If you’re a student in your final year then it’s likely you only have a few weeks left before you finish your course and hopefully get an excellent grade in your degree. Many of you will be stressing about exams and coursework as well as thinking about the next steps in your future (I know I definitely was when I was about to finish University)! So I’m here to tell you the 7 Things I wish I knew before I Graduated!
- Revise
You will regret it if you don’t. You want to feel as prepared as possible for your exams and the age old phrase ‘practice makes perfect’ could not be more true. Even if you don’t end up with the grade you wanted you’ll be able to look back knowing you tried all you could rather than regretting the time you went on that pub crawl instead of revising!
- It’s OK not to have a graduate job in place
Many of my friends secured graduate job roles before we even left University which sent me into a mild panic seeing as I only had a part-time job at a fashion boutique! It’s OK! Not all first jobs are what they’re cracked up to be so take the time to search so you can find one that’s right for you!
- Don’t worry if you don’t get a 1st Class degree
Obviously you should aim to get the best grade possible but not getting a 1st isn’t the end of the world. Most employers will look for candidates with a 2:1+ and some even say that they think candidates with a 1st are more likely to leave a job role before those with a 2:1 so it could even work in your favour! Of course I am slightly biased having got a 2:1 myself though…
- Degree discipline doesn’t always matter
Well there are some exceptions – I mean you can’t get a job as a Doctor with a Fine Art Degree, but most courses will prepare you with a range of transferrable skills for all kinds of job roles! Having a degree on your CV shows you are disciplined and educated to a certain level which is often the most important thing.
- Make the most of your University friends
You get to see these guys every day! Soon they’ll be moving on to opposite ends of the country, or maybe even the other side of the world! One of my best Uni pals now lives in Kuwait (hardly somewhere you can pop for a quick brew and a chat) so I wish someone had told me to make the most of having my friends on my doorstep!
- Dress appropriately for Graduation
Just remember you have to walk across stage in front of lots of people at the ceremony so consider this when choosing what to wear (i.e. maybe put down the platform stilettos!). One thing I wish someone had mentioned is how wearing a cap and gown in windy conditions can be a nightmare! Take some safety pins with you – trust me you’ll thank me later!
- Use your resources
Not sure what to do next? Use the resources given to you at University! Your lecturers are experts in the field and may be able to offer suggestions for companies / placements or even put you in contact with potential employers. Failing that you probably have a careers department on campus that can help you with this!
Sophie Heaton (Digital Campaign Manager)