From First Year to Future Career - Growing Beyond the Classroom

When I first stepped onto campus, my biggest concern was finding my lecture rooms - not building a career. Like most freshers, I assumed career planning was something to worry about in final year when everyone starts panicking about grad jobs and assessment centres.

But within weeks, I had a realisation that completely changed my mindset:

You don’t have to wait until you graduate to start your career. You can start right now.

And no, I’m not some LinkedIn guru with a five-year plan and corporate connections. I’m just a first-year student figuring things out, learning as I go, and making the most of the opportunities around me. What I’ve discovered is that the small decisions you make today - in your first year - can shape your future in ways you don’t even realise yet.

Here’s exactly how I’m building my career while still in first year - and how you can too.

Find Your People - Your Career Starts with Community

University isn’t just about lectures and assignments - it’s about community. One of the best things you can do is join a society that aligns with your interests or career goals.

For me, that meant becoming a member of the Leeds Trading & Investment Society (LUUTIS) and writing for Leeds Finsights. These weren’t random choices - they gave me a chance to gain real-world experience outside the classroom.

At the Trading Society, I worked with a team managing a £1mn virtual portfolio. That’s right - a million. It was intense, fast-paced, and one of the best ways I’ve learned how financial markets work. Through Finsights, I’ve written articles on careers, finance, and student life, sharpening my communication skills and learning how to research effectively.

Here’s the thing - I wasn’t an expert when I joined. I didn’t have all the answers. But that’s exactly why I joined. Societies are one of the easiest, fastest, and most enjoyable ways to learn, grow, and meet like-minded people. Your network starts here.

Say Yes Before You Feel Ready - That’s Where Growth Happens

If I could give one piece of advice to any first-year student, it would be this: say yes before you feel ready.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve looked at an opportunity and thought, That’s probably for someone more experienced. But I’ve learned that if you wait until you feel fully prepared, you’ll be waiting forever.

In my first year alone, I’ve worked as a student ambassador, participated in the A4S Global Case Competition, and attended career workshops - things I never imagined doing this early on. Each of these experiences pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop skills I didn’t think I’d need so soon: teamwork, public speaking, decision-making, and resilience.

Confidence doesn’t come first - action does. The more you say yes, the more you grow.

Get on LinkedIn (Yes, Even If You Think It’s Too Early)

I used to think LinkedIn was only for graduates in suits and CEOs with fancy job titles. But I’ve learned that it’s one of the best tools for students - especially first-years.

I started with a simple profile: my course, society roles, part-time work, and volunteering experience. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start. Over time, I added articles I’d written, competitions I’d entered, and skills I was developing.

You don’t need to wait until you’ve achieved something “big” to start building your professional presence. Employers, mentors, and even fellow students are more likely to connect with people who show initiative early on.

Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just an online CV - it’s a space to tell your story and build your brand.

Your Degree Is the Foundation - You Build the Rest

It’s easy to think that your degree is everything. And while it’s important, the truth is - your qualification is just one piece of the puzzle.

Most students will leave uni with a degree. What makes you stand out is what you do beyond that. The societies you join, the projects you lead, the competitions you enter - these are the experiences that shape your personal and professional story.

Employers don’t just want good students. They want problem-solvers, team players, leaders, and effective communicators. Everything you do outside the lecture hall is a chance to develop those skills.

Final Thoughts – You’re Already in the Game

I’m not in my final year. I’m not a graduate. I’m a first-year student who realised early on that career building doesn’t have a start date - it’s happening right now, whether you realise it or not.

You don’t need a perfect plan. You don’t need to know exactly where you’re headed. But the small steps you take today - joining that society, applying for that opportunity, updating your LinkedIn - will shape the future you want.

You’re not “just a student.” You’re already becoming the person you want to be.

So why not start today?