Life 6 Months After Graduation

For three years, the life of an undergraduate student is completely consumed with university. Will I succeed? Do I have enough money to survive this week? What will I do after graduation? The latter can be the most daunting question of all.

When studying Fashion Promotion and Communication at Solent University, so many pathways are explored. We have completed units based on Photography, Branding, PR and even Design, there is not a lot of roles we haven’t been provided with practice. Therefore, we decided to contact some of our peers that graduated in 2019 to demonstrate some of the choices available after graduation…

Georgia:

Georgia currently works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant with prospects to train to be an art teacher. She works with SEN children and uses art and design as a way to connect with them and give them a way to open up. Our next question asked for advice in securing a graduate job. Georgia’s advice was to work to your strengths and be confident, but also to acknowledge your weaknesses.

“I feel as though I have always been a caring and confident person, wanting to help others, and I use art as my outlet.”

Georgia says although she is unsure on her future, she is loving working with children. She loves spreading positivity and making a difference. She says as long as she can express her passions and be happy she’ll be fine!

Hannah:

Hannah is working as a Visual Merchandiser for Victoria’s Secret, organising stock to brand guidelines and creating “moments” using new collections or signature products. Her advice to secure a grad-job involves networking, as it is who you know that can become the most beneficial.

“Don’t feel pressured to find something straight away because your peers have. Give yourself time to find the right job that you enjoy.”

Hannah plans to gain more experience in merchandising and to create her own website where clients can plan concept stores, pop-ups and shop design, among other things.

Danielle:

Danielle is working with eXPD8, a company that provides retail support services to retailers, manufactures and suppliers, as a Client Services Administrator. As the previous organiser of the Solent Graduate Fashion Show, Danielle was able to extend her client liaison skills and excellent customer service.

“I like to focus on personal development and educating more than anything. I eventually wish to be a leader in my field, helping others develop and make a difference”

On securing a job after graduation, she suggests to avoid job sites and approach companies directly, and to begin networking through LinkedIn. She also recommends career fairs and utilising university resources as much as possible.

Emily:

Emily currently works as a Customer Service advisor for Aspinal of London, dealing with customer enquiries and hosting in the showrooms, among many other roles. When asked for her advice on gaining a post-grad job, she suggests to be more of a yes person, you should just say yes to every opportunity you are given.

“I worked unpaid at a graphic design agency alongside my degree and it rewarded me with so much industry knowledge that you couldn’t be taught at university. Be willing to work for free and don’t be scared to ask employers for work, the worst they can say is no.”

Emily says she loves the company she is currently at but hopes to progress in Graphic Design and is currently building her connections in the workplace.

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The final question we asked the girls was for any advice regarding the completion of a Final Major Project in third year. The results were all similar:

- Communicate any struggles, your lecturers are there for you and that’s what you’re paying for! Turn any criticism into something constructive

- Make sure to focus your project on something you’re passionate about, something you can really put your heart into. Don’t be afraid to stand out and speak about what is important to you

- Presentation is key. Make your work as professional as possible

- Set targets and deadlines for yourself to keep the workload on track, do little and often to help secure that work-life balance. Don’t feel guilty about having a day off – you must let your mind and body rest!

- Help each other out, contribute, collaborate – we are a community!

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We want to thank all the girls we interviewed for their time and amazing answers and we wish you all the best of luck in your journey!

We hope you have enjoyed this post as much as we’ve had making it! If you are really struggling or feeling overwhelmed by university, our email or DMs are always open, we promise we are friendly!

We also came across an interesting journal this week, covering everything within it from university advice, managing finances to many wellbeing activities to bring your spirits and positivity up: Slay in Your Lane by Yomi Agegoke and Elizabeth Uvibiene.

This can be found on Amazon for the cheap price of £7.19 or if you’re lucky to catch it, £5.99 from you’re local TKMaxx! We can’t recommend journals enough, especially one like this which holds a multitude of helpful advice and activities. We believe a journal can be a powerful aid for mental health and well-being, so why not give one a go!

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If you would like to volunteer for the fashion show, in anything from dressing models to graphic design or photography, please feel free to drop us a message, our inbox is always open! Our Instagram is @sgfs20

If you would prefer to email instead: bandbevents19@gmail.com