What should you do with your degree?

If you're familiar with Worcester than you may already know that this month marks the end of a journey for many students at the university. Sitting amongst the murmur of classical music in a cathedral that is centuries old, you might be mistaken to think that you're in an American sitcom. The gowns, the graduate caps, the hoards of merchandise- it's all very picturesque; what does it all mean though? For some, this signifies the start of adult life, for others (like myself) another year of studying beckons. I took a moment to think about the journey I've been on and how I've changed as an individual.

'Not another boring post about reflecting on life..'
Just hear me out! Although it's all so simple to put on your CV that you've just got a degree or to state in an interview that I only got a 2:1- your degree is so much more than that and here's why:

1. You're one of the lucky ones to have experienced university life. You've had those experiences of interpersonal working, presenting in front of your peers and even organisational practices. If you're a business student that can say in an interview that you've 'managed a working group of degree-level students to successfully create and pitch a innovative product to industry experts [your lecturers]' then just look at how much better that sounds as opposed to 'yeah, I presented a business idea to my lecturers..'.

2. If you've worked a part-time job at the university, you have to highlight. I'm getting better at doing it, but it's all so easy to turn to people and say that you've only worked at the University of Worcester. I know that the university isn't in the top 100 in the country, but the university has got so much to shout about. You've worked at an institution that cares about sustainable living and craves to make the student experience the best possible- nominated for tonnes of awards along the way. 

3. Remember those painstaking times that you spent slaving away over that dissertation? What about all those dreaded interviews that you had to transcribe? These aren't useless skills by a long stretch. You've given yourself first hand research experience and (possibly) worked with peers to develop innovative forward thinking. When a job asks you to 'name a time when you've used your initiative', if you can reel off details of when you've taken time out of your day to develop further theory in your industry, it sounds a lot better than struggling for a response. 

4. Unfortunately I wasn't a part of the social or society scene, but if you were, it'd be silly not to mention the invaluable experiences gained. I'm not talking about downing a pint in under 5 seconds (however impressive that may be)- more those times where you've developed team cohesion in a small group of players or managed finances as part of your role as treasurer. Struggling for ideas? Even if you showed commitment to training; loyalty and responsibility is something a workplace will crave from an employee. Those 6am early rises for team training show that you are a committed, hardworking, passionate individual that will portray the same ethic within the organisation. 

I hope this post as plucked up your courage to perfect that CV, apply for those jobs and nail that interview. Remember, those months of hard work and dedication to your degree shouldn't be in vain. Harness your passion and fuel your future ambition by bragging about your university experience. 

What's one thing that you learnt at university? Comment your answer below.