Today marks exactly a year since I graduated from the University of Birmingham. My first year as a graduate has not been anything like I imagined it would be but somehow I managed to get to where I hoped I would be by now.
While my social media accounts are filled with graduation photos and sentimental statuses, I fondly reminisce about my time as an undergraduate and how my experiences helped me in graduate life. Although I didn’t graduate with the coveted 2:1, I am excitedly waiting to begin my Masters in Newspaper Journalism at City University, London in September.
University was incredibly fun and I’m still in touch with my friends – despite all returning to our own ends of the earth. I always look back with nostalgia but the graduate world isn’t so bad either. So with a year of wisdom behind me, these are the most important lessons I have learned:
Skill up
The best advice we were given was during induction week in first year, we were told that it wouldn’t be enough to leave university with a 2:1 or a first if we didn’t have any other skills to take away with it. Societies are more than just a bit of fun; there are a lot of valuable attributes you can gain from joining. Part-Time jobs are also a great way to spruce up your CV and most students could do with a bit of pocket money.
What’s the worst that could happen?
There’s no harm in trying. Always pick up the phone or send an e-mail – even a letter will get you noticed. If you realise that the worst that can happen is someone saying ‘no’, then you’ll find yourself surrounded by opportunities you didn’t know you could have. I met so many interesting people this year who have been able to give me invaluable career advice. If I had just given up with my 2:2, I wouldn’t be starting my Masters in September.
Forget about FOMO
Don’t worry if you’re Newsfeed is swamped in engagement announcements and new job proclamations. Each to their own, there is no rush. While I am ecstatic for my friends who are getting married, I’m glad it’s them and not me right now.
Believe in yourself
You know what you are capable of better than anyone else. I have faced a lot of criticism from the pros as I embark on my journalism career. People have told me that I’m not experienced enough; I don’t know enough, how did I manage to get into City? Well I would like to believe that it was my character that secured my place. Anything else can be learned or improved on in time.
Everything will be fine
Finally, don’t give up - I know it’s cliché but it is so true. Sending out hundreds of CVs can feel soul destroying when you are sat there hitting ‘refresh’ all day long waiting wistfully for even one response. But eventually the right door will open up for you. You might find that it takes you down an unexpected path but you won’t know unless you try.
On results day last year, everyone from my mum to my boss was trying to reassure me that everything would be fine. A year later, I can see that they were right. Everything will be fine.
