Written by Abdul and reviewed by our team. Abdul is a Kortext student ambassador at the University of Westminster
As I come to the end of my time studying Human Resource Management, I have been reflecting on how much I have changed over the past few years.
University has been more than just an academic experience. It has shaped me personally and professionally, helping me grow in ways I did not expect.
A shift in attitude
One of the biggest changes I have noticed in myself is how much I have matured.
When I first started university, I had a more casual mindset. I was not unmotivated, but I lacked a certain level of awareness and professionalism.
Watching how my lecturers conducted themselves and listening to how they spoke about their fields gave me a new perspective.
Over time, I started to carry myself differently and began to think more seriously about the future. That shift in attitude came naturally and played a big role in how I approached my degree.
Developing new skills
University also helped me develop important skills that I know I will use for the rest of my life.
Public speaking is one of the main ones. Throughout my course, I had to present regularly, especially for HR modules. Presenting to a group of people was something I found difficult at first but, with practice, I became more confident and comfortable.
I also improved my leadership skills by taking the lead in group projects and speaking up during presentations.
These are skills I now feel proud of and ready to use in a working environment.
Engaging with professionals
One of the standout moments during my time at university was when I gave a presentation to the CEO of a company.
That experience was intense but exciting. It felt like everything I had been working on came together in that moment. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a real sense of what it is like to engage with professionals in the real world.
Embracing a growth mindset
My journey was not always smooth. In my first year, I struggled with my grades. I felt disappointed in myself and found it hard to stay motivated.
But that period taught me a lot. I knew I had to improve, and I did.
By my second and third years, I had developed better study habits and a stronger work ethic. That improvement is something I am proud of because it showed me I could overcome setbacks.
More importantly, it taught me the value of having a growth mindset – the belief that ability and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning.
Adopting that mindset helped me move forward instead of giving up, and it changed how I respond to challenges.
Using all the resources
Another thing that helped me was making use of all the resources available to me. I always tell future students that using your resources is key.
Reading your textbooks, reaching out to lecturers, and using digital tools like Kortext make a real difference. Having access to all my books online made studying much easier, especially during busy periods.
Planning for the future
As I graduate, I am taking more than just a degree with me. I am leaving with stronger communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills.
I am also taking with me a sense of pride. One of the things I am most proud of is being the first person in my family to complete a university degree. That means a lot to me and it makes all the hard work feel worth it.
My plan for the future is to become an HR coordinator. I feel ready to step into the professional world and build a career in something I genuinely enjoy.
I know there will be more challenges ahead, but university has prepared me for that.
Tips for new students
For anyone just starting their university journey, I would say this: take your studies seriously, but do not be afraid to grow.
Use the support around you, be open to change, and never let one bad grade make you feel like you cannot succeed.
A growth mindset will take you further than you think.
