Stepping into university often feels like stepping into a new world a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and endless possibilities. It’s a phase where some students discover their inner potential, while others feel lost in the maze of choices. Yet, these four years are perhaps the most transformative period of life  the time to prepare yourself for the future you dream of.

Two students from Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) Akib Ibn Saeed, a recent graduate now working at Eastern Bank PlC, and R H Rafi, a final-year student shared their experiences of shaping themselves during campus life. Their journeys remind us that success in university is not defined by grades alone, but also by the skills, networks, and mindset one builds along the way.

Clubs: Where learning goes beyond classrooms

For Akib, half of his success is rooted in club activities. “I was active in different clubs during school and college: BNCC, scouts, debating, and cultural organisations. So, naturally, I was drawn to university clubs,” he says.

Balancing academics and extracurriculars is often seen as a challenge. But Akib found it rewarding. “We used to do club activities during hangout hours, and when it was study time, we focused entirely on academics,” he adds.

From organising events to managing teams, these experiences prepared him for real-world challenges with leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence-building. As Akib reflects, club activities helped him cover his weaknesses and gave him the courage to face bigger responsibilities.

CGPA is the ticket, skills are the journey

In Bangladesh, CGPA is often treated as the ultimate benchmark of success. But both Akib and Rafi take a broader view.

“CGPA is the ticket to get on the bus of success. Skills are what take you to your destination,” Akib explains. In other words, maintaining a decent CGPA is necessary to grab opportunities, but thriving in the real world demands strong skills.

Rafi echoes this: “Communication skills are vital. Many think it’s about flattery, but it’s really about making others understand what you want whether it’s your boss, your client, or your colleagues.”

The skills that make you stand out

From Akib and Rafi’s experiences, here are some skills every student should focus on:

Communication skills: The ability to express ideas clearly and listen actively.

Public speaking: Overcoming stage fright through debates, presentations, or cultural events.

Event management: Learning teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving through organising programmes.

Technical skills: Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, design tools, or even programming  skills that set your CV apart.

Money management: Learning to earn and manage money through tutoring or freelancing, building financial discipline early.

The final year: preparing for transition

As students approach graduation, Rafi emphasises one often-overlooked tool: LinkedIn. “Your LinkedIn profile is your digital identity. It should reflect your skills, achievements, and career goals,” he advises.

He also suggests publishing academic papers or engaging in research from early on. This not only strengthens your academic profile but also opens doors for higher studies abroad.

Internships, CV preparation, and interviews also become crucial in this phase — providing the real taste of professional life.

Resilience: The key ingredient

University life is never a straight road. It’s full of hurdles and setbacks. But resilience makes all the difference. As Akib puts it: “Obstacles will come, but you must learn from them and move forward.”

For him, business was a passion project, while a job became a learning platform. He believes that no effort ever goes in vain if pursued with sincerity and purpose.

A message for freshers

University is a place where you can achieve or miss countless opportunities. The difference lies in your choices. Akib and Rafi’s stories highlight one truth: discover your interests, plan step by step, and keep moving forward despite challenges.

So, for those just stepping into this world, the message is clear don’t get discouraged. Instead, embrace this adventure of self-discovery, because the person you become in these four years will define the path ahead.