You’ve grown immensely—give yourself credit for that.