Katie's storyMy name is Katie, I'm 21 and I have just graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Media, Journalism and Communications. Whilst at university, I delved into a range of creative projects - including running Cardiff's lifestyle publication as Editor-in-Chief in my final year. When degree and work at Quench Magazine came to an end I felt particularly lost and unsure about my future. I needed a creative outlet to express these uncertainties and thus The Graduate Club was born (@graduateclub). It was a way for me to create content and keep my mind busy, whilst also finding like minded people who were going through the same life changes that I was attempting to navigate. Q: What were your reasons behind starting your Instagram page The Graduate Club?A: I always like to have everything planned and structured so I know what to expect. I'm the kind of person who will Wikipedia the ending of a film I'm watching just ten minutes in (criminal, I know) so I don't have to deal with the stress of not knowing what will happen. In the weeks leading up to finishing my degree, my mind was so occupied by thoughts of meeting word counts and submitted assignments that the emptiness that followed really caught me by surprise. Unlike the previous 21 years of my life, where education was neatly followed by further years in education, I had nothing lined up and this terrified me. Eventually, I stepped back from this constant feeling of panic and realised that it wasn't really helping me in any way. After speaking to some of my friends and putting a tweet out on Twitter, I quickly realised that I wasn't alone in these emotions and this provided a huge wave of relief. I thought that if I made my emotions public, those dealing with the same experience in silence might find the same sense of relief that I did. Soon, the page grew from sharing my own story to sharing the stories of other people. I think that's what makes it so special as it really does demonstrate that there isn't one set route after graduation and you are free to navigate these murky waters in whichever way you choose. Q: What are your top 3 tips for graduates who are thinking of starting an Instagram page?A: For one, I'd say there definitely has to be something in it for you. For me, The Graduate Club has helped me conquer my emotional struggles and allows me to channel my feelings into something productive rather than let them run free around my brain - that's what makes getting up and working on it so enjoyable. Secondly, remember to take time off! It's easy to get caught up in the Instagram whirlwind and want to spend every hour of every day creating content to the point where it becomes an obligation. Time away from a screen is just as important and can help you come up with more ideas in the long run. Finally, interact with other accounts! There are so many amazing people with such creative ideas online. Rather than see it as a competition, I think it's best to view it as a collaboration. Help others, share their content and even work together on something between you. Q: How do you deal with job anxiety?A: I think it's important to have faith in yourself and your own abilities. Sometimes it's easier said than done but remembering what I've achieved in the past allows me to keep pushing through! Also, like I said before, having a creative outlet is a great way to get things out or channel any anxious emotions. Q: What will you miss most about university?A: Definitely the people. I am from a small village in Devon so having friends living within walking distance was new to me and I loved that social aspect of being able to see anyone or plan anything with ease. I feel like at university there was always something good to look forward to.
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AuthorThe Blue Graduate is a career and wellbeing advice and guidance blog for students and graduates experiencing post-uni 'blues'. Archives
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