So, you’ve recently graduated from university. The last few years have been a whirlwind of stress, excitement and emotion.
If you were like me and didn’t have any big plans straight after graduating, it can feel like the brakes have suddenly been put on. Everything comes to a halt. No more deadlines. No more exams. No more pressure?
Not necessarily.
The novelty of freedom soon wears off and it can feel like you’re back to square one again. Most graduates are so used to having something to work for but now they’ve come to the end of their educational journey.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Graduating is actually the start of the rest of your life.
Here’s what I’ve learned since graduating from the University of Nottingham in July 2019.
Tip #1: Embrace the unknown
So, this is probably the first time in your life that you’ve had nothing set in stone. It might seem scary but this means you have the freedom to do whatever you want to do! A degree also unlocks lots of doors into hundreds of career opportunities.
Tip #2: Don’t rush into a sh*t job
I’m not saying to wait until the ideal job is handed to you. This is pretty unlikely and that overdraft ain’t gonna pay itself off! Although, if you’re looking to enter into a particular career, it can be a mistake to take just any job because it’s marginally related to what you want to do.
Trust your gut. The right job will come along. In the mean time, get a temporary job where you can focus time on job searching.
Tip #3: Get experience
If you studied a humanities degree like me, you might have gained some brilliant transferable skills. However, it could be worth getting some practical experience in the workplace. For instance, if you want to do Marketing, contact local companies to see if they will let you to do a short placement or work experience.
Accept that you may have to put the work in without getting anything in return for a little while. Trust me, it will pay off! It will give you something to talk about in an interview besides the essay you got a first in…
Tip #4: Enjoy yourself!
You don’t need to jump straight into a career. Or even if you want to, it’s important to balance your time between the job hunting. Use this in-between stage to have fun! Take up a new hobby. Write a bucket list of things you want to do in your twenties. Travel to a new place. Climb Mount Everest. Or if you’re feeling super adventurous, start a blog!
Tip #5: Wind down
Uni can be a stressful time, from deadlines to socials, it never stops. Most people won’t automatically relax when they graduate and might worry about the future.
This is why it’s important to focus on your mental health and wellbeing after uni. Practicing mindfulness and meditation is a great way to bring balance back into your life. It’s healthy to take a break from thoughts and just be present in the moment!
Tip #5: Be proud of yourself!
Graduating is a huge milestone.
Although, instead of jumping straight into the next big milestone, take a minute to reflect upon where you are now. Think about everything you have achieved; not just academically but personally.
The world is so fast paced and it can be easy to get swept up into the system. You’ve got yourself this far, trust that things will work out.
I hope this helps and feel free to contact me x
Recipe for Mindfulness 