As a student, it’s easy to get caught up in lectures, deadlines, and exams. Still, it’s important to regularly take a step back and reflect on yourself, on your path, on your competences, on your needs.
Self-reflection is not only a crucial tool for personal growth, but also for shaping a career aligned with your passion and your strengths.
It’s a practical skill that helps you understand your values, skills, and what motivates you.
To start, set aside time each week to journal or simply think about these questions:
- What tasks did I enjoy most this week and why?
- When did I feel most productive and engaged?
- When do I feel most fulfilled?
- What challenges did I face and how did I handle them?
- What tasks give me energy? What drains my energy?
Read more:
James Clear: Atomic Habits
Stephen Covey: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
These insights help you uncover your competences and areas of interest. As you reflect, consider how this relates to potential career plans or also roles you take on during your studies, for example in projects or teamwork.
Finally, remember that self-reflection is an ongoing process. Your passions and competences will evolve. By regularly checking in with yourself, you’ll remain adaptable and aligned with what truly matters to you.
The earlier you cultivate this habit, the closer you’ll be to a career that not only matches your skills but also ignites your passion.
But also know that this clarity doesn’t come overnight and that we learn from our experience. Finding THE right job after graduating may not be realistic, but self-reflection will help you get there more easily.
All the best on your journey!
If you’re interested in looking at your skills in more detail with us, you can book a career counselling or coaching session.
We also offer you the opportunity to have a detailed skills profile drawn up as part of a potential analysis and to learn more about yourself.
In unpredictable times, balance isn’t about controlling everything but focusing on what we can influence.
There are many things we can’t control, like the weather or global crises. When we find ourselves focusing on what we can’t change, it’s better to redirect our energy to things we can influence or control.
Establishing routines can be a game changer.
Healthy routines provide structure and stability, especially in stressful times. According to studies, it takes 66 days to form a habit. So be patient with yourself – start small, like a morning glass of water while checking in with yourself, a quick walk, or five minutes of gratitude.
Progress is about consistency, not perfection. Small, daily changes lead to progress over time.
How can we establish routines more easily?
- Make it easy and reward yourself. Maybe you want to make the progress you already made visible for yourself: What will you do for yourself only to celebrate your routines? Eat some ice cream, buy flowers for your desk, hang out with friends …
- Link new habits to existing ones, for example brushing your teeth.
- Missing your routine for a day is fine but focus on consistency. If there isn’t enough time for 30 minutes of sports, just do five minutes of stretching instead so you don’t miss out on your habit on that day. Try to stick to the rule “Don’t skip twice”.
- Tracking your success will make it easier for you to see your progress: Write down small steps day by day and collect the bits of paper in a glass; or put stickers on a pin board.
Text:
Mag.a Tina Landreau,
Beraterin, Trainerin und Coach
im TU Career Center
