ALL IN THE SAME BOAT

 

 

 

 

 

Stressing about what the future holds for our careers is completely normal. In fact, our data shows that figuring out what to do in life caused stress for seven out of 10 graduates.

 

What age does this anxiety kick in? Well, it turns out the average UK graduate began to worry about what to do in later life at age 17 and eight months. Given that young people in the UK are instructed to stay in education or full-time training until aged 18, it is no wonder that the average person starts to have concerns about next steps at this time.

 

 

 

 

 

However, it appears that younger graduates (age 21-24) began to worry earlier, around age 14. At this time, it may feel as though there is pressure to narrow down options and make the right choices as important exams approach, as their selections could impact future opportunities. In fact, 79% of 21-24 year-old graduates believed at age 18 they needed to have their lives planned out with a career in mind, compared to only 39% of 55+ year-olds.

 

So, why do younger graduates feel so much pressure to make a definitive choice on their career?

 

SASA Founder & Lead Forensic Psychiatric Occupational Therapist, Jenny Okolo, suggests:

 

"Societal pressures such as social media, quick career progression in young people and accessibility may contribute to this. Older graduates grew up in a different time where technology wasn't as advanced and therefore the pressure to update one another on successes wasn't as prevalent."

 

To help to deal with these stresses, Jenny recommends:

 

"Utilise the university careers service which usually is accessible for graduates a few years after leaving. Also, allow time to adjust and limit comparison to others, as this can take a toll on self-esteem which isn't helpful."

 

 

Assistant director of Student, Library and Academic Services at Northumbria University, Vashti Hutton, advises:

 

"When you make the decision to go to university, I would recommend looking at the pre-arrival information to get a feel for what life will be like when you start your degree. You could even start looking at universities online through virtual open days."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, selecting a course doesn't mean it has to be set in stone. Though teens may be feeling pressure to have their minds made up and to choose the right course first time, our data shows that changing your mind is common, as it turns out 48% of graduates changed or modified their course at some point from applying to university to graduating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally, the course you choose at university doesn't have to dictate your career after graduating. In fact, only 51% of graduates have degrees that are relevant to their current jobs. However, it appears that more recent graduates continue into jobs that directly or somewhat overlap with their degree as of those who graduated in the 2020s and 2010s, 61% have a job currently that relates to their degree, compared to the 23% of those who graduated in the 1970s or earlier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aside from the obvious benefit of furthering education, attending university is about so much more than just the degree. In fact, 47% of graduates stated that independence was the top benefit that they gained other than their degree, alongside workplace skills and social skills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As stated by 67% of graduates, there are plenty of experiences to take advantage of whilst at university. The most common experience that graduates took part in was joining a society, followed by career days, field trips and a placement year.

 

Vashti adds:

"Coming to university opens the door to many experiences you may not otherwise have had. You have a great opportunity to make a lot of new friends and peers, whilst potentially exploring a new city or even country. There are a lot of academic opportunities but also social and cultural experiences which all add to your university experience."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As with many aspects of life, the benefit of hindsight can cause us to believe we may do things differently if given the chance. As ‘study a different degree’ comes out on top, we could argue that people change through time and that since graduating, they may have new passions or interests that they would have liked to study, given the chance to rewind time.

For those wanting to progress to university, results day and clearing can be stressful. Vashti has provided some top tips to make the process as smooth as possible.

Results Day

 

• “Make sure you know what time your results are released and where you need to be to collect them. You will find it helpful to be prepared for the day
  
  
• Look at your results and review the subjects you’re interested in. There may be other options for you, such as an alternative course or a foundation year, which will help you get to where you want to be.”

 

Clearing

 

• “It’s important that you don’t rush your decision when applying to university. Try and be agile, but don’t jump at the first opportunity you’re presented with.
• Ring as many hotlines as you can and ask lots of questions so you can find the right course and university for you.
• If you want to know more about a course, you can ask to speak to an academic from that programme and they will be happy to help.”

 

Don’t forget, wherever you are, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Though decisions about your future and your career may seem like the most important thing in the world, it is important to remember that life is not linear, there is always time to change direction and it will all work out in the end.

 

It is okay to not have everything figured out by the time you go to university, when you’re there, or even afterwards. But university can play a great part in opening doors that lead to where you eventually want to be.

 

If you don’t want to miss out on the university experience, check out our UCAS clearing information for more details in areas such as the clearing process or specific subject areas like psychology clearing.