Self-development opportunities outside the university

Outside the university, you can challenge and develop yourself in many ways. 

As a volunteer you can contribute and develop yourself in almost all areas, learn new skills and expand your network, whether it is promoting the work of the University of Tartu Foundation, taking photographs, organising events or taking part in a construction camp in Soomaa. You can decide whether to volunteer based on your own interests or try something new. 

Traineeships are often the most exciting part of the curriculum and can be compulsory or optional. Specialisation-based traineeship gives you the chance to apply your professional knowledge and skills, develop yourself and establish the contacts you need in the working world. On the website of Futulab you can find opportunities for project-based internship and many other exciting options. Under “Traineeship” you can get a comprehensive overview of traineeships. 

Aside from your studies, you can help organise events, for example in a student organisation. This will give you the chance to test and develop your planning, organisation, teamwork and communication skills. These are the skills you will need in everything you do in the future. 

Podcasts are an easy way to develop yourself and broaden your horizons, because you can listen to them while you are doing something else and in this way combine something pleasant and useful. There are also a huge number of blogs, including on topics that might interest you. Find out which blogs are read by opinion leaders in your field – it can be an inspiration. As all kinds of information can be found on the internet, it is important to be able to evaluate it critically. 

The world of work offers plenty of opportunities to get involved. One is project-based work, which can last from a few months to several years. Short-term projects also offer a chance to develop and make new contacts. 

Even if it is not at all related to your field of study, it can be rewarding to work while you study. It develops a range of generic skills that will be useful in your studies and beyond, such as collaboration, analytical and critical thinking, persuasion and negotiation. If you decide to work alongside your studies, it is worth thinking about how to balance your studies and work. Under “Planning your working life” you can get a comprehensive overview of how to plan your working life. 

Your list of hobbies can be endless: be it sports, reading, blogging, singing, dancing, walking in nature, travelling or anything else. Every hobby enriches your life, makes you happier and develops you. The happier you are, the better your relationship with yourself and with others. 

All in all, every thing you do develops you. Just be open and notice the opportunities around you. Notice what changes in you when you do something new, and think about how your new knowledge and skills will support you in the future. There are many opportunities for self-development. The first step is to adopt a development-focused mindset.