My name’s Barney and I studied Journalism and Public Relations at the University of Lincoln from 2015 to 2018, and this year I set up my Digital PR agency, Modern Classic Digital.
It’s already been a huge learning curve for me owning an agency, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the confidence and education I gained from my time studying in Lincoln.
To help current students, here are my five tips to making the most of your time at Lincoln.
Your lecturers are connected and talented – use them!
The lecturers on my course were hugely talented and really well connected too. I was guilty of taking this for granted a lot of the time and I now wish that I’d pestered them more for opportunities. I can’t stress enough how important it is to pick their brains and get the absolute most from your time together. It will put you in fantastic shape for graduation and put you in a fantastic position for getting your start in an industry as a full-time professional.
It’s also worth getting introduced to any of their contacts. Bridging the gap between students and careers is a crucial part of the university experience, so don’t be afraid to ask. It could be the step you need to start climbing the ladder.
Socialise and connect with peers
Your fellow students will soon be going onto their own careers, and who knows what everyone will find themselves doing post graduation. On socials, nights out, or even just walking around campus, make friends and build relationships. You can all support each other in reaching new heights and collaborate in the future.
I’m still in touch with many of my friends and connections from university, which means I get the joy of working and collaborating with people I know and trust.
Try everything, and don’t overthink it
University is absolutely filled with great societies and communities, meaning that you’re not limited to just your course. It’s really important to keep interests and passions alongside your ‘main’ focus. It encourages different thinking, empowers new skills, and will help you see things from different perspectives which is invaluable.
Going into your career with a varied skill set makes you a more capable person who can deal with things in unique ways, which is a truly amazing thing to do in any environment.
Never turn an opportunity down
The ‘yes’ mindset really applies at university, and I found that when I started saying ‘yes’ more, better things came my way which made me excited and motivated to reach higher heights. When you build your name and reputation as someone who is dependable and up for getting involved, then people start naturally coming to you.
For a university full of people who need collaborative help and support, this is a karma-building exercise that makes everyone involved happy. A true win-win!
Start your passion projects
Starting a passion project is worth more than you might realise at the time. See it as planting a seed and nurturing it; as little as an hour or two a week to chip away at something brings real-life future success closer.
What’s great is that the University of Lincoln is full of great places to go and get some work done. Whether it’s at Tower Bar or the library, if there’s something you want to do, then do it. People will support you and it gives your mind time to recharge from your degree while still investing in yourself and your future.