It's worth doing some research to see what else a university course offers.
Walking out of university with a degree once gave people a distinct advantage over other job applicants in the marketplace.
But today, loads of people have university degrees and this isn't necessarily the thing that a recruiter will use to decide if you're a better candidate.
You need to be job ready.
And the best universities will invest in helping you to not only get that degree, but to develop the general skills that every employer wants.
Getting your hands dirty
The more you can see of the real world while you're studying, the better prepared you'll be when you graduate.
You can't beat getting practical experience as part of your studies.
So, when you're comparing uni courses, keep an eye out for prac placements and other variations of 'work integrated learning' being offered.
There might also be opportunities to participate in projects, internships or even volunteering with organisations who are partners of the university.
This work experience will not only help you see the theory put into practice but will also develop your soft skills.
These are the most sought-after skills by employers everywhere.
Skills like creative thinking, time management, problem solving or teamwork.
Another way to get your hands dirty is through using the university's course specific facilities and industry-grade technology.
Learning with the latest technology will also help you make the transition into your chosen industry, giving you highly relevant experience.
For engineering students, nothing beats getting your hands dirty in a state-of-the-art laboratory.
Developing your personal brand
Another thing to look for when comparing courses is the effort that a university puts into helping students get career ready while they're studying.
We’re talking about building a 'personal brand'.
To attract the attention of recruiters or business managers, you'll need to understand more about yourself. What do you stand for? What are your short and medium-term goals? What work have you already done? Who else knows about your abilities?
Building a personal brand also involves developing networking skills and joining groups to build your profile – either on a social network like LinkedIn or an actual professional association.
It's a lot more than helping you create a great résumé!
Other things to consider
If you're trying to decide between universities offering the same courses, you might also find our article about choosing the culture and the course helpful.
