Alumni advice for the Class of 2021

Completing a degree is always cause for celebration. Whether this is with friends, family or a mixture of both. But it also marks the end of your studies, a daunting prospect for many. Whilst we know some of our graduates might have already begun postgraduate courses, we know others will still be settling into jobs. Others, we know, might not have found that ‘dream job’ yet, or maybe even a job at all.

With the ongoing pandemic, increasing living costs and fierce job competition for graduate roles, we know our recent graduates might be feeling like they need some advice! Over the past year, we’ve spoken to quite a few recent graduates who’ve written us fantastic blogs about their work. As part of their blogs, many of them gave us advice for recent graduates, or people looking to enter their fields.

For positive advice, look no further than our alumni.

Don’t take rejection to heart

It happens to everyone. Your application for a new course, a job role or even a flat to rent might get rejected. Here’s some recent graduate advice on what to do with that feeling.

Amy Stewart

Amy contributed a fantastic blog about her writing journey, her time at York St John as an MA student and her advice for budding writers. Whilst her advice was specifally for writers, we think it’s pretty relevant for everyone else too!

There’s the practical advice, like don’t take rejections too personally, and keep going…Be you when you write. You’ve got lots to say. It’s great to be inspired by other writers and experiment as you find your voice, but I think really great writing in any genre comes from a place of authenticity.

Read Amy’s blog in full.

Neil Hudson

Neil also gave us some very practical advice for those who have faced rejection when submitting creative writing to be published. But we think it’s also good advice for job hunting too:

In fact a rejection is a success because it proves you did everything you need to get published – after that it’s just a measure of the odds, which are against you. You beat the odds by staying in the game and making more submissions. So rack up as many rejections as possible, and sooner or later you’ll get published.

Read Neil’s blog in full.

Essentially, remember to be you! Don’t take rejection (no matter its form) too personally, whether it be for internships, job roles, postgraduate study or when trying to get your work out there. In a world where there are lots of people applying for the same things as you, you’ve got to be in it to win it! If you don’t apply, you’ll never get the opportunity. If you apply but are rejected, at any stage, at least you tried, and can probably reuse most of your application elsewhere.

Don’t give up on your dreams

You’ll have heard the snide joke ‘don’t give up your day job’, and that is important advice. Unfortunately, most people need a ‘day job’ to pay the bills! But it’s important not to give up on your dreams, even if those dreams change over time. When you were six you might have dreamed of being an astronaut. The dream might have changed, but your wish to do something important and interesting doesn’t have to.

Tash Curry

Tash was part of last year’s York Literary Review blog series. Their blog post really highlighted their passion for writing, and they offered some fantastic advice:

Just don’t give up on your dream not matter how big or small it might be. Just keep working hard. It might take years to get where you want to be but the amount of great stuff you’ll come up with in that time is worth it. 

Read Tash’ blog in full.

Rosie Cammish

Rosie also gave this great advice on the importance of not letting other’s opinions stop your dreams:

I don’t know who needs to hear this but, never give up on your dreams. Don’t ever let people think you are silly for wanting to go off and write or paint pictures or whatever it is that you love. Follow your heart, follow your dreams, and don’t ever let anyone stand in your way.

Read Rosie’s blog in full.

Sinead Campbell

Last year, we also spoke to Sinead Campbell who wrote about her music career, both in front of the mic and behind the scenes. She was also featured in our 2021 alumni magazine. Whilst we asked her specifically about advice for graduates wanting to forge a career in the arts, her advice resonates for any industry:

Don’t allow anyone to project their fear into your dreams/plans – yes take practical advise and apply what fits, but remember that each journey within the arts is unique and that’s what makes it exciting…

…Don’t frame rejection as a reflection on your self worth- instead see it as an opportunity to grow, develop and learn. Collaborate, network and don’t put anyone on a pedestal- it’s ok to email people who you look up to. Ask for shadowing opportunities or to sit in with them on a zoom meeting. People are often friendlier and more willing to help, than you may think.

Read Sinead’s blog in full.

Don’t be scared to dream BIG

Last year, we spoke to one of our former Pro Vice Chancellors, Stuart Billingham. He wrote about his varied career journey and how he hasn’t stopped working, even in his retirement! Having come from ‘mixed middle class and working-class roots,’ Stuart was the first person from his mother’s family to go to university. But this didn’t stop him from having big dreams.

“I graduated in 1973 – an unimaginably long time ago for many of you I am sure. After that, I completed an MSc in 1975 and then my PhD in 1982. During all that time, and for the 39 years since, I have always committed myself to working only in those jobs that would deliver the core things I believe in. In my case, that has been working to change higher education to assist those from my kind of under-represented class background to access it and succeed in it. And where has all that got me?

I was awarded the title of Professor, the first in my family.

Go for it”.

You can find out more about Stuart’s career journey in his blog post.

Careers are for life, not just undergrad (or postgrad)

At York St John, we offer life long career support. That means we’re here to offer career support as a recent graduate and in 20 years time when you’re thinking about a career move. If you’ve completed your course and you’re not sure what to do next, email careers@yorksj.ac.uk or use LaunchPad Online to book an appointment with one of our Career Advisors.

Don’t forgot your alumni discount

As an alum of York St John, you’re entitled to a fee discount on most postgraduate courses. This includes research courses, not just taught courses.

If you graduated recently (2019 onwards) you could get up to 50% off your postgraduate fees depending on what you achieved with us!

If you’re not ready to pursue a postgraduate yet, all alumni are entitled to 10% off most postgraduate courses, no matter when they graduated. This means you can access this fee discount in five years time, or fifteen.

You can find out more about these fee discounts, and their terms and conditions, on our website.