Graduating into a pandemic?

So, it's that time of year again. The next generation of graduates is coming into the world. Although I am no expert - I wanted to share some things I learnt during my first year as a graduate in a pandemic.

Firstly, graduating from a pandemic is not easy, and if you've completed university during the pandemic, you do deserve a massive pat on the back, and it's worth celebrating. It is mad to think that you just submitted your last assignment and attended your previous lecture on a random weekday with no proper celebrations.

It's been a year since I finished my undergraduate degree, and it still truly doesn't feel like I finished, and if you also feel like that, that's okay. I just want you to know that you are not alone there.

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Make sure you celebrate

You've spent the past three/ four years working your ass off for your degree, and you deserve to celebrate it. Even if you can't celebrate as you wanted to (had Corona not been a thing), you still, if not more so, deserve to celebrate your accomplishments. Take time out for yourself to pamper and process what you have accomplished.

Graduating is hard enough, but graduating into a pandemic and having to spend your entire final year online with little support is so much harder. But, YOU'VE DONE IT! Congratulations! 🎉👩🏻‍🎓👏🏻

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It's okay not to know what to do now.

So, you've finished university, and you may be thinking, 'what on earth do I do now?' and I want to let you know that that is entirely normal. You go from sticking to a strict deadline schedule and working from deadline to deadline to suddenly not having any structure to your days and feeling like you should be working in your dream job straight out of university. You don't. Even if it feels like your friends or peers are going into graduate jobs, the majority of graduates graduate without having a job lined up, and that is okay.

Take this time to appreciate all the hard work you have put into your degree and use this time exactly how you want. Go and meet your friend for a dog walk, go out for food and drinks, spend time with your family and spend quality time relaxing.

It's okay not to know what career path you want to go down or what type of events you want to work on. You can use this time to work out what you want to do, which types of events you would like to work on and work out which direction you would like to head in and connect with others in that sector.

The main thing is to take things at your own pace.

Try not to get sucked into feeling like you have to be doing something during every minute of your free time - rest is productive, and you have definitely earned it. So, please do not feel bad for resting and relaxing - I know that is easier said than done. Still, rest is essential and productive rest is necessary and effective rest is necessary and productive if there is something I have learned recently.

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Try not to compare yourself to others.

I think we can all agree that we have all compared our paths and career journeys to others who we believe are more 'successful' than us. We believe that just because someone in our year seems to have gone into the 'perfect' role straight after university, we aren't successful.

But, I want to remind you that there is no set way to get into the events industry and everyone's paths are different. Things happen at different times and different paces for different people, but remember, progress is not always linear, and quite often, you'll find yourself going back before you move 'forward'. Keep going, keep pushing, and you will get to where you want to be; it just might not be in the way that you thought it would.

"Believe in yourself and you are halfway there" - Theodore Roosevelt

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Start networking

If you're an introvert like me, the thought of networking is enough to want you to hide in the cardboard. Still, I suggest starting off networking with other event grads and building your confidence before going in and networking with industry professionals. The more you do, the easier it will get, and if you are not already familiar with Event Grads - it is a beautiful and uplifting community and support network for event graduate and students that is totally worth checking out. The Facebook group has multiple jobs, opportunities, and industry events posted daily. Naomi and her small team help industry newcomers navigate the events industry, bridging the gap between event students, graduates, and professionals.

I started my own events specific Instagram account back in the summer last year, and it has been one of the best things I have done. I have found the events industry to be so welcoming. I have made some brilliant friends who are graduates and students, as well as industry professionals, which have helped grow my confidence and grown my events network in a fun and engaging way. Even commenting on other people's posts is networking - not all networking has to be in a professional setting. The community over on Instagram is supportive and inspirational, and I appreciate every connection and friend I have made so far.

I am still working on my networking skills, but the most challenging part is starting. So take that first step, put yourself out there, start engaging on Linkedin, Twitter/ Instagram, and you'll find your tribe and grow your confidence that way.

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Thank you for making it this far, and I hope this has been valuable to you, whether you are a new graduate, a soon to be graduate or even a 2020 graduate like me. Either way, congratulations on completing your degree - I am so proud of you.

Also, if you click here, you can see my feature along with three other incredible event professionals and graduates over on Event Grads Reflect: A Year In Lockdown.