Tips
University abroad

5 Ways to Optimize Your Professional Development While at University

written by
Natasha Machado
1/10/2025
Read in
5 min
Share this tip

University life offers unique opportunities to shape your professional trajectory. While many students focus only on compulsory subjects, those who stand out in the market know how to take advantage of every moment of graduation to build a differentiated profile.

Whether studying in Brazil or abroad, there are proven strategies to maximize your professional growth during your years of academic training. Let's explore five practical approaches that can accelerate your career and open doors in the global market.

1. Develop skills beyond the academic curriculum

The labor market values complete professionals, not just technical specialists. During university, you have the time and resources to acquire skills that will make a difference in your career.

Complementary technical skills

Learn digital tools relevant to your area, even if they are not required in the course. Marketers can master data analysis, while engineers can develop project management skills.

Interpersonal skills

Invest in communication, leadership, and teamwork. Take part in debates, presentations, and collaborative projects. These are unexpected skills you gain by studying abroad, but which can also be developed locally through practical initiatives.

Languages as a differential

Mastering foreign languages exponentially expands your opportunities. Consider programs such as study and work abroad to combine language learning with international experience.

2. Build strategic networking from an early age

Your network of professional contacts begins at the university. Professors, colleagues, and invited professionals can become valuable references or open future doors.

Relationship with teachers

Keep in close contact with professors in your area of interest. They have industry connections and can recommend you for internships or research opportunities.

International connections

International students and exchange programs provide access to global networks. Programs such as University abroad provide international networking from graduation.

Participation in events

Attend seminars, workshops, and conferences in your area. Even virtual events can generate valuable connections when you position yourself strategically.

3. Maximize extracurricular activities

Activities outside the classroom are critical to your professional development. They demonstrate initiative, leadership, and passion for the chosen area.

Impact projects

Get involved in initiatives that generate measurable results. Whether in junior companies, social projects or academic competitions, seek to assume responsibilities that develop professional competencies.

Student leadership

Apply for leadership positions in student organizations. A importance of extracurricular activities in the selection process goes far beyond the curriculum - they form leaders.

Strategic Volunteering

Choose volunteer projects aligned with your professional goals. Work in NGOs in your area or community projects related to your field of study add genuine value to the profile.

4. Intelligently plan and execute internships

Internships are your bridge between theory and practice. The quality of these experiences may define your initial professional trajectory.

Diversify your experiences

Look for internships in different types of organizations: startups, multinationals, NGOs, or public agencies. Each environment offers unique learning about management, corporate culture, and market dynamics.

International internships

Consider opportunities abroad to broaden your market view. Countries like Germany offer excellent opportunities for Leverage your career through study and work.

Turn internships into opportunities

Treat each stage as a long-term project. Maintain high productivity, build solid relationships, and always seek to add real value to the organization. Essas Tips for staying productive apply to both exchanges and internships.

5. Prepare strategically for selection processes

The market is competitive, but prepared students naturally stand out. Start positioning yourself for future opportunities from the first semesters.

Portfolio construction

Document your projects, results, and learnings. A well-structured portfolio demonstrates evolution and delivery capacity, crucial elements in selection processes.

Development of soft skills

Companies seek professionals with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and critical thinking. Practice these skills in real situations during university.

Differentiation strategies

Identify what makes you unique in the market. Whether it's an unusual combination of skills, international experience, or innovative projects. Estas Tips to stand out in the selection process they also apply to the labor market.

Ongoing preparation

Stay up to date on trends in your field, practice interviews, and develop a coherent professional narrative about your journey and objectives.

Be Easy

The university is more than a period of academic learning, it is your professional launch base. Students who apply these strategies reach the market with a significant competitive advantage. To further maximize your development, consider international experiences that combine quality education with cultural immersion. Contact us and discover how to transform your years of study into a definitive competitive advantage in the international market.

Share this tip
Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy