For many students, the flood of emails detailing symposiums, networking luncheons and professional workshops are a yawn. The sheer volume of incoming emails makes it easy to overlook opportunities and messages that contain information we are actually interested in. As a result, I want to bring attention to the resources that are most often overlooked and underappreciated.

We should all be interested in making the most of our time as students. While classes may be tiring and finding a balance can be difficult at times, the risk of letting an opportunity pass us by is too high to ignore. With college tuition at an all time high, each of us should make our tuition go the extra mile. 

Any student at NC State has resources available to them now that could be invaluable to their future. These span from contacts who can help coordinate undergraduate research to University-owned equipment and design tools. These unique opportunities can play a large part in preparing students for future studies and early careers. Outside of the context of university, access to these resources may be limited or expensive. 

On the one hand, we have professional and academic opportunities. One resource that flies under the radar is the free professional headshots offered by the Career Development Center.

Having a professional headshot is a great way to put your best foot forward on any platform prospective companies can reach you, such as LinkedIn. As stated on the Career Development Center’s website, “The photo booth is self-service with a touch screen, high-quality lighting and camera equipment,” making for an easy, low-stress experience. 

Undergraduate research may be less of a secret but can be equally elusive. While we hear the term frequently around campus, many may not realize what exactly it means, how to approach it and how accessible it can be.

There is an entire Office of Undergraduate Research dedicated to helping students get their footing and further their studies through customized research opportunities. Brinnae Bent, a former undergraduate researcher at NC State, applied what she learned while working in a biomedical engineering lab to her Ph.D. candidacy. Brent now works with “chronic disease detection and management” in the Big Ideas Lab at Duke University. 

Bent’s undergraduate research experience fueling her future is nothing unique. By diving further into one’s field of study with seasoned mentors or their own professors, students gain exposure which can inform decisions about their future. 

On the other hand, there are untapped resources for students to explore their hobbies and other forms of entertainment. 

As a way to counteract stress and enjoy time outdoors, Wellness and Recreation offers Outdoor Adventure Trips. Available only to students and for a moderate additional fee, these weekend getaways are planned at state parks and recreation areas within a few hours of Raleigh and can be a great way to get to know students with similar interests. 

WellRec also lends equipment such as hammocks, camping gear and paddleboards for personal use at no cost to students. Think twice before you do some damage at REI for a single weekend getaway. 

Another student perk is found on the other side of the ‘Ask Us’ desk at both D.H. Hill Jr. Library and James B. Hunt Jr. Library. Did you know the library can sponsor your next movie night? You can rent a projector through the NC State University Libraries page along with laptops, cameras, tablets and more. What has been most beneficial to me, however, is the option to borrow nearly any kind of charger for your devices using only your Wolfpack One Card. The options are extensive.

We may have many new responsibilities and time commitments while in college, but we also have opportunities abounding. Explore these opportunities while you have the chance because you never know what they could introduce you to. That undergraduate research could connect you to a future job prospect. That WellRec trip could introduce you to a new friend. That camera you borrowed out of curiosity could mean you discover a new side hustle.

College is expensive, but these are just a few ways you can make your tuition work overtime for you.