September is a strange month. For many it marks the beginning of a new academic year and thoughts of all the challenges that lie ahead. On the other hand, ‘Freshers’, beginning their university courses have a sense of excitement for the new experiences they will have; whereas students, about to begin their final years’ are preparing themselves for the huge amount of work that will inevitably decide the outcome of their degree. Then there are the recent graduates for whom this September will provoke fond (or maybe not!) memories of academia as they try to find their way into the real world of work.

 

For me, September has now become the month after August and before October. It’s a continuation of the working year. However, I was recently asked by one of my former university lecturers from the University of South Wales, Julie Kissick, to contribute to a website she’s running to help graduates to cope with post-university life.

 

Graduate Challenges’ highlights a large number of student experiences from across the UK but logging on I was amazed to discover how bleak the picture seemed. Of course, I was only too aware that graduate life was not easy – my own path to work after university had required a great deal of resilience and personal ambition – but the stories of constant unemployment; sleepless nights and losing hope made me realise all over again how lucky I had been to have secured work directly upon graduation, in a relevant field to my degree.

 

The site seeks to provide helpful advice, alongside hope but it is all too clear that underlying this is a feeling of pessimism. After being asked to contribute, I wrote a (hopefully) helpful and upbeat (but without the rose tinted specs) account of my own graduate pathway. However, it was only after submitting the piece that I realised – I hadn’t mentioned my disability.

 

Why is that important? I hear you cry! You should be seen as an equal. You’re right and thankfully – in most cases – I have been. But I also have huge respect for my identity as a disabled person and – although it doesn’t define me – I would never ignore it. Growing up with Cerebral Palsy has taught me valuable life skills such as patience and coping strategies for when things get tough; has armed me with fight and determination and given me the confidence to know exactly who I am and that, with the right support, I am able to achieve anything.

 

Okay, I wouldn’t blame you if you thought that I was taking this all a little bit too seriously but those are certainly essential qualities when you’re seeking employment; either as a recent graduate or at any stage of your career. The current freelance nature of my work has renewed my belief in all these qualities. However, I would also urge all recent graduates to take some time out if possible, after all they’ll always be next September…  

 

 Graduate Challenges is always on the look-out for graduates of any age to share experiences at: www.graduatechallenges.wordpress.com