newgraduate

16/08/2022

There are SO many things we wish we had known about life after graduation.

We asked our NewGrad community what they wished they had known about life after graduation and this is what they said.

What do you wish you had known about life as a grad? 🎓

07/08/2022

Do you live in London? Come to our next NewGrad event 🥳 🥳🥳
 
We will be hosting our 2nd event in London at in Shoreditch on Sunday 4th September at 1pm. 
 
This will be our 3rd event this year and we have honestly loved meeting so many of you!! 
 
Don’t worry if you don’t know anyone, there will be lots of opportunities to meet new people and this will be the first time that some of the NewGrad team have met eachother in person, so there will be lots of us getting to know eachother!  
 
It can be SO difficult to meet new people and make new friends especially living in a big city like London, so we thought this would be a great way to meet and connect with other students and grads in your city 💜 
 
You can buy a ticket through the link in our bio. See you there! 💜

04/08/2022

The second I finished university I was like get me on a plane 🥲✈️

Whether you are a current student, new graduate or your graduated a few years ago, here are a few different ways you can work abroad!

Have you ever worked abroad? Which opportunities would you recommend?

Let us know in the comments ⬇️

21/07/2022

After graduating, the pressure piles on as the milestones to tick off get bigger.

A successful job, a stable career, getting a car, buying a house, getting married, having children.

We are afraid to make mistakes, we are afraid to fail, we are terrified our mistakes will expose our inadequacy and that we’re somehow not cut out for the real world.

^ You can read article on the NewGrad website under the ‘life after Graduation’ section, link in bio!

11/07/2022

Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. We talk ourselves down and tell ourselves we are not good enough or deserving enough to have the success we want.

This can really impact us when it comes to our careers, in particular, applying for the roles we want.

‘I’m not good enough’

‘Why would they hire me?’

‘I’m sure there are much better candidates than me’

Instead, we can reframe this to:

‘I am good enough’

‘Why not me?’

‘I’m also a great candidate for this role’.

We are good enough, we do have unique ideas, skills and insights to bring to the role so next time you tell yourself you can’t, tell yourself you can.

10/07/2022

I remember from the very beginning of my university journey, I massively struggled with the motivation to show up to lectures and complete assignments.

The only thing I could really put my lack of motivation down to was laziness; which didn’t seem quite right.

It wasn’t until the end of my third year when I tried some light counselling, that I heard about perfectionism, and how it might be linked to anxiety.

^ You can read the full article on the NewGrad website, link in bio!

10/07/2022

Why is it when you say you’re unemployed, you’re instantly being judged?

No one knows what that person has gone through or is still going through, especially after 2020. Be kind to those looking for a job, and don’t judge other people’s journeys.

You can read the full article here:
https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/unemployedasagraduate

By Lidia Amico Editors: Hannah Leslie + Adrianna Ruminska Life as a new graduate isn’t easy. It is a BIG change coming out of the university bubble into adulthood overnight. All of a sudden, the level of responsibility and expectations weigh heavy on your shoulders, and yo

05/07/2022

✨ Careers in the spotlight ✨

Role:
Copywriter

Starting salary 💰
£22,000 - £30,000

What is a Copywriter? ⬇️

A copywriter is a person whose job is to craft engaging text—or“copy”—to advertise or market specific brands, products, services, or lifestyles.

Tasks include:
✏️ Writing blog posts

✏️ Creating copy for landing pages, website pages, social media & marketing campaigns

✏️ Proofreading and writing reports

30/06/2022

Comparing myself was easy when I had the time to.

When I was struggling to fill my time with literally anything, I was another victim of mindless scrolling, wishing I was someone or somewhere else. Something I struggled to remember is that I am living MY OWN LIFE.

It doesn’t matter if people appear to be living a life of fantasy - they are living their life.

I have learned that your friends aren’t judging or concerned by what you are doing, and the only reason I thought they were was because I was fascinated with theirs. They want me to be happy, regardless of what I am doing and vice versa.

You can read the full article here:
https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/stickingbyyourdecisions

By Megan Moore Editor: Libby Pierzak-Pee Decisions. For many, the first decade of our lives are determined by decisions made by others. Whether this is outfits chosen by our parents when we are toddlers or spending weeks of our lives in the education system as dictated by the government: ou

28/06/2022

✨ Careers in the spotlight ✨

Role:
Management Consultant

Starting salary 💰
£25,000 - £30,000

Companies that hire Management Consultants:
➡️ IBM
➡️ Accenture
➡️ McKinsey
➡️ PwC

What is a management consultant? ⬇️

Management consultants help businesses improve their performance and achieve growth by solving problems and finding new and better ways of doing things.

The management consultant will often be filling in for a skills gap a business has and they work with businesses across a wide range of sectors, including Business Strategy, Finance, HR, and Marketing.

26/06/2022

Should I go to my graduation ceremony? 🎓

Graduation Ceremonies: a time to celebrate the completion of your degree and all your success and hard work over the past few years.

For many, this is the perfect ending to their university experience.

For others, a graduation ceremony can be a daunting prospect, making one question their achievements and whether their results are worth celebrating, especially if the results received are not the results you hoped for.

You can read the full article here:
https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/attendingyourgraduationceremony

Graduation Ceremonies: a time to celebrate the completion of your degree. For many, this is the perfect ending to their university experience. For others, a graduation ceremony can be a daunting prospect, making one question their achievements and whether their results are worth celebrating, espe

22/06/2022

Do you have the travel bug? ✈️🌍

Would you like to live and work abroad?

Working Holiday Visa's (WHV) allow you to visit a host country for up to 2 years and take on jobs to cover living expenses and help fund your travels.

As a UK Citizen you were eligible to apply for a WHV in the following countries:

🇦🇺 Australia
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇨🇦Canada
🇸🇬Singapore
🇯🇵 Japan

The requirements vary per country but the general requirements include:
➡️ Aged 18-30
➡️ Be a UK Citizen
➡️ Have a valid UK Passport
➡️ A minimum amount of funds to cover health insurance, return flight etc

20/06/2022

There are always parts of a job or work that we might not enjoy but on the whole, we should feel valued and respected at work, supported by our managers, clear on our progression and job requirements and happy to be there.

Here are some red flags to look out for 🚩

20/06/2022

✨ Careers in the spotlight ✨

Role:
Data Analyst

Starting salary 💰
£22,000 - £30,000

What is a Data Analyst? ⬇️

A data analyst collects, organises, and interprets data to make it useful for a range of businesses and organisations, to help them improve their perfomance.

Tasks include:
📊 performing analysis to determine the meaning of the data and identify trends

📊 liaise with internal and external partners to fully understand the context of the data

📊 design and carry out surveys and analyse survey data

📊 prepare reports and briefings for internal and external audiences

15/06/2022

I’ll be honest, I started looking for volunteering opportunities during my final year of university because all I kept hearing was that I needed to make myself ‘employable’ and that you should have experience outside of your degree. 
 
I stumbled across the voluntary role of Telephone Befriender with the leading charity for older people: Age UK.  
 
The Telephone Befriender role requires you to call your client, usually once a week to, quite simply, have a chat.  
 
As soon as I had my first telephone conversation with my client, I very quickly realised this was about more than making myself ‘employable’.  
 
Of course, the extra experience and knowledge gained will no doubt improve my CV on paper. But, I formed a bond with my client.  
 
I quickly began to care deeply about her, what she’d had for lunch and what the weather was like where she is.  
 
I can only hope that this article has raised awareness of the fantastic opportunity to reach out and make a difference in the lives of elderly, vulnerable people.  
 
Remember that something that might be insignificant to us, means the world to an elderly, isolated person. 
 
⬇️ 
Head over to our Instagram stories today to watch Hannah share her experience of being a telephone befriended. 
 
⬇️ 
You can read the full article on the NewGrad website, link in bio!

15/06/2022

LinkedIn has become an essential component of professional life, offering a way to promote your skills and experience to potential employers.

Here are some helpful tips on how to make an eye-catching profile:

➡️Upload a recent, clear, and suitable picture
➡️Include your degree, results and a list of modules most relevant to your career
➡️Ask your coursemates or colleagues to endorse you for certain skills that you have

How to network effectively on LinkedIn:
➡️ Connect with influential figures in your areas of interest
➡️ Follow updates from relevant companies
➡️Try to post on the feed regularly e.g. sharing graduation posts or events attended

You can read the full article here:
https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/theimportanceoflinkedin

14/06/2022

I knew I would be sad when I left university but what I never expected, was the overwhelming feeling of being more lost than when I started.

I thought I’d share my experience of leaving university almost a year ago now, in hopes that you can find some sort of bitter-sweet comfort and reassurance that it’s okay not to have it all figured out.

It may take some time, but you will ‘find your wings’….

https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/findingyourwingsaftergraduating

I knew I would be sad when I left university; leaving my friends, a place I called home, and where I felt truly happy. But what I never expected, was the overwhelming feeling of being more lost than when I started.

09/06/2022

The tears, long nights at the library, exams, coursework, and stresses all culminate on one day and one final moment: the graduation ceremony.

The infamous cap and gown pictures, matching your outfits to your cape colours, and of course, the treacherous walk across stage when your name is called.

The COVID years have certainly made their mark on the graduating classes, and the delayed ceremonies are no exception.

With these delayed ceremonies, the day itself can get hectic when trying to include everything — organising travel for the day, fitting in all the photos, seeing course friends and, of course, deciding which members of your family and friends attend the ceremony.

It is even harder to balance all of this when you’re a child of divorced parents, navigating the role of mediator while trying to enjoy your own celebrations.

https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/graduationanddivorcedparents

The day itself can get hectic when trying to include everything — organising travel for the day, fitting in all the photos, seeing course friends and, of course, deciding which members of your family and friends attend the ceremony. It is even harder to balance all of this when you’re a child of...

08/06/2022

Just a reminder that there is no right or wrong path after graduation!

26/10/2021

Imposter syndrome can make you feel like a fraud and that you’ve somehow tricked your way into university (don’t worry — you haven’t).

When I first arrived at university two years ago, I experienced imposter syndrome before I even knew what it meant.

As a newly turned 18-year-old just arriving on campus, I was already nervous about settling in and starting classes that I already thought I wasn’t going to be able to keep up with.

My fears that I didn’t fit in, that I was a fraud and that I was just pretending I belonged there only grew as term started.

I remember sitting in seminars — where my peers were using academic and scholarly language to articulate brilliant ideas about the set reading — and feeling like a fraud.

I thought I was an imposter in this space and that my ideas would never be good enough.

From my experience, seminars are a breeding ground for imposter syndrome.

https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/dealingwithimpostersyndromeatuniversity

By Lucy Evans lucy_evanss13/luluthinkss Editor: Iasmina Ionescu Whether you are a fresher — just entering into the new and sometimes intimidating space of university — or a returning student, you may experience imposter syndrome. ‘Imposter syndrome’ is a phrase that’s used a lot on social

25/10/2021

I want to talk about a subject that I personally feel isn’t talked about often and that is the sudden isolation and loneliness that can arise after graduation.

I definitely felt this after finishing my studies on top of the panic of finding jobs and having debt.

I sometimes feel that I am the only one struggling with this, but I hope that by reading this article you know that you are not the only one who worries about making friends or meeting people after University.

I wanted to write this article to show that it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns as we often see on social media.

It’s ok to say that you are struggling.

https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/howtomakefriendsafterleavinguniversity

By Anna George Editors: Rebecca Gerety and Hannah Leslie Leaving university can feel very overwhelming. Whether it be, moving away from the people you have spent the past 3 years with, the stress of finding a first job, the emotional goodbyes, or the idea that you have to move back home.

12/10/2021

September has always felt like a significant month to me.

Whether it’s the subtle changing of season or the fact that it reminds me of going back to school, I have always found that it’s the time of year when I am the most reflective.

So, what hit me the most this September you might ask?

That I have officially been a graduate for over a year (because those few additional months apparently make a real difference).

Shying behind my favourite go-to line “Yeah, I only graduated last summer”, is a thing of the past and, well, the good old days of sleepy 9am lectures and SU nights out are starting to feel more and more like a lifetime ago.

You can read Jinni's article on the NewGrad website here:
https://www.newgrad.co.uk/newgradblog/oneyearonaftergraduation

By Jinni Sur Editor: Eliza Palumbo September has always felt like a significant month to me. Whether it’s the subtle changing of season or the fact that it reminds me of going back to school, I have always found that it’s the time of year when I am the most reflective. Unlike the “new ye

14/05/2021

This week is Mental Health Awareness week and we wanted to show some small steps you can take to look after your mental wellbeing.

Please save and share with anyone you think would find it helpful. 💜

If you are struggling, please don’t suffer in silence, reach out to a close friend, family member or loved one or contact your GP to access mental health support and services.

11/03/2021

Being prescribed medication for your mental health can be an overwhelming experience.   
  
On top of the struggles which have necessitated being given medication; stigma and misinformation have shrouded the subject in myth and uncertainty.   
  
Of course, it isn’t for everyone.   
  
The side effects can be significant and it’s important to assess its overall effectiveness on a case-to-case basis.   

However, societal misunderstandings have created a narrative that makes people at times both reluctant to take it when it’s offered and ashamed to admit if they do.   
  
But what is it really like to be on these meds?   
  
Is the stigma around taking them slowly lifting as people speak more openly about mental health, or is it still a prevalent issue?   
  
We have spoken to our readers to find out.

^ you can read this article on the NewGrad website under the ‘Mental Health’ section, link in bio!

11/03/2021

The writing, journalism, and copywriting industries are very saturated and can feel very daunting to try and break into.    
   
There are so many amazing people out there and I struggled with feeling underqualified and “too young” to have a job in this field.    
   
I think it is important to remember that even if you are new to the industry, or very young like me, it does not mean you don’t deserve to be in that industry!    
   
It’s also useful to know that there are careers that aren’t just straight journalism but involve similar skills, such as content creation for brands and companies.   
   
In terms of giving advice to others wanting to work in this field - well I don’t feel qualified to do this! But if I had to come up with something, I’d advise building up a writing portfolio that you can link in your CV and Linkedin.    
   
There are lots of small publications that need regular writers. Whilst they usually don’t pay, it’s great for building up your portfolio, practicing pitching, and working to tight deadlines.    
   
There are also lots of Facebook groups where people share useful resources and places to pitch to.    
   
I have been given mixed advice on internships in the past, but obviously, mine worked out for me and ended with a paid position. The issue with internships is that they are often unpaid, and it is a huge privilege to be able to take them on.    
   
I would recommend using sites such as Internwise and Linkedin to find internships that aren’t too much of a commitment but will still help advance your CV.    
   
^ you can read article on the NewGrad website under the ‘Graduate Interviews’ section, link in bio!

10/03/2021

I am not here to denounce the contraceptive pill.  
 
It positively impacts so many people’s lives, whether this is a long-term treatment option for conditions such as PCOS (polycystic o***y syndrome), or balancing hormones to successfully improve someone’s debilitating acne.  
 
Every woman should have the right to take the pill if they are safe to do so, and I wish it worked as intended for everyone who wants it to. 
 
However, we need far more education surrounding the semantics of the pill, and a huge cultural push to make sure women do not settle for disturbing symptoms - such as, loss of libido, severe depression, severe mood swings - in order to maintain a great s*x life in a relationship, or to feel womanly. 
 
^ you can read article on the NewGrad website, link in bio!

*xualwellness *xeducation *xuality

10/03/2021

I was about to wrap up my second year at university when I stumbled onto the path that would lead to me where I am today.   
  
I had been talking about getting into radio professionally for a while but had no idea how to actually make it happen. Then, one day, I got a message from my friend, Chris.   
  
He told me that I should drop the local branch of BBC Radio a message.   
  
At first, I thought he was mad - you can’t just message the BBC like “yo, u got anee jobs goin?? xo”. Why would they be interested in me?   
  
But, I had nothing to lose, so I took Chris’ advice.   
  
If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have gotten a reply from BBC Radio Norfolk.   
  
I wouldn’t have been invited to take part in a discussion on the upcoming General Election for their Breakfast Programme.   
  
I wouldn’t have met the station manager.   
  
I wouldn’t have been told about their volunteering scheme. And, three years later, I wouldn’t have been asked to write this article. 
 
^ you can read article under the ‘Graduate Interviews’ section on the NewGrad website, link in bio!

09/03/2021

A PGCE isn’t easy; it’s intense and a lot of work, but if you have the passion for it then it is worth every minute of your time it takes up. And it will be the most rewarding thing you ever do.   
  
If this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s life’s too short and to not take anything for granted.   
  
Teaching was something I had been thinking about for years and never had the guts to commit to it. But life really is too short to not take risks.   
  
It feels like we are taking a risk by just nipping to the shops nowadays.   
  
So why not take a risk that is going to set up your career for life while helping children through the most important stages of their education and setting them up for life too?   
  
If it is possible to work through such an intense course as a PGCE during two lockdowns and a global pandemic, then it’s possible to do anything you have the passion for.   
  
^ You can read article on the NewGrad website, link in bio!

09/03/2021

We are pleased to announce our new Career series 'Breaking into' where we will share students and graduates experiences of 'breaking into' various industries.  
  
First, we have Anna!  
  
I’m Anna and I’m a 23 y/o mid-weight graphic designer and illustrator at design agency Elmwood, based in Leeds.  
  
Notwithstanding the strange year 7 phase of wanting to be a forensic scientist, and the brief A-Level desire to maybe study geography at university, I’d always had a penchant for creative subjects - especially art and graphic design.   
  
My professional journey began in January 2020. Although now a doomed year, my first 3 months of 2020 in the studio were a wonderful whirlwind; working for many high-profile clients, from supermarkets to chocolate brands.   
  
Then March hit and the pandemic ensued.   
  
The work from home life began. Endless zoom calls, terrible Wi-Fi, and a bad back hindered the working day.   
  
With such a creative and collaborative process within Elmwood, working remotely has been a struggle but ultimately a rewarding one, nevertheless.   
  
I won’t pretend that breaking into the industry is easy.   
  
I have been lucky with my chain of events that have led me directly to where I am now. But hard work and an inquisitive mind are crucial, and a university degree is not crucial if you don’t feel it’s the right choice for you.   
  
Never be afraid to put yourself out there. Celebrate any work that you have and show it off. 
 
^ you can read article on the NewGrad website, link in bio!

16/11/2020

At the beginning of 2019’s academic year I was heading into the final year of my journalism degree at the University of Sheffield, and was eager to start modules that I’d been looking forward to since I’d visited the campus on an open day.

Not only was I excited about the work and opportunities involved in the final year of my degree but I had been accepted onto a summer program and would be spending my summer working as a Pool Attendant at Sapphire Falls, Universal Studios.

I have been a lifelong theme park fanatic, and the idea of spending all my free time exploring some of the most famous theme parks in the world was an absolute dream!

The same day I got my acceptance email I found a Facebook group of other people doing the same program; we started discussing what we were studying, where we were working, and most importantly making plans for the summer ahead.

My summer plans were what kept me motivated through some of the toughest university days, knowing that all the hard work would be worth it when it came to summer.

I already knew the date of my final deadline - it was just two days before I was set to fly to America. Packing my bags and clearing out my uni flat was going to be quite a tight turnaround, but that didn’t bother me.

Nor did the idea of missing graduation; I wasn’t the only person on the program in their final year, and we’d decided that we could have our own celebrations in Orlando.

Not long after Christmas, all of these plans were overshadowed by doubt. With cases of Coronavirus rising there were worries amongst university students and in our Florida group chat as to what the next few months would look like.

At the beginning of March, the US imposed a travel ban on most European countries and Visa applications stopped being processed.

Two weeks following this we received confirmation of the inevitable: the Universal program for 2020 had been cancelled. I was devastated.

^ you can read article on the NewGrad website, link in bio!