Guest post: Challenges of graduate life and how you can overcome them (Niraj, MORSE (BSc) graduate)

Image source: https://www.instagram.com/analogbynat/

Hi everyone my name is Niraj and I am so excited to be writing for Rebecca’s blog today! To say a bit about myself, I graduated from Warwick University this year, having studied MORSE (Mathematics, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics). I have just started a graduate scheme at an actuarial consultancy. Post-graduate life can be tough, whether you enjoyed your time at university or not. This blog post talks about some of the most challenging things about post-graduate life, and I will also try and give some tips on how you can go about overcoming these challenges.

Maintaining friendships

At university, when you made friends it was often pretty easy to maintain them, as you were fairly nearby to your university friends, and therefore it wasn’t too hard arranging fun things to do with them. However, I found that it was quite hard to maintain all of my university friendships after graduation, and this was for two main reasons. Firstly, a good number of my university friends don’t live near me, so even if there was no pandemic, it would still require effort to arrange a face to face catch up. I live in London, but I have friends that live in places such as Norwich, Birmingham, and Wales. I also have university friends that don’t live in the UK! The second reason is that we are all busy with full-time jobs, as well as other responsibilities. Therefore, any catch-up, whether it is over a video call or face to face would have to be planned around that, and this has proved tricky in a lot of cases. I actually wrote a separate blog post on the challenge of maintaining friendships, which can be found here.

It is hard not to be able to see and interact with your university friends as much as you used to, and it’s perfectly ok to feel sad about this. However, one tip I would give that helped me is to plan and schedule catch-ups in advance, rather than rely on spontaneous plans. As I currently work a full-time job, I tend to use the weekdays to schedule weekend plans with friends. Having advance notice of when I am meeting or even video calling friends allows me to plan things around that. 

Adapting to a different lifestyle

I feel that the lifestyle at university is very specific and unique to university life and that things do change after graduation. For a lot of students that I know, this change has proved tricky. Some have felt a loss of freedom and independence by going back to their family home. Others thrived with having a daily routine at university, and now they are struggling to deal with the lack of routine after graduation. I appreciate that every university student has had their own experience when it has come to leaving the university lifestyle and adapting to a new one. Personally, I have found this to be the hardest part of leaving university, and something that was a shock to the system after 4 years at university.

The best piece of advice I would give here is to use this change as an opportunity to do things you wouldn’t have done at university. I do understand that this is easier said than done, however, it is not impossible. When I finished university, I met up with school friends, started blogging again, and started reading. All of these are fun but things I didn’t really have time to do at university. I also started my new job which I really enjoy. Reframing your mind to think about the opportunities that come with the post-university lifestyle helps you with having a positive mindset, which is great for wellbeing. 

Comparing yourself with others – This is a big one. It’s very easy for me to say how you shouldn’t compare yourself with others. However, with technology and social media being a massive part of our lives, most of us inevitably fall into the comparison trap. Comparison with others is a particularly big issue after graduation. You may be struggling to find a job, and then reading posts on LinkedIn or Facebook about your friends getting their dream jobs can make you feel down. This is because you can end up comparing yourself to your friends that have jobs, and feel behind as a result. You are all amazing people in your own unique way, and sometimes social media and comparison can make it hard to recognise this. Furthermore, comparing yourself to others can be detrimental to your mental health and wellbeing.

In terms of advice, I am not going to say that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others, as this is easier said than done, and even I do it from time to time. However, what I would say is the things that people tell you or share on social media is never the full story. People generally only share the good things that have happened in their lives, but everyone is fighting a battle you don’t know about. Therefore, even the people that seem to have it all figured out will have things that are not so good in their lives.

I hope this blog post helps and that you are all keeping well. Post-graduation can be a tough time, and it is so important to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing. Remember that there is support out there, and I am always happy to talk to you on nirajshah2003@gmail if you feel that you are struggling.  

 

Read more of Niraj's posts: https://niraj.home.blog/

Meet: Kate - History (BA) graduate

 

After recently publishing an article for Student Minds on the Power of Graduates Coming Together, I connected with Kate, History BA (Hons) graduate from the class of 2019 at The University of Newcastle. I chatted to Kate about her experience of graduating below. 

Kate also published a piece on Student Minds titled Embracing A Challenge: How to Enjoy The Unknown. Kate discusses how to embrace the challenges that university throws at you - and a lot of her advice can be tailored to life outside of university, with one of her tips being 'Say No to Self-sabotage'. I definitely recommend you give it a read! 

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1) How were you preparing to graduate – did you have a plan for your next steps?

My final year at Newcastle University was my favourite by far. It was full of constant essay writing (and research for my looming dissertation deadline!), weekly volunteering on Newcastle Student Radio and socializing with friends. Although it was all great fun, in hindsight, I always had the idea of travelling as my next step, which helped me get through those 9am lectures and 5,000 word essay deadlines!

I always felt like I was on a treadmill from sixth form to graduation, so going travelling was the release I wanted from education. After consistently saving money every month I booked a flight to Vietnam during a dissertation crisis in the library - as you do! I think this gave me a bit of willpower to push through my two final semesters and make the most of the limited time I had left as a student. 

2) What was your experience like searching for jobs once you had your degree?

Once I got home from Vietnam, I began my job search. It was a little stressful! I still had the travel bug, yet I was conscious that I needed to get the ball rolling on the job front. Whilst I volunteered at a local hospital radio station in my spare time, I was lucky enough to be offered a paid runners position at a television production company for a month or so before Christmas 2019. This was perfect as it allowed me to gain some valuable experience and put some money aside for my trip to Australia in January 2020. 

However, when I returned from Down Under, Covid19 really threw a spanner into the works – something that we are all still living through!  Few industries are recruiting at the moment and the job search, for not just graduates, has temporarily halted. Covid has put my voluntary position at a local radio station on hold due to social distancing measures, so I am staying productive during the interim by working part time as a sales assistant and childminder. For the most part, I feel Covid19 has been a bit of a blessing and a curse. It has made me realise how I was most probably guilty of living a tad in the future and not so much in the present.

In an ideal world, I’d love to pursue a career in radio production or journalism. I feel, especially in broadcast media, your job is like a portfolio whereby you’re involved in lots of different projects often at the same time. I think this can be attributed to when you enter this industry and apply for a job too – there's often no direct route, which can be incredibly disheartening. 

3) Did you have any worries about graduating – if so, what were they?

I wasn’t so worried about graduating, but more so, rather excited that I had accomplished such a personal goal of mine to read History at university. The fact that both ‘the end’ was in close sight and that I would never be able to replicate my university years was an extremely weird prospect for me. The idea of ‘adulting’ and finding ‘the job’ made me slightly terrified upon graduating – it still does, argh! 

4) What has been the most exciting part of leaving university and education behind?

At times I’m guilty of getting wrapped up in the rat race of searching for a job, the concept of making the most of my twenties and finding out who I am as a person, but the idea that ‘the world is your oyster’ (cliché, I know!) is so exciting to me. Albeit part time, the fact I’m earning every month is empowering. I can save money during this lull and make arrangements for big financial commitments in the future.

5) What has been the least exciting/challenging part of being outside of education? 

I think the least exciting part of being outside of education is that....really, life isn’t any different. I was naively expecting a crescendo moment, but essentially, I still feel like I’m the same person. I don’t think I’ve changed in my motivation to achieve certain personal goals, but life away from what was my old life (sob!) can annoyingly be a little mundane and routine driven. 

6) Is there anything about the ‘real world’ you didn’t expect/weren’t prepared for?

One word: Lockdown. I was nowhere near prepared for what was ahead of me when I returned from Australia – nobody was, for that matter! Life has now become so uncertain and the circumstances make it so difficult to plan ahead. The one thing I’ve learned working under these current circumstances is that no matter what you are doing and where you are working, learning to adapt to a new environment and taking every day as it comes is so important. Find the excitement in the unknown – at least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself!

7) Do you have any particular goals you want to reach in your life outside of education?

To have a purpose and feel wanted. In the broader context, as cringe as it sounds, I want to be happy and content within my future work environment. Everything has a domino effect on each other. 

8) Is there anything you wish you had been told about leaving university?

Truth be told: the transition is scary...and nobody tells you. It’s such a taboo subject. Your life doesn’t all click into place as soon as you drive back home after three years or so away ‘doing your own thing’. Learning ‘how to adult’ is tricky. I don’t think you ever really know what you’re doing, no matter what stage you are in life. Everybody is in the same boat, and more so now, the same storm! Be kind to yourself. 

9) Three words to describe your transition from university?

Daunting. Fun. Exciting.

10) Any tips for surviving outside the university bubble? 

Despite my limited time outside of the ‘bubble’ (coming up to a year and a half!), I would stress don’t be afraid to show people that you are eager to learn. One of my biggest qualms is that job descriptions for junior positions often include ‘experience necessary'. This can make you feel so frustrated, as a recent graduate like myself, doesn’t always have this requirement. Willingness to take up unpaid jobs could help you gain similar experience, which could prove valuable in the future. Remember, take every day at your own pace and listen to your gut instinct if something doesn’t feel right. You never know, something new could lead you onto the right path – and add another string to your bow!

What can you expect from Camp USA? Meet: Leanne - Business Studies graduate (BBS)

https://the-irish-graduate.com/
Instagram: @theisrishgrad
Twitter: @theirishgrad_

Hey there, my name is Leanne and I have recently completed my undergraduate degree in Business Studies from Dublin City University. As part of my degree in my third year, I undertook a 12-month work placement with Irish Rail within their Commercial Department. As I was nearing the end of my placement, I knew I wanted to make the most of my summer before I started my final year and entered “adulthood” thereafter. Most third-level students in Ireland, will at some point go on a J1 to either the US or Canada. I always had an interest in going on a J1 Visa but the traditional J1 experience of working in a bar or bike shop never really appealed to me. That is where the J1 Camp Counselor Visa comes in. Up until this point I had never been away from home for more than two weeks, let alone travel solo. But I was up for the challenge!

I completed the Camp USA application process and I was hired by The Fresh Air Fund as a Leadership and Debate Specialist. Camp Mariah is one of six of camps operated by The Fresh Air Fund who work with children from underserved communities from the five New York City boroughs. The camp I was placed in was unique in that not only was it named after Mariah Carey (who also visited us!) but it is a yearlong Career Awareness Program that consists of activities such as job shadowing and career fairs.

My role in camp saw me teach four 1-hour classes per day as well as having immediate responsibility for 6 campers per session alongside my co-counselor. I was constantly working to improve my lessons as well as attempting to have a meaningful impact on the campers through conversation and the sharing of knowledge in and out of the classroom. Given the class that I was teaching, the scope was there to do so.

At the end of session two, I was named as Specialist of the Session, which was confirmation for me that my main lesson objectives had been met (if campers coming up to me outside of class to talk about debating was not already enough). I also got the opportunity to be the interviewer for Business at the Camp Mariah Career Fair. This event sees campers’ interview in various fields that they are interested in and present completed CVs and cover letters that they have worked on in their Career classes. Both times that I did this I was blown away by the camper’s creativity, expert knowledge, and confidence in their abilities; I could learn a thing or two.

Since returning home there has not been a job application form or interview where my experience in camp did not get a mention. In particular, what makes my experience stand out is how I put my almost 10 years of public speaking and debate experience into practice and developed a leadership program centred around it unlike what had been implemented at the camp previously. Additionally, I had the getup and go, the determination you could say to travel on my own to camp, not exactly knowing what to expect. I made it work as well as making friends for life along the way. Employers want to see drive, initiative and your organisational capabilities, my time in camp will be proof of those things for years to come. 

It was from my time at camp that the idea for The Irish Graduate was born. I wanted to share my journey at camp and all that I had learned in a way that could inspire others to do the same. I was meant to be returning to camp again this summer and then set off on a Graduate Visa to the US which would all have been documented on my blog. Whilst this is no longer the case, that did not stop me. The Irish Graduate has become a platform where I share my less than regular university experience (5-hour daily commutes and college transfers) and share the stories of other graduates in the “My Graduate Life” series. Whilst I may not return to camp next year, I hope my story inspires you to go instead.

So, send in your application, pack your bags and head to camp (post- COVID 19, of course); you and your CV will not regret it!

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Follow Leanne's journey post-university: https://the-irish-graduate.com/

Meet: Jo - Photography (BA) and Psychology (MSc) graduate

Website: https://www.jcphoto.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jochukualim_photo/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jo_Chukualim

I’m Jo. I’m 24 and I graduated in 2019 with an MSc in Psychology. Before that, I graduated in 2018 with a BA in Photography.

What has it been like for you, leaving behind university? 

It’s been interesting. I went on to study an MSc once I’d finished my BA degree and then there was this extra layer to my career to figure out. i.e. what does the integration of both my degrees look like in a job? So I ended up on a picture desk at a charity, photographing mental health projects.

Did you have a plan for your life after graduation?

I definitely had plans for my life after graduation. Like everyone else I wanted a stable job where I could be creative and use the skills I’d worked so hard to develop. The problem with university is that it doesn’t explicitly prepare you for life afterwards. I was lucky enough to go to one of the best photography programs in the UK, certainly the best in London at the time but knowing how to navigate the job market was not something that was taught. Even with the difficulties I’ve had, I feel like one of the lucky ones because I started this job navigation thing way before I started my degree. However, without connections, it was still tough.

Funnily enough, everyone talks about the importance of networking but doesn’t really tell you how to do it. Unless you’re super extroverted and feed off talking to many people at once, it’s probably going to take a bit of figuring out.

When did you begin taking photographs?

I started taking photos properly just before A-levels and this was at London College of Fashion on a short course. I didn’t love the course itself but it showed me what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

To you, what makes a good photograph? 

Technically? Good use of light and shadows to create an image with depth. I also need to feel something. I mean it’s incredibly subjective because something that evokes an emotional response from me can mean absolutely nothing to someone else.

Someone pointed out that I tend to shoot people in a vulnerable and somewhat sensual way so I guess those are the kind of images I’m drawn to. If I had to dissect it (with my psychology brain :P), I’d say I was creating images with emotions I didn’t feel safe to explore in the past and felt the only way I could do so was through photography.

What do you enjoy most about the process? 

Connecting with different people. That’s what image-making does for me, it allows me to connect with people I might otherwise not have met or spoken to.

Do you have any particular goals you want to reach in your life outside of education?

A solo exhibition. This was actually set to happen last summer. I had a date, a venue and I’d started printing and planning but I underestimated the toll my masters would take both emotionally and financially. So this is something I’m still looking forward to.

Do you have any goals with your photography? 

At the moment, a solo exhibition is the only thing on my mind and trying to figure out the best way to make that happen. I haven’t created a new project since I left Uni but there’s a lot of work that I’ve done in the past but haven’t shown yet and, looking at them together, I can see that they are all connected.

What is one thing you wish you knew about the ‘real world’ whilst you were still at university? 

That my race and gender would make things harder for me. I thought that my skills and hard work alone would be enough to get me through, that’s how I was raised. I guess I figured the art world was more progressive than it was. The amount of racist and sexist treatment I’ve been on the receiving end of has been shocking. I would have approached the ‘real world’ differently had I known.

Any tips for surviving outside the university bubble? 

Creating a network, especially while you’re at Uni, is important. If you’re like me the word ‘networking’ can seem daunting and a bit confusing but really it’s about finding people who enjoy the same things you do and/or people who think in the same way. So your friends and course mates! They form part of your network. I mean it’s kind of like dating isn’t it? The advice people usually give when you’re looking for someone special is to go to events, exhibitions, or just places that you enjoy and not be afraid to interact with others there. I’ve actually found it easier building a network during lockdown because there’s been a surge in online communities being set up so the awkward dance that happens in person is taken away.

Finding connections is one thing but making those connections work for you is another. Tell people your ideas and share your plans for your career. It might not turn into something immediately but they also have a network and could know someone to help point you in the right direction.

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Graduating in a pandemic - Meet: Erin - English (soon-to-be) graduate (BA)

I’m Erin. I’m twenty-two years old and am about to graduate with a BA in English from Queen Mary University of London. 

1) How have you been spending your time during lockdown?

At first, I was still working on my final essays and dissertation, so was spending around 30 hours a week just planning, writing and editing essays. However, around the time I finished my dissertation, I was offered a job at a local grocery store, so began working there for most of my week! Other than that, I’ve been making my way through years of Netflix recommendations and learning Spanish.

2) How are you feeling about graduating in the middle of this pandemic?
Pretty scared about the possible impact, to be honest. As I’m graduating with an English degree, there is no secure career waiting for me in the outside world. It scares me that certain sectors will most likely be unable to hire for a while, especially since I have been interested in a career in the arts sector or NGO sector for years now, and both have been very badly hit by the pandemic. But, I’m trying to see the positives! Mainly that everyone is in the same boat, and hopefully, once the pandemic finally draws to a close, there will be an influx of jobs in sectors that had to shut down throughout it.

3) Has the current situation impacted any next steps you had planned?
If so, how have you coped with that?
Massively. I had planned to travel to Mexico for an unpaid internship in June, just two weeks after my original dissertation deadline. As a part of the internship, I was going to be working as a journalist with an environmental charity. I had hopes that I could be looking to start my career as soon as I returned in September.

Again, I’ve just tried to look at the positive side. The company I was meant to be working with have been amazing, allowing me to postpone the trip to any later date. I have been able to save a lot more money than I would have been able to simply by working as normal up until June, which means I will be able to travel after the trip, something I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. Additionally, by the time I finally make it there, I will hopefully be able to actually speak Spanish, rather than just order a burger.

4) How have you tried to manage the uncertainty I imagine this has left a lot of 2020 graduates with?

I think the only thing you can do is speak to fellow graduates and remind yourself you’re not alone. I have so many friends graduating from a whole variety of degrees who have been forced to change their plans for the near future. Many are planning to stay in part time roles that have no connection to their career plans, a few have been forced to defer or postpone masters courses, a few have completely lost job opportunities. I even have a couple non-British friends that have been forced to return to their home countries and have no idea when they’ll be able to safely return. Knowing that most of my friends are equally as uncertain about where they might be in six months is the main way I can comfort myself. Also, I’m just making the most of time off. I haven’t had this much spare time since I was nineteen years old, so I’m trying to adapt to not guilting myself for spending an entire day off watching Netflix and sewing!

5) Have you been given any specific guidance by your university?

Unfortunately, no. Although that seems to be the case for most of my friends attending different universities. I think students have been left in the lurch a little during this pandemic. My university was particularly unhelpful throughout the final semester, refused furlough to myself and 250+ of student staff, failed to release grades on time, etc. Since my last deadline, we’ve hardly been sent a thing, but at this stage I don’t expect anything less.

6) What plans do you have now?

After waiting for two months to see whether I might make it out to Mexico later this summer/year, I decided I didn’t want to continue with the uncertainty and began looking for graduate roles nearby my hometown. In September, I will now be starting work as an English teaching assistant in a Manchester secondary school. Whilst this isn’t something I ever had planned, I’m grateful I will get the opportunity to gain some experience in schools (as I have considered teaching in the past), and that I will be working solely within a subject that I love dearly. Hopefully, by the time the school year is complete in 2021, I will be able to head out to Mexico just a year later than planned! After that, I have no idea. But I figure that if there is anything that the last few months has taught me, its that plans can change and opportunities can arise within the space of weeks, so there is little use in getting bogged down about where I might be in twelve months’ time.

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Meet: Sarah - Politics graduate (BA)

Insta: @sarahlostctrl / @identitypartyshop
Depop: https://www.depop.com/identityparty/

What degree did you graduate with and what year did you graduate?

I graduated with a politics BA from goldsmiths in 2018!

Has your experience of the ‘real world’ so far been positive or negative? 

It’s definitely been positive, I loved my degree but it was nice to get out of education after studying for so long and being totally in control of my time!

When did you first start selling clothes on Depop?
What was your motivation to start doing this? 

I first started selling clothes on depop in my first year of uni (2015), just old things I had to get a bit of extra cash! Then in my second year (2017) I set up my shop, I found 2 really beautiful dresses in a charity shop that weren’t really my style but I couldn’t leave behind so I put them on my depop and they sold in a few days... I loved finding cute clothes that had been discarded and giving them a new life with people who would treasure them so it slowly became my job!

How long has it taken for you to get the store following you have? 

I gained 20k followers in the first few months and since then it’s grown steadily to 85k!

What’s been the best thing about running your own little business? 

The best thing is definitely getting messages from people saying that my store has made them start buying second hand as opposed to new... I love the creative side of sourcing clothes but I also really want to transform the market and give people an accessible online platform that’s an alternative to fast fashion.

How have you coped with keeping your store going in these times of COVID-19? 

I’ve had to change things a little due to the virus, I’ve moved all my sourcing to online and cut down my posting to once a week. I’m a business customer with royal mail anyway so I’m able to drop off all my parcels so that cuts down contact which is good! I’m incredibly lucky that my business is online so I’ve still been able to keep it going with some alterations for safety!

When you were in university, is this where you would have expected to be? 

Definitely not, I always planned on going into more mainstream fashion and interned throughout my degree. As my shop grew I realised it would be viable to do it full time and I’m so passionate about it I decided to give it a go!

What advice would you give to someone who is going to be graduating in the summer? 

My advice would be not to worry that you need to come out of uni and go straight into your “career”- it can be really daunting but actually you don’t need to find a job for life because you can gain experience and build on what you’re doing. Do something you care about and enjoy
and see where it goes!

Meet: Holly - Nursing Science graduate (BSc)

We spoke with Holly, a graduate of Nursing Science about her experience of leaving education behind. And whilst most graduates make the move from England to Australia, Holly did the opposite, moving over to not so sunny England earlier in this year. We asked her some questions about preparing for graduation, making the transition, and moving across the world and working in her desired career!

What degree did you do and when did you graduate?

Bachelor of Nursing Science, graduating end of 2016. I was rather stoked it was just a three-year course!

What was it like coming up to graduating, what was on your mind?

The excitement of graduating and stepping out of being a poor uni student but then also utter panic at not getting a job or getting stuck in a job I hated.

How were you preparing to graduate - did you have a plan for your next steps?

I did a few things. Firstly, I had my main dream of where I wanted to work. I did a placement at this hospital and on my last day baked an extravagant chocolate cake to try to win them over. I may as well have written in white chocolate icing "hire me!!!" Secondly, I had numerous other jobs I applied for as backups. Lastly, in the fear of not getting a job, I tried to give myself a backup option of perhaps being an au pair for 6 months before trying my luck again in getting a job.

What has been the most exciting part of leaving university and education behind?

In all honestly: $$$$$$ haha. In uni whenever I'd go out for a meal I would always look at what was the cheapest option on the menu. I had this nice realisation after starting work that I didn't HAVE to always get the cheapest option but I could get whatever I was craving! Also, another exciting part was no longer having the uni guilts of where you would constantly feel guilty for doing anything other than study. Those were the worst!

What has been the least exciting/challenging part of being outside of education?

Probably realising this was the start of the next 40+ years of working. It was no longer the relaxed working part-time, studying, hanging out with friends, chilled lifestyle but the beginning of full-time work. Something about it made me feel quite trapped!

What was it like moving country after leaving university?

Quite challenging! I had worked for two years in Australia as an operating theatre nurse but always knew I had wanted to move to the UK to make use of having British citizenship (thanks Dad you Sussex boy!) Unfortunately, some degrees are not easily transferable so I had to really jump through hoops to get here. It was all worth it though as I am loving working here so far.

Is there anything about the 'real' world you didn't expect, weren't prepared for?

Just how different what you actually do is from what you studied. In university you're in this bubble where you assume what you're studying will be directly transferable to your new job but I felt like I had to start fresh. Each workplace has its own way of how they do things so you end up spending a lot of time learning their way of doing things. All my friends have felt the same ranging from degrees such as occupational therapy, law, and business.

Is there anything you wish you would have been told about leaving university?

Just how time-consuming and mentally exhausting it is applying for jobs. You realise you're graduating with a rather large cohort and you'll be competing for the same jobs. I wish I had known this as I would have been able to handle things better and not have as many stressy breakdowns (many tears were shed, along the lines of "but what if no one hires me?!")

Three words to describe your transition from university?

Daunting. Exciting. Freedom.

What is your top-tip to offer to someone who is going to be graduating soon?

Show your passion! I can't stress this enough. When I was applying for jobs the thing I remembered most was the quote "they may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel". So when I went for jobs I tried to show how passionate I was about not only what I studied for the job I was going for. I didn't have the highest grades compared to other people but I had a passion which made me get my dream job.

Meet: Libby - Graphic Design graduate (BA)

Self-portrait illustrated by Libby

Hello. Bonjour. Greetings to my fellow members of the graduated-and-now-what club (and those soon to join). Firstly let me start by saying that it took me far longer than I care to admit to formulate that initial sentence, and I haven’t written anything “properly”, apart from the odd cover letter, since my dissertation which I submitted in July 2017. So there we are. Maybe bear this in mind when reading what I am about to haphazardly scramble together and subsequently let my friend Rebecca publish to her wonderful brainchild that is One Oh One magazine.

“Who is this rambling creature I am subjecting my brain cells to?” I hear you ask. Well, my name is Libby, I am 23 years old, and I got my bachelors degree in Graphic Design from The University of Huddersfield in November 2017.  And what a long, hard slog it was too. The best three years of your life, my bum. Although I do recognise that those words do indeed ring true for many, allowing many to gain independence and carve out an identity away from parents, and allowing for a chance to explore new environments and subjects et cetera, but for me, much to my sadness, my time at university was not so great. I was plagued with self-doubt, extreme anxiety, physical and mental health issues, unhelpful tutors, course uncertainties, a flatmate whose degree may well have been in how to get away with stealing and making communal kitchens a hazardous waste zone, loneliness, the list could go on – but I’m not here to spread misery and woe you shall be grateful to learn, but to appraise you all with gallant and fanciful tales* of my life post graduation.

*Disclaimer: my life has not been gallant or fanciful in the slightest since leaving university but please read on nonetheless.

Graduating from university was a weird one. A mixed-up mixed bag of feelings, if you will. For all the reasons mentioned above, a big part of me was elated to be free from the place that had caused me so much misery and I felt like a new beginning could be just what I needed to focus on getting back to myself and would allow me space to -as corny as it sounds- ‘heal’, find enjoyment in my hobbies again and centre my energy on becoming mentally well, while moving back home and being surrounded by my family. On the other hand, however, graduation signalled a very clear End to my whole life’s identity as a student. I love to learn, and up until university had generally thrived in an academic setting and put all my self-worth into good academic results, so this was a hard pill to swallow (another hard pill to swallow: No more student discount). An existential crisis was on the cards, but as I’d already been having one for about three years, this one didn’t hit too hard. I did struggle though most of the following year after graduating - beating myself up about not already having secured a job (if only I’d done a placement year!) wondering why I didn’t enjoy university (was it me, my over-thinking brain, my course, my tutors? I’m still unsure) feeling sad I didn’t get a First Class degree (Hello Perfectionism!) and just generally feeling a bit lost and disappointed in myself. Inspirational Instagram quotes became my best friend: “When you’re in a dark place you tend to think of yourself as being buried. Perhaps you’ve been planted. Bloom.” Feel free to scorn.  If any of this is sounding familiar to your situation, then you have my sympathies, but also perhaps slightly selfishly I’m glad not to be the only one having felt this way.

I am yet to Bloom I feel, but for all my negative feelings, I am starting to feel more positive about my life post-graduation. I had my first proper job interview last year, and it went well – not so well I got the job – but I did get positive feedback from the people who interviewed me, and as someone with an anxiety disorder that requires medication, this was a Big Deal. I’ve started to draw frequently again and found the confidence to share my work online through Instagram, which has been met with a positive response. I feel lucky not to have a family that are constantly pressurising me to get a job, even though it would help them a lot financially, but who understand for the most part and realise that I’m trying my best, and doing things in my own time. I’ve regained a mental clarity of sorts and for the first time in a while actually feel like I may be capable of achieving my goals and living the life I’d like to live.  

Things that are helping with this uncertain phase of my life are: Knowing it won’t be like this forever, speaking with friends I made at University (the best thing to come out of my time there!) and realising everyone is on their own path and feels a bit unsure, re-connecting with old friends, engaging in things that I enjoy, going for long walks, working on improving all aspects of myself – oh, and feeding my desire for gleaning knowledge by learning French on Duolingo (r.i.p my 399 day streak, Feb/2019).

It’s a struggle, but I know I’ll get where I want to be in my own time, and so will you.   

Meet: Hanna - English Literature (soon-to-be) graduate

Hello readers of One Oh One! My name is Hanna and I am currently pending a degree in English, literature and graduating in July from Leeds Beckett University. I am currently still living in my student house in Leeds, with plans to move to London next month... and have no idea what job I'm going to be working two months from today! My life is in major limbo right now, but... first, how did I end up where I am?

Since a young age, I am grateful that my parents have always allowed me a free reign over my own educational decisions, teaching me that the subjects I enjoy are those worth taking on. Therefore, my subjects of choice have always mirrored my interests, rather than reflecting one specific career path. Like many, I went to uni because, well, what else was I supposed to do... become an adult at 18?! I saw university as an opportunity to grow as a person, and this is absolutely what I have experienced over the past three years. My interest in literature has ballooned and my love for language and writing has grown massively. I wrote a ten-thousand-word dissertation as a product of my degree, and within it, I explored the ways that contemporary literature engages with nature. Reading specifically in terms of ecological concern in an age of climate catastrophe and extreme human pollution, I concluded that it has become necessary for literature to engage with nature in this way. I believe that literature surrounding environmental concern can broaden our activism for the planet, and writing this dissertation inspired me to begin writing nature-centred poetry myself, with an undertone always on the beauty of natural phenomena that might soon be completely lost. I look forward to sharing with you my own creative work.

So... what now? As I mentioned earlier, I will be moving down to London next month to live in a house with friends and my boyfriend. I have absolutely NO idea what life has in store for me, but I don't mind (that is, not yet I don't...) I am excited for such a bold move down south (havin' lived all me life up int'north) and I am looking forward to sharing this move with those of you who might be considering a crazy-postgraduate-change-of-environment!

Attempting to hold little expectations of what the near future might hold, my rough 'plan' over the next few months is to:

1) Get Han down to London. In one piece, desirably.
2) Find ANY job (or three) that will cover rent.
3) Build up a portfolio of freelance and creative work. I will do this in my spare time and hope to gain success in the world of freelance, as well as, of course, for a couple of extra bucks.

That's about it for now! I am glad to be sharing with you all at One Oh One the struggles and pleasures that I will no doubt find myself tangled in in London, and hope that my reckless life-choices can bring some calm to those of you who might be panicking. For now, however, I will sign off and continue living off the dregs of my student loan, and make the most of not having a job yet...!

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Meet: Rebecca - Psychology graduate (BSc, MSc)

Hello! For those of you who don't already know me, I'm Rebecca. I'm 23, I have an undergraduate degree and a (soon to obtain) postgraduate degree in psychology and I'm from Manchester! *sorry, I couldn't resist the urge to turn that into a quiz show introduction*. And I am the gal behind One Oh One (alongside my friend, Lucy - who you will be meeting soon). I've already posted about what One Oh One is, and what you can expect (which you can read here) but in a nutshell, I'm going to take you on a trip down memory lane to tell you a little story about how I experienced the transition out of university. 

I bloody loved my three years at university, and before I went, I had NO idea of what I had planned afterwards. I think I only went to university because so many people were going and it felt like the next step after college. And so when it came to a few months before graduation, I thought 'shit...' okay, now I really need to think about what I want to do now. And as hard as I tried, I couldn't hide from those 'so, what are your plans for after you graduate?' questions. Internalising that, I started to plan. I liked writing and was writing for our student magazine at uni, the local paper in Huddersfield, and online publication, The National Student. I thought, okay... publishing, let's have a look at that route. After a lot of emailing and sending cover letters and CVs to so many independent publishers in the North West, I managed to secure two internships at two publishing houses for over the summer. Despite loving both of them, I felt this guilt that I had been studying psychology for three years and was going to 'throw it away' for a career in publishing. And what would people think about that?! It would be such a waste of money... But I didn't have to think too long about a career because I managed to secure funding to study for an MRes at my university. Ahhh, one more year of blissful ignorance and no need to plan for my future just yet. 

Whilst I was in the weird bubble of almost out of education, but not - studying away from the campus as it was a research MSc... I had moved back home with my mum and her partner. And boy, was that a struggle. It took so long to get used to being back in my childhood home, under my mum's roof and rules. Being told, 'don't be going to bed too late', 'don't forget to set your alarm' etc., I was 18 again. It was tough to feel as though I had failed, although I had zero funds to move out. I missed my independence. But I got used to it, and of course, I don't want to live with my mum forever, but at current, I am happy and grateful it is giving me the chance to save up money to move. 

Whilst carrying out my research into the transition out of university, I realised that transition was an area within psychology that really interested me. I got in touch with my old sixth form out of curiosity to see if they had any work experience available, explaining my interest was in transition and facilitating successful transitions. I didn't expect anything back, but after a couple of weeks, I received a reply to say that they were actually looking to hire new staff members and would I be interested in going and speaking about the role. Long story short, what began as me enquiring for work experience became me being hired on a contract as an Educational Support Assistant! I was still carrying out my research when I began working full-time and was finding it difficult to balance the two, having to drive up to Huddersfield for meetings with my thesis supervisors. But after work agreeing to make changes to my contract hours until I completed my thesis, I was able to successfully balance a job and my studies and at that point, I knew I was going to be okay once I finished my MSc. 

Working in a learning support role completely unexpectedly and off plan has opened so many doors and provided me with so many developmental opportunities... and I've realised what I want to do next. And it has been difficult to get used to the expectations of what my life after university is supposed to be like - both from myself and others. What kind of job I'm expected to get, how I should travel the world before I settle down, how I should not travel the world and should get onto that career ladder, when I should be moving out of my mum's home, what kind of money I should be on etc., etc., And what I say to that is, SCREW THAT. Screw the expectations, screw your own pressures, life in the real world is messy, we don't have a clue what we're doing because, to be fair, we've never really been prepared for it. (What is a mortgage? What is tax? How do you pay bills? How do you work full-time without feeling like a slave to the system? What is a 'proper job'?) It's going to be messy, and it's going to be difficult, but how you handle your next steps after university is no one's business but your own. 

And One Oh One is here. A platform for advice sharing, for graduates to share their own stories about their transition. And for me to share my research, to help those making the transition, and those struggling with adjusting to life in the 'real world' feel prepared to tackle it. So please get in touch, please email me with your advice and tips, and your stories and your creative work and help me to create a space for graduates to come together and realise that we can survive outside of our bubble of education.

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