What happens when it's all over?
When it’s 1am and you’ve had too many coffees, too many toasties and you’re tapping away at your politics essay, graduation feels like a distant dream. Slowly but surely, every presentation, essay, report and participation mark add up and you’ve finally completed your degree. As someone who’s finished two degrees and is still trying to figure it all out, here are the things that no one tells you about finishing university.
I remember submitting my last ever essay. I was sitting in one of the computer labs in building 17. I pressed submit, took a deep breath, then looked around. Where were the balloons, sparklers and celebrations? I thought the day I submitted my Honours thesis, people around me would break into song and dance. Yet you’re sharply reminded that life goes on, people will continue to nap in South Wing, and sadly, it’s just another day (but for you – a really successful day).
I never would have thought that those people I did a group assignment with in my first year would turn out to be my best friends, even now. While I like to consider myself a social person, it’s pretty difficult to meet new people once you’ve finished university. In the professional world, there’s no lunch time UniBar sessions, no starting at 11am after a night out, no awkward ice-breakers with 25 other students in your class. But one thing uni has taught me is that new friends come from very unexpected places. You just have to make the effort.
Adelaide traveling through Central America with some friends before undertaking a short course in Mexico City.
After several years of putting ‘student’ on forms and applications under ‘career,’ you’re now a bit stuck. The most unique species of uni graduates are those who know exactly what they’re doing. This usually applies to those who studied teaching, nursing or engineering – they’re going to be a teacher, nurse or engineer. But what do you become when you study Communications and Media? International Studies? Arts? The beauty, and also the curse, is that there’s no one career for you, and no single career you can put on that form. The best thing about becoming a ‘communicator’ or ‘international studies person’ is that you can be whatever you want to be.
When you finish university and move into the real world, and you don’t really know what you’re doing, you will find yourself looking around at your peers and freaking out a little. One of them has a grad position at a big corporation, one’s doing a master’s degree, one’s moving to Melbourne, and one’s getting married and starting their own business. Yep, there’s a lot of talented people graduating from UOW. And you’re one of them, even if you don’t have a plan or have it quite figured out. It’s important to stop comparing yourself to others and know that you’re on your own path. Chances are your peers are looking at your achievements and questioning their own as well.
Adelaide celebrating her graduation with friends
After several years of being a student, adjusting to life without timetables, tutorials, research projects and Friday afternoons at the UniBar, it’s pretty normal to be feeling a bit lost. I’m lucky I’m working in a role that I enjoy, with people who are kind, supportive and inspiring. Am I in my dream job? Not yet. Am I changing the world? Not quite. But am I enjoying the ride? Absolutely! It’s scary and overwhelming finishing uni, always second-guessing whether you’re ready, capable or if it’s right for you, but as the saying goes, fake it 'til you make it!
The thing no one tells you about university is that it’s truly a special time in people’s lives. If you belong to the UOW alumni group, we’re some of the lucky people in this world to hold a tertiary qualification from one of Australia’s finest institutions, and privileged to pursue further education. So when you get to wear that royal blue cap and gown, know that you’re leaving something amazing, but you’re more than prepared and capable of moving into the big wide world. Because one day, you won’t have to fake it anymore!
All credit goes to Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies / Bachelor of International Studies graduate, Adelaide Haynes.
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