9 productive ways to spend your time post-graduation
Written by Maria Beardall, illustrated by Alice Radford
Published 17th September 2021
© Alice Radford
“So you’ve just finished university, now what?”
Those are the exact words that went through my brain the day after I submitted my final ever module of work, and I’m certain that I’m not the only one who thought the same. With no more deadlines or 121’s comes a lot of freedom, but also the impending realisation… what do I do now?
Suddenly your world shifts from that super focus of getting work done on time for deadline to very quickly being thrown into the deep end, by setting up job alerts while unpacking your life out of bags back into your family home. I realised that I hadn’t quite thought about the situation that followed post university, instead having it ever so silently creep up on me like a stealth attack of responsibilities and spinning plates.
As a recent graduate, I’ve found that the top questions I always hear follow the order of: “So how did you do?” and “So what’s next?” If I had a pound for every time I heard those two questions in tangent, I would be on my way to the bank as you’re reading this. The pressure graduates can feel after finishing university is very common, but you are not alone, and taking it one step at a time is important - you've just finished a massive chapter of your life after all!
With a little help from my friends at The Arena, we’ve compiled a list of 9 ways you could spend your time productively after you graduate, ranging from resting to researching. Here's a handful of ideas for those post-uni plans:
01: Take a break
Have a kit ka- … it’s not that kind of post.
However, after doing x amount of years at university, I’d say the most productive thing you could do is… relax. Take some time, you have just completed a massive, tiring, academic achievement after all!
The most productive times can be when you’re resting, refuelling and recharging. I definitely abandoned my laptop for the first week or so post uni, making sure to make the most of this deadline free time.
Watch a new show/film
Go explore a new place
Spend time with friends or family
Book something exciting
Read
And the list goes on and on and on!
© Alice Radford
02: Make a list of goals/aims
I think having a list of goals or aims, no matter how big or small, to guide you can be helpful in directing you to what you want to do next. It could be sorting out the files on your computer in the next week, or landing that dream role in the next five years. Get out your notebook or on your notes app and make that list!
03: Volunteer for a cause you care about
Keeping busy and filling up a week that used to consist of deadlines is tricky, but offering to help or volunteer in some way, shape or form is a good way to start easing into post-grad life.
It could be something directly linked to your practice, or something completely different, but getting stuck in is a great way to get involved and could always land you some new connections further down the line.
© Alice Radford
04: Teach yourself something new
This is a great time to learn something you’ve always wanted to! You could learn a new skill, sport, hobby, activity or interest - the list is endless. This could be a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, something spur of the moment, or something that can go on your CV. Making sure you are doing something you love is super important!
I taught myself how to sew, and there are so many more incredible things to learn, regardless of if that new thing is related to your degree or not.
05: Get to know your industry
Just keeping an eye on any industry news, any events happening or listening to related podcasts can keep you in the loop.
Again, building your network can help with this. Places like The Dots, LinkedIn and many others regularly post talks and events online or in person, giving you access to plenty of opportunities to widen your knowledge of your industry.
This can just be interesting to learn, keeping you in the loop and means your eyes are peeled for the latest news, or can be perfect for talking points during interviews you may have, showing that genuine interest in the industry you’re about to step into.
© Alice Radford
06: Build your network
Making connections that could help you further down the line can be incredibly valuable, such as finding an internship through Twitter or taking part in a contest from an initial quick Google search.
Getting connected on LinkedIn, sharing your work more frequently on socials, joining events and reaching out to people you admire can help build a network around you that you can have for life, and you never know where it could have you end up. Get following, posting, linking and liking!
It’s important to make sure this social world we have online doesn’t spill into your personal life, so make sure to take regular breaks and have a time limit on how long you spend online; doing this as and when you think necessary.
07: Start the passion project you’ve always dreamed of
Anything you’d love to work on? Got a project in mind that you didn’t get a chance to complete? This is the time to work on the things you love and get stuck in with the projects of your dreams, because why leave them on the back burner any longer?!
I have always loved writing, and when the opportunity to write for The Arena came about I jumped at the chance. Writing has always been something I’ve loved, yet barely had any time for while at uni, but I’m now here writing this post!
As a plus, it’s a great talking point when people ask what you’re up to!
08: Develop & finish your portfolio!
Remember, done is better than perfect.
Finessing the portfolio will be a never-ending task, but as long as you have work you are passionate about and enjoy talking about it will make the task much easier.
From experience, make sure to take periods of time away from your portfolio (as staring at it too long isn’t always so helpful!) and ask others you trust to have a look at it. Just remember, it is your portfolio at the end of the day, take from these reviews what you need!
© Alice Radford
09: Be kind to yourself
And remember, these are only ideas, there is no right or wrong to what you get up to during this time. I hope whatever your plans may be, that you are happy and healthy while doing them!
About the author
Hello, my name is Maria, and I've recently graduated from Falmouth University!
My aim as a designer is to find innovative ways to solve real-world problems and make positive change by encouraging people to challenge their thinking. My favourite creative projects so far have been working on short films, campaigns and sustainable design for good.
When I'm not designing I can be found trying to play around with my film camera, watching reruns of The Office, sat tucked away writing in a coffee shop or usually playing super fast rounds of Dobble.
