Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
The last few months of my course were very different to what I had imagined. Completing my final assignments during lockdown and working on group presentations over Zoom sessions was a challenging process. However, I learned a lot about myself through this period. I had a lot more time to self-reflect on what I had gained from my three years studying at university and what I wanted to do for my future career.
How to use your time after graduation
Life has been so fast-paced since university finished. Pre-coronavirus, I initally planned to go travelling and spend a portion of time relaxing and visiting new places after all these years of education. But the pandemic had other plans for me and forced my goals to change. I had to plan for adult life and focus on job searching much sooner than I expected.
Time in isolation led me to developing new skills. I used my spare time to search the internet and eventually found small marketing communities that were equipped with lists of free digital marketing courses I could take, which enabled me to gain certificates and accreditations. This was great for enhancing my CV and developing my knowledge on areas I didn’t have the chance to cover during my studies.
Applying skills gained from my degree
My experience at university allowed me to identify my interests and this included Social Media Marketing. During lockdown, me and my friend that I met through lectures, Sara, decided to combine expertise and create a page for students and recent graduates, where we could provide advice and tips on various topics! We also wanted to utilise our platform to raise more awareness and support for underrepresented BAME groups. The account @lifeofgrads is on both Instagram and TikTok and we’re really proud of the success and positive comments we’ve received so far!
This blog gives me an opportunity to showcase my creativity with graphic designing and video content editing, along with copywriting skills and a general proactive attitude. I would highly recommend creating a blog to those in a similar position to me as it is beneficial for improving your abilities and is an effective aspect to demonstrate in interviews and to future employees in this field!
Finding work during Covid
The graduate job market is highly competitive in these current times compared to previous years which has caused many worries. I’ve decided to take it as motivation to work harder and pass time more wisely, for example, undertaking more online courses, doing more reading and adopting more hobbies which will assist me in my future job applications to reach my dream job.
During the outbreak, I was unfortunately made redundant from the part-time job I had alongside my uni studies. However, I was soon employed by a company that bought out the franchise (rollercoaster, I know!). I knew that I had to continue my job search from here, so I perservered by checking every single job board I could and giving my LinkedIn profile a glow-up. Long before I knew it, I secured my first full-time role working as a Sales & Retentions Advisor. This was not what I expected to do once graduating but I told myself I had to give it a go, even if it was not directly related to my long-term aspirations. I have still been able to learn so much and develop a list of new skills from this role that I can use in future positions.
Fortunately, I have also been lucky enough to secure some roles in a few voluntary organisations related to my career prospects. This includes helping a charity with their email marketing, writing blog articles, conducting research for influencer marketing strategies and creating newsletter content. Additionally, I’m working with another not-for-profit organisation with website illustrations and general admin duties. I also picked up a casual copywriting role for another online organisation, producing articles for students on a range of commercial headlines.
Key takeaways from graduate life
I’ve experienced a wave of emotions over the past few months. I never thought I’d be in the position I am today. My top tip is to remain resilient. If you feel let down that you didn’t get that job you wanted, remind yourself that something better is out there for you. In this extremely competitive market, landing any kind of vacancy is such a great achievement. Finding the courage to apply to even one role is something to be very proud of!
Ensure you’re always up for trying something new. In this confusing time, it’s important to make the most of the spare time we have and try to be as productive as possible. Perhaps reach out to small businesses and undertake some volunteering to enhance your employability in this crucial time.
Most of all, avoid comparing yourself to others. It is easier said than done and you may feel others are achieving more success than yourself. But each individual’s journey is different and it’s important to remember that we will reach our goals at our own speed.
2020 has been a crazy year for us all. Whether you’re a graduate, student or at any stage in your life, we should all be proud of getting through it!
