Written by: Joaquín Pinto, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Higher education can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it's not without its pitfalls. College/university students often make mistakes that can negatively impact their education and future career prospects.
In this article I will tell you about my experience in Boom Studies: we will be discussing the top five mistakes that higher education students make and how to avoid them. From not planning ahead to procrastination, these mistakes can lead to stress, poor performance, and missed opportunities.
By understanding these common pitfalls and taking steps to avoid them, students can set themselves up for success in college/university and beyond. Whether you're just starting college/university or are in your final year, this post will provide valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the college/university experience.
1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes that higher education students make is not planning ahead. This can include not planning out their class schedule, not creating a study schedule, and not planning out their finances. This can lead to stress and a lack of organization, making it harder to succeed in college/university.
2. Not Seeking Help
Many students are afraid to ask for help, whether it is from professors, peers, or tutors. This can lead to students struggling in classes and not understanding the material. It is important to remember that everyone needs help at some point and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Procrastination
One of the most common mistakes that college/university students make is procrastinating. Whether it be putting off studying for an exam or completing a paper, procrastination can lead to stress and poor performance. To avoid procrastination, it is important to set goals and deadlines for yourself and to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones.
4. Not Building a Network
College/university is not just about getting an education; it is also about building a network of contacts that can help you in your future career. Many students make the mistake of not networking with their peers, professors, and alumni. This can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of connections in the workforce.
5. Not Balancing Time
One of the most challenging aspects of college/university is balancing the demands of classes, work, and personal life. Many students make the mistake of dedicating all of their time to their classes, neglecting other important aspects of their life. It is important to find a balance between schoolwork and other commitments, such as internships, extracurricular activities, and family and friends.
Bonus
Not having a defined professional project (or at least a couple): because if we have clarity in what we want to do, we can guide our work, essays, presentations, etc., and gain knowledge and time to realize our project. It is worth looking for mentors both in the academic and professional fields to structure our project and even get ideas in case we are a little lost at the beginning.
In conclusion, higher education students can make many mistakes that can negatively impact their college/university experience. By planning ahead, seeking help, avoiding procrastination, building a network, and balancing time, students can set themselves up for success in college/university and beyond. Remember that college is a journey and it's important to enjoy it along the way.
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Joaquín Pinto, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
A serial entrepreneur, Joaquín led several enterprises ‒ including an editorial and a consultancy ‒ before co-founding Boom Studies in 2019, after identifying critical weaknesses in international students´experiences in Malta. Boom Studies is a travel to study agency which offers unique tailored support all along the customers´ journeys so that they have the best possible experience abroad. As the CEO of Boom Studies, Joaquín has managed to grow this start-up despite having launched a few months before the pandemic. Rough seas make good sailors, and Joaquín and his team were able to establish Boom Studies as a leading agency in Malta, thanks to dedication and innovative thinking. We also expanded to new destinations (Canada, Ireland and Dubai) and have big plans for the future.
A political science graduate from Sciences-Po Paris, Joaquín has lived abroad for most of his life, and is an expert in engaging different people, from government to private sector, or civil society representatives. Joaquín is a cosmopolitan citizen of the world with a passion to help others and connect people. So launching Boom Studies came naturally, and leading this company whose mission is to help people accomplish their dreams is the most fulfilling role Joaquín could have.
