As I finish my third year at Trinity, all I can wonder is where the time went and how underprepared I am for life. While I still have a year left, I often get asked what my plans after college are, and I have absolutely no idea. In all honesty, the idea of graduating sounds both scary and uncomfortable. The unfamiliarity of something new makes it that much more terrifying. I’m not the first to feel this way about graduating, and I definitely won’t be the last. Therefore, instead of looking at the real world as a scary and intimidating place, I’m trying to be more optimistic — or rather, more realistic — about it. To ease this transition from college life to the real world, I interviewed two recent Trinity graduates, Ewan (currently pursuing his PhD) and Zaynab (currently pursuing a Masters degree), about their experiences of postgraduate life.
“Being in college seems relatively simple, with the freedom it grants being backed by a bit of comfort through its routine nature”
Change is probably the most terrifying word for a 21-year-old college student. Being in college seems relatively simple, with the freedom it grants being backed by a bit of comfort through its routine nature. From that familiar coffee shop to the faces you see on your way to class, everything feels stable. Of course, nostalgia plays a major role in this feeling, but the apprehension of stepping into the real world stems largely from the fear of change. We become so comfortable in our lifestyle and routine that the uncertainty of life outside college can feel daunting.
“College prepares you for life — whether that be through academia, extracurriculars, or even daily interactions with people, students and lecturers alike”
The term “real world” is often associated with societal expectations. When we step into the real world, there are expectations to fulfill — such as achieving financial independence or stability and taking on various responsibilities. For many students, it is this fear of failing in these areas that creates hesitation about entering the “real world.” We begin to question our abilities and sometimes even the value of the degree we chose to pursue. We ask ourselves if we’re good enough or convince ourselves that there’s too much competition for too few opportunities. If you relate to this, trust me: it’s not that bad! It’s mostly in our heads. Being in college may feel comfortable, and you might not feel ready to take on the world, but you are. College prepares you for life — whether that be through academia, extracurriculars, or even daily interactions with people, students and lecturers alike. Ewan, for example, explained how being part of the Student Union at Trinity taught him how to navigate interpersonal dynamics. He said: “the Student Union here is a great representation and lesson in learning to deal with people who are not like-minded.” Zaynab also explained how extracurricular activities played a significant role in developing communication skills and teamwork. She credited academia as a useful tool, particularly in areas like research. College has benefited me in similar ways, helping me develop better social skills. Participating in society events, trying new things, and simply making the effort to talk to people — whether my friends or complete strangers — has been invaluable. I used to be the kind of person who had to prepare questions in her head to keep a conversation going, but this has changed drastically over the last three years. I see this as a skill that will help me quite a bit in the future, too.
Just because the pressure is mostly in our heads, however, does not mean we should not try and prepare ourselves for the real world. Of course, life outside college is not as terrifying as we make it out to be, but it still requires some groundwork. Remember, you want to make the transition as seamless as possible. When asked about the greatest challenges she faced in her first year post-graduation, Zaynab mentioned time management: “I had never really had a job before; I babysat every once in a while, but it was very irregular. I am now a Teacher’s Assistant, which is much more of a commitment and a different workload, so it took me a while to balance everything. I’m definitely better with time management now and giving myself a break when I need to.”
Another major challenge students have been facing lately is finding jobs. Current requirements, such as minimum work experience or increased competition, make it that much harder. Sometimes it can be extremely overwhelming, especially when people around you are landing internships or jobs. Do not worry! To begin with, the Trinity Career Service offers students numerous job options based on your requirements, so signing up there may be a good place to start. Ewan explained, “I ended up applying for and taking a position advertised to my course via the School of Chemistry.” While the job search is important, focusing on building a strong CV alongside it may be beneficial. I know that’s probably the last thing you want to hear when there’s already so much to do! However, taking short online courses is useful in strengthening one’s skill set, as recommended by Zaynab. Online tools such as Coursera are extremely helpful in accomplishing such tasks, without the pressure of a deadline.
“It’s important not to ‘stress too much and forget to take in these last few months. This time next year, you may be in a different place. Just soak it all in’”
This time of year is particularly hectic for final-year students, with dissertations and assignments due and the added pressure of the job search. But as Zaynab reminds us, it’s important not to “stress too much and forget to take in these last few months. This time next year, you may be in a different place. Just soak it all in.”
For some, like me, being unsure of their post-college plans may be a factor that scares them from entering the real world. But honestly, it’s alright to be confused. I would definitely recommend trying your hand at different things, especially while you’re still in college. Try new courses, join different societies, and apply for various internships. Honestly, you never know where life may lead you. And just remember — it always gets easier!
