Post Graduation - How to deal with the pressures of leaving university
After university, what next?
If you are a fourth year student who has just gone through the eventful yet chaotic graduation week, you might now feel in a limbo. What I mean by this is that you might not have thought about what the future holds for you, and that in itself, is a tough frame of mind to navigate around by yourself. Whenever all of the fuss dissipates and you are left with your thoughts on what to do next, it is important to be proactive about what you (and only you) want to do with yourself because there are many options and support systems to help guide toward that outcome.
Understanding the pressures
Most students in university have so much on their plates that it is hard to think far into the future. They become comfortable with the environment they are in and focus on preparing for essays, attending lectures, and staying on top of external pressures. These are just some of the difficulties that students go through.
Thinking about the future and finding where your passions lie in an occupational context can be stressful, to the point where you ignore the thought altogether. However, when the time comes when you can no longer postpone these thoughts, it can be worrying.
Granted, if you are reading this and relate to what has been discussed, it is completely normal! There are many students who have been and currently are in your situation. No one truly knows where they might end up in the next 5-10 years of their lives.
Thinking about life after university can be daunting. Knowing that the structure in place throughout primary school, secondary school, and university ends now can leave you feeling panicked. It is important to recognize that even though this structure has been in place for you throughout the majority of your life, you were the one who worked hard throughout that time and got to where you are right now. This is something to be incredibly proud of.
I cannot stress the importance of allowing yourself time to think and digest where you want your path to lead. With that being said, know that you are never alone in getting to where you want to be. You might think that the university is only there for you during your time at university, but they also provide a lot of help to students for understanding and dealing with their options post-university as well.
Careers Services at the University of Dundee
The Careers Services at the University of Dundee provide students and graduates with the opportunity to mentally process and plan the next stages of their lives. There are many people within the careers department who can help you discover what options are available to you, based on discussions and your personal preferences, to help you find the path you want to go down.
Getting started with the careers services is important because you will be aided in your thinking while also being matched to opportunities that you may not have even known existed. Believe me, when I say, there is no shame in using this service, and you will feel more confident in your opportunities. Some of the many features that the careers service provides include linking you with employers, exploring career options, and helping develop your employability skills.
Please click here for the link to the Careers Service website.
Concluding thoughts
I hope that reading this blog sheds light on your current situation or helps you understand the inevitable pressures that may follow if you have not yet finished university. In the coming month, stay tuned for more blog posts discussing employment options, further education avenues, and alumni insights. These posts will allow you to gauge, at a glance, what options you have available to you. Remember, it is important to understand that you are not alone in this process. You have people to talk to if you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances. After all, every single student goes through this pressure!