5 Things You Should Start Doing Before You Graduate
Graduation may feel like it’s far away — or way too close — but either way, it sneaks up faster than you think. One minute you’re in first year trying to find lecture halls, the next you’re holding a cap and gown wondering what comes next.
The truth is, uni isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s your launchpad. The choices you make before you graduate can massively shape your options after. So whether you’re in first year or final semester, here are 5 things you should absolutely start doing now — not later.
Start building a portfolio (even if you think you don’t need one)
You don’t have to be an artist, designer, or developer to have a portfolio. Every student — from business to science to media — has something they can showcase. A portfolio is just a collection of things you’ve worked on: class projects, case studies, volunteer work, internships, personal writing, research, anything that shows your growth.
You’re not just telling employers “I studied this,” you’re showing them “I’ve done things.”
It also helps with confidence. Once you start compiling your work, you’ll realize you know more than you think.
How to start:
Pick 3–5 pieces you’re proud of — even from class.
Upload them to Notion, Wix, or even a simple Google Drive folder.
Write 2–3 lines explaining each: what it is, what you did, and what you learned.
Network without being cringe
Networking is just making human connections — not pitching yourself like a walking resume. The earlier you start building a network, the more time you have to nurture real relationships.
This doesn’t mean cold emailing CEOs every weekend. It could be:
Staying in touch with a guest lecturer you liked
Asking a tutor about their path into academia
Connecting with an upperclassman who interned at a company you admire
Most jobs still come through people, not job boards.
How to start:
Create a LinkedIn if you haven’t already.
Add people after events, guest lectures, or seminars.
Send a short message like “Hey! I really appreciated your talk on X — would love to stay in touch.”
Learn how to learn (outside of class)
Most students are good at passing tests. But few are good at self-directed learning — the kind you’ll need after graduation when there are no syllabi or grades.
The best students (and professionals) aren’t just good at studying. They’re curious. They know how to teach themselves, how to dig into topics, and how to filter noise from value.
How to start:
Pick one interest unrelated to your major and study it for fun — could be coding, finance, UX, storytelling, AI tools, literally anything.
Use Duetoday AI to organize your learning: record online lectures, transcribe insights, create flashcards, and quiz yourself to stay sharp.
Don’t aim for perfection — aim to build the skill of exploring new ideas with structure.
Get real-world feedback (before it's too late)
Uni assignments often have clear rubrics. Real life doesn’t. Before you graduate, you want at least one experience where someone gives you real feedback — harsh, helpful, and honest.
This could be through an internship, freelance gig, volunteer project, or even submitting work online for review. The point is to get used to improving through iteration — not just chasing marks.
How to start:
Apply for a campus role or community project.
Ask someone in your field to review your CV, essay, or work.
Join student-run competitions where industry people give feedback.
Feedback builds your edge. Use uni as your safe place to make mistakes and get better.
Plan your “What’s next?” without spiraling
You don’t need to have your entire life mapped out — but you do need to start thinking ahead.
What kind of lifestyle do you want? What’s your ideal work environment? What do you enjoy doing when no one’s watching?
These questions matter more than “what job should I get?” A little direction now saves you years of wandering later.
How to start:
Journal or voice note what a dream day looks like for you in 5 years.
List 3 career paths that interest you — even if you don’t feel ready for them.
Talk to people in those roles (LinkedIn, alumni, online communities).
The earlier you explore, the less panicked you'll feel after graduation.
You don’t need to have everything figured out — just started
There’s no medal for graduating with a 5-year plan. But there is real power in taking small, intentional steps while you’re still a student.
Don’t wait until your final semester to ask, apply, or reflect. The smartest students aren’t always the ones with the best grades — they’re the ones who quietly started early.
Use your time now to test, explore, build, and connect. Even if you’re unsure where you’re headed, these 5 moves will make sure you’re not starting from scratch when uni ends.
FAQ
Do I need a portfolio even if I’m not in a creative field?
Yes! A portfolio just shows proof of work — like case studies, writing samples, research projects, or business plans. It’s relevant for most degrees.
What if networking makes me anxious?
Start small. You don’t have to attend big events. Just message one person you admire or talk to someone in your class with experience. Networking = relationships.
How can Duetoday AI help me prepare for life after uni?
Duetoday AI helps you organize lecture notes, transcribe meetings, and generate study guides or quizzes. You can use it for self-study, research, or preparing your job hunt materials.
I’m in first year. Is this stuff too early?
Not at all. Starting early doesn’t mean locking your future in — it just gives you more time to explore, test, and build confidence along the way.
What if I don’t know what I want to do after graduation?
That’s normal. Try different things now — internships, clubs, side projects — to learn what fits you. The goal is progress, not perfection.
