From fellow graduates who have been where you are now
Graduation is an exciting but daunting time.
With change ahead, it’s perfectly okay to feel a bit nervous or uncertain. But, luckily for you, you’re joining a global community of fellow alumni who have been where you are now.
To help settle any worries, we asked our alumni to pass on their wisdom to this year’s graduating class and let us know what they wish they'd been told before graduation.
Here are a few of their responses:
I wish I had been told that it’s okay not to be the greatest. That my career won’t always be littered with accolades or consistent growth, and that you are doing your best even when you think you’re not. Every task encountered, every job interview, every rejection arms you with knowledge you didn’t have before. And most importantly, you’re the captain of your own choices, and you are free to steer them in whatever direction you want.
As difficult as it may be, try to identify and follow your dream job. It's not all about money and status. We spend so much time at work, and life is short, so enjoy, and if you're not enjoying … be brave and move on!
Something I wish I’d been told before embarking on my career journey is that it would be challenging and far from easy. Success doesn’t come overnight, and there will be moments of doubt, setbacks, and unexpected detours. But that’s all part of the process. You have to be patient, trust in your growth, and keep going – even when it feels tough. The key is to stay focused on your goals, be open to learning, and remember that every step, even the hard ones, is shaping you into the person you’re meant to become.
Keep in contact with everyone. Having a strong network of friends, colleagues, and professional relationships will ensure a smooth running in your career.
I wish someone had said: "Your career isn’t a straight line—and that’s a good thing."
It may take time to find the role you want to specialise in — it’s okay, there’s no rush. The most important thing is that you are open, even if a role isn’t what you thought you wanted to do. Any opportunity to learn and develop workplace skills is valuable.
It isn't a linear journey - your career will chop and change multiple times over the next few years because you're still young and in the process of working out what you enjoy the most. Take every opportunity that you can.
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