Graduation

Hello all,

Congratulations to the graduating class of July 2015!!!

As this week is graduation week, I thought I would give some advice/ inside information about the graduation ceremonies (having been through two of them myself).

If I could give you any advice, it would be the following:

1. Enjoy your day. I know this is probably obvious, but I would say take some time to reflect over your experiences at Swansea University and appreciate the work you have put in to achieve your degree.

2. Don’t be nervous. I know that in both of my graduations I was very nervous (mostly about tripping over in my heels which I am not used to wearing!) but this actually took away my ability to enjoy my day especially for my undergraduate ceremony. Just relax and take the day in.

3. Make sure you have fixed your hair. This may seem a bit superfluous but given that you will be wearing a mortar board, I would say make sure your hair is fixed and will not be ruined by the hat.

4. Take lots of pictures. This is quite a normalised aspect of the graduation process but you don’t necessary have to pay for a professional photographer. Take a picture on your phone/ camera. After all when else will you be able to legitimately wear a robe?

5. Be sure to speak with your course-mates and friends. They have been through the ups and downs of university with you, so take time to celebrate your joint achievement together. (This may be a good time for the obligatory selfie or group photo!)

6. Thank your department, tutors and lecturers. They have guided you (academically) through university and have challenged and tested you. Be sure to thank them for their times and efforts.

Now that you have finished your degree, you may be considering remaining in education or entering the world of work. The biggest piece of advice that I could give to a graduating student would be to remain positive and to take things in your stride. Things may not always go to plan (the job market is starting to pick up but it could be difficult to begin with) but they will work out eventually; draw on your experiences and skills that you have developed at university, remain positive and good luck for the future!!!

Congratulations again to all those who are graduating! I look forward to seeing the photos!