As the popular saying goes, “Experience is the best teacher.” We often understand things better when we’ve actually lived through them. For many, engineering is tough, demanding late-night classes, endless problem-solving, and wrestling with formulas credited to the likes of Newton. Along the way, almost every student pauses to ask: “Am I really doing well, or should I just transfer to another faculty?”
Then comes graduation. You step into the real world and suddenly realize there are things you wish you had done differently back in school. Maybe you would have joined that professional society, taken internships more seriously, or spent less time cramming and more time truly understanding the concepts.
That’s exactly the question we posed to 7 engineering graduates: “If you could go back to your undergraduate days, what would you do better, and what helped you scale through?”
Their answers were honest, eye-opening, and filled with lessons every aspiring or current engineering student should hear. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating your final year, their reflections could be the key to avoiding common mistakes and setting yourself up for long-term success.
What the Graduates Had to Say
One thing that stood out from the graduates’ responses was how much emphasis they placed on academics and learning the right way. Many admitted that, during their undergraduate years, they focused too much on passing exams rather than learning supporting skills that would prove useful later in life.
Let’s take a look at their experiences one after the other:
- Anonymous Graduate (Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Electrical and Electronics Engineering):
“I would have read beyond my school curriculum, learned to use more technical software, and taken coding more seriously.”
What helped them scale through was “working with other colleagues of mine,” which highlights the importance of teamwork. - Feranmi Arowoduye (Federal University of Technology, Akure – Mechanical Engineering):
“I would have prioritized exposure to the technical and professional world more than anything. Exposure removes any veil from our eyes; it helps us see the tiniest thread that connects our passion to different value chains in the world.”
What helped him succeed was surrounding himself with the right people: “I had a proper and like-minded group of friends. They kept me in check and helped me stay focused. Our friends are more than just study buddies; they influence how those 4–5 years turn out.” - Okikijesu Olajide (Kwara State University):
“I’ve come to realize that education is far beyond just learning and coming out with good grades. Mastering people skills and volunteering in organizations while studying would have given me better leverage after school. These ingredients matter a lot.”
He credits his success to walking with the right friends and holding on to God as his source of wisdom and strength. - Funmilayo (Abiola Ajimobi Technical University – Biomedical Engineering):
“I would have taken my studies more seriously.”
For her, friends played a key role in helping her scale through. - Michael Ogunsakin (Kwara State University – Aerospace Engineering):
“One thing I would have done differently is to invest more time in learning practical skills alongside my academics. I assumed I would have free time after graduation to focus on skills, but I later realized life actually gets busier. Gaining those skills earlier would have given me a stronger head start.”
What helped him succeed was rediscovering his passion: “There was a time I asked myself, ‘Why did I even choose engineering?’ But reflecting on my passion for aeronautics gave me the strength and motivation to push through—and it became one of the best decisions of my life.” - Anonymous Graduate (Abiola Ajimobi Technical University – Chemical Engineering):
“I would have worked smarter and learnt more relevant skills.”
What helped was putting faith at the center: “I put God not just first, but prioritized Him every time and in everything.” - Daniel Oreoluwa (Kwara State University – Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering):
“I wish I had (1) taken my academics more seriously to get a better understanding and better grades, and (2) spent more time developing valuable skills.”
What helped him scale through was a combination of faith and community: “Giving my life to Christ taught me integrity and self-reliance, which pushed me to study harder and take responsibility for my academics. I also made friends who encouraged me to learn new skills and read books that shaped my personal development.”
From the responses, one thing is clear: almost all the graduates emphasized the importance of learning a skill beyond theoretical work. This shows just how vital practical skills are in shaping your journey after graduation. It’s not just about what you learn in the classroom but how you can apply it in real-world situations.
That’s also our priority at Alo-Fusion Education, to help undergraduates bridge the gap between theory and practice by equipping them with the right skills to thrive after school. Start your journey today by reading one of our blog posts on how to develop industry-ready skills How to Develop Industry Ready Skills.
Every engineer’s journey is different, but one truth remains constant: the decisions you make as an undergraduate echo long after graduation. From building the right network of friends to prioritizing hands-on skills, from taking academics seriously to holding onto personal values, the lessons shared by these graduates are a roadmap you can learn from.
You don’t need to repeat their mistakes before you learn. Take their advice, apply it now, and set yourself up for success, not just as a student, but as a future professional.
So, if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Am I really doing enough?” the answers from these graduates show that you can always do better, and it’s never too late to start.
