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Been There, Done That: Alumni Advice to Freshmen
November 28, 2025 2025-11-28 7:17Been There, Done That: Alumni Advice to Freshmen
Two young and accomplished alumni offer their hard-earned wisdom to freshmen.
As the first semester draws to a close, many freshmen are still navigating the whirlwind of university life. It’s easy to feel lost amidst the common advice to “just study hard.” But what does it really take to succeed? We went straight to the source, asking two accomplished recent graduates for their hard-earned wisdom. From a risk analyst in a global automotive firm to a master’s student at a top UK university, their perspectives offer a powerful guide on how to build both a strategic career and a meaningful personal journey. Here’s what they wish someone had told them.
Ms. Priya Nawani (Applied Mathematics, Class of 2025)
Risk and Control Analyst in Financial Services for
a Global Automotive Brand
Former Vice President, Case Club
- “Relax, don’t rush, you have a lot of time” is a lie.
You don’t have a lot of time. Four years will disappear before you even know it. So start planning your résumé boosters (clubs, competitions, leadership stuff, etc.) by your first year, second term at the latest. Future You will thank you.
- Don’t wait until senior year to figure out your career.
If you’re serious about your goals, by the end of Year 2 you should have at least a direction—if not a clear chosen career path. That way, you can spend Years 3 and 4 actually working toward it by studying the field, understanding the job market, and finding activities that align with your goals. That’s how you build a résumé that makes sense… instead of panicking in your last semester. - Build a cohesive profile.
By Year 2 or 3, start shaping a clear story about who you are and where you’re headed. It’s fine to explore different things in the beginning, but eventually you should focus on experiences that fit together and point toward your goals. Don’t make your profile look like a chaotic buffet of random activities. Make it feel intentional. Companies notice that. - Join professional clubs.
Yes, fun clubs are fun. But if you want your dream job, productive and competitive clubs will help you way more. Good names and good experience matter on your résumé. If you’re looking for recommendations (trust me, they’re gold):MUIC Case Club: You get to work with real companies (Ex: HSBC Bank, PTT subsidiary:EVme) and have competed—and even won—both nationally and internationally (fully funded!). Big plus on your CV and you will walk away with A LOT of new skills.
Career Insights: Amazing workshops, networking events, and career planning support. Basically your career best friend.
- Build connections.
The last step after you are ready is to find the entryway to your dream career. That’s where connections come in. Talk to professors with industry ties, successful school alumni, or business owners who show up at university events. Don’t be shy—these are the people who can actually open doors for you later.
Ms. Papitchaya “Parn” Wiriyakraikul (Intercultural Studies and Languages – Literary and Cultural Studies Concentration, Class of 2024)
Student, MA English Literature Program
University of Bristol, UK
Former ICIC Ambassador
Former member of 9 Student Clubs
- Talk with Your Ajarns.
It’s not just fun to talk with ajarns who share your interests. Sometimes, even random conversations can take you to places where you belong. These relationships make you feel safe to grow. - Change Your Perspective.
Assignments are not created to judge you. They are here to make you curious, strengthen your abilities, and connect you with your goals. See them as chances to take risks. You are here to learn! Track your thoughts, find what is right for you, and be creative.
- Find Your Voice.
Give yourself time to explore who you are and what you want. Attend your classes regularly, join activities, and reflect on your day. You are good enough to be yourself; no need to prove anything, or compare yourself to others, or try to be anybody else. - Take Care of Yourself.
Be humble with yourself and everyone. Accept all the feelings you have. You do not have to always be happy or strong. It is okay to sit with negative emotions. You are just being human, and everyone understands that. - Have Fun!
Allow yourself to be silly and a little crazy sometimes. Being serious all the time is exhausting. Travel, try new things, savor moments, and notice small details. Your mind is most powerful when you enjoy yourself. May the force be with you!
No doubt one of the influential factors to these two alumni’s success—as with most MUIC students—is involvement with the student clubs. MUIC has two dozen of them—appealing to a wide variety of student interests. To see the list, please click this link: https://muic.mahidol.ac.th/eng/student-life/students-activities/club-and-activity-transcript/
