Things Every Student at Miami Should Do At Least Once
I get it. There are so many things you can do at Miami. SO. MANY. The resources. The trips. The events. The organizations.
And you’ve got this finite amount of time. Four short years. The pressure is on to squeeze it all in, to take advantage of every single opportunity.
That’s a lot of pressure.
Good news.You don’t actually have to do everything. You don’t have to join every club. You don’t have to go to every event.
But there are a few things that are just… worth trying at least once. Some will surprise you, some will push you, and some will quietly change how you see your college experience.
As a senior with just five weeks left at Miami, here’s a list I wish I took more seriously earlier:
Career and Professional Growth
- Go on a career trek
→ Career trek allows you to visit workplaces, learn about employers, and build professional connections right at the offices. It’s a great opportunity to see real-time actions and figure out if this industry is right for you. They are usually free, already planned for you, and honestly, one of the easiest ways to get exposure to real companies. On my recent trip to New York City, I visited IBM, EY, AlphaSights, Catalyst Brands, and Turner Construction. You also get to meet Miami alumni, which makes networking feel a lot less intimidating and a lot more real. - Go to at least one networking event
→ Yes, there is usually free food. But more importantly, it is low-stakes practice. You learn how to introduce yourself, hold a conversation, and make connections without pressure. It gets easier the more you do it. - Get a job on campus
→ A great starting point before the “real world.” Some roles pay well, but more importantly, you build experience, confidence, and connections that last. It can easily lead to internships or future opportunities, plus you get some extra money to support yourself.
Leadership, Involvement, and Community
- Get involved in a club and grow into leadership
→ Joining is the easy part. Staying and taking on responsibility is what actually shows your initiative and work ethic. This is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate your skills, both on your resume and in real life. - Go to a conference on campus
→ A great starting point if you are new to this. Leadership-focused conferences especially help you discover ways to get involved and meet people across campus. Think of events like the International Leadership Conference or Perlmutter. - Go to a conference off campus
→ These usually come free/sponsored through student organizations or communities like Scholar Leaders. Conferences like ACPA let you meet people beyond Miami and see how your interests connect to a bigger world.
Academic Exploration
- Do an independent study
→ If you are passionate about something and want to explore it deeper, this is your chance. Reach out to a professor you like and propose an idea. Just be mindful of their time and come prepared. It takes effort, but it can be one of the most rewarding academic experiences. - Present at a conference
→ It sounds intimidating, but it is more doable than you think. Miami offers many research and poster-style opportunities where you can share your work. It is a great way to build confidence and take your academics beyond the classroom.
Experiences That Change You
- Study abroad (if it works financially)
→ It is not always as expensive as people think. With the right program, the cost can be similar to (or even less than) a semester at Miami. I chose Barcelona because the price difference was minimal, but the experience was completely different. New environment, new perspective, new version of you. - Go to random events
→ This is something I started doing recently, and it makes a difference. Attend talks, cultural events, and workshops, even if it’s a little out of your comfort zone or typical interests. It breaks your routine, helps you meet new people, and makes life feel a little less repetitive.
You don’t need to check off everything on this list. Just pick a few and start there.
College feels very different when you stop waiting and start trying. 🙂
Chi Truong | Class of 2026