Increase your Knowledge within Digitization – How to Expand Your Horizon Beyond University
Although universities are a source of knowledge and education, there are many other ways to acquire skills and knowledge around digitization (as well as other areas). But why is this important? Career-wise, many employers are looking for candidates who are proactive and have a sincere interest. But more importantly, by being proactive and seeking out opportunities, you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to expanding your horizon. In this short article, I will give an overview of some of the possibilities that you as a student can consider if you want to expand your horizon beyond your education. Unlike the University, which runs over an entire semester, the below suggestions are a fast way to acquire new knowledge and insights. Think of it as a shortcut to move yourself forward and where you get to dive into your very own interest area and pursue ambitions.
1. Talks and Panel Debates Talks and Panel Debates present viewers to an exciting topic they may have never explored before. Normally, every speaker has a professional understanding of some topic that makes presentations particularly informative, especially for viewers with certain interests and hobbies. Talks and Panel Debates are short events, which means that it does not require much time from you – on the other hand, the benefits can be quite large, as it can offer you new perspectives that you otherwise would never have had.
2. Case Workshops and Competitions Gain real-world experience and practice important habits like leadership, problem-solving, and time management in a world that keeps getting more and more digitalized. Workshops and competitions are done in collaboration with an organization, where employees provide the attendees with insights into a given profession. This is also a great opportunity to expand your professional network, especially if you dream of working in a very specific company. Furthermore, these experiences require collaboration with others. Thus, you get practical experience with teamwork and gain insight into the dynamics that you will encounter on the other side of the education. Workshops and case competitions set the framework for you, but it is up to you to get optimal benefits by immersing yourself in problem-solving.
3. Student organizations Knowing how to work well with a team is an essential skill for any career. Being in a student organization teaches you how to do this by putting you in situations where you need to work with people, meaning that you practice your interdisciplinary skills. Meeting new students, making connections, and building relationships will help down the line when looking for a job. Because you are all part of the same organization, it is guaranteed that you all share the same interests, so their connections will be valuable. The great thing about student organizations is that while you learn to use skills like project management, event planning, and fundraising, you get to test them out in a safe environment where making mistakes is OK. The benefit of being with other students is the intimacy you have with each other. This creates a safe environment in which you spar with like-minded people. For some, it may seem like a major commitment. But student organizations understand you also have school and jobs to look after, meaning your priorities are respected. So even though it is long-term, it is not necessarily time-consuming. Since members have a sincere interest, they find their work fun and meaningful, which is perceived positively in the eyes of many employers. Here at Digi-Talks, we arrange both Talks and Workshops in collaboration with exciting companies. Our primary job is to plan and execute events. The underlying work tasks are a selection of topics to be covered, contact and dialogue with stakeholders, preparation and design of events, and marketing-related tasks. We like to pay tribute to each other and the great work we do together. If you are interested in taking part while expanding your skills and knowledge within digitization, then join us at Digi-Talks!