Embracing the Uncertainty of Final Year

25 Feb 2025

Even though the second semester is not over yet, do you find yourself feeling anxious about graduating from your degree? I imagine many of you are feeling the weight of this future already – I definitely am. This is inevitable considering I am a final year student, but it certainly has not discouraged the anxiety which comes with navigating life after graduation and the possible exit from academia in which I have been for most of my life. While everyone has ideas about their future, the last year of your degree seems a lot more intense and concrete in this manner. These feelings are in many ways a universal state that accompanies everyone during this part of their journey. If you are in your final year or just feel uneasy about approaching the shift from the safety and certainty of university to life post-grad, this article is for you.

Everyone has a different idea for their direction after graduation. Some want to continue in formal education through postgraduate degrees, following the field of their undergraduate studies but others might wish to change it. You may also feel significantly burnt out from not only the year behind you but the intensity and labour of your whole degree. You might crave rest and change in your routine and environment and the idea of taking a gap year is fighting a battle with the pressure and expectations from societal conditioning. You might want to start your professional career or explore the workplace via an internship. The variety of choices is overwhelming but being proactive helps you find a ground to walk on. Below are a few points that have helped me in managing the anxiety around navigating and creating a future life post-graduation.

Talking to friends and family.

Initially, I was surprised to find that most of my friends don’t “have it figured out” yet. Similarly to me, they have an idea of what they enjoy in university and a hazy idea of what career they want to take. It is quite the opposite to the established “norm”– certainty of your progression towards future, concrete goals, and a solid image of your career. Reality rarely fits this narrative. Talking to recent graduates is also a great way to help give you examples of how to approach the future reality. In sharing my thoughts with my peers, I have found some comfort about feeling uncertain and learned to embrace it as a necessary, even beneficial, part of my journey.

Reflecting on yourself and what drives you to success and contentment.

You might have a picture of the career you would like or even a specific role, but do you know if you personally fit that kind of lifestyle? For example, if you enjoy dynamic, collaborative work and are a sociable person, look for vocations that involve frequent interactions with other professionals. Practicing self-awareness and thinking more holistically about choosing a potential job really lets you reach your potential and feel happy in your work.

Trying on different roles and vocations through internships.

This is an excellent way to help you discover what kind of work you would like to do without the commitment of a full-time job. It is also a great form of networking which is important when entering the professional field for the first time. This is relevant even if you want to continue with post-graduate education. Applying for a research internship in the field of your desired course will enhance your application profile and strengthen necessary skills.

Talking to a career consultant.

There is a whole team of professionals at the UCC Career Services dedicated to helping you find the right path. Whether you are thinking of going further with academia or exploring post-graduate jobs, you can book a 1-on-1 appointment with a consultant or look at their online resources to help you navigate the next steps in your future. Afterall, professional mentorship is especially helpful in this period.

Embracing the uncertainty and trusting your judgement.

It is important you do not force yourself into something just because you feel like you are running out of time and are being pressured by someone else who “knows better.” The only person who knows and feels what is right for you is you. You do not have to follow a conventional path if your judgment and intuition stands against it. Periods of uncertainty are significant times of change, curiosity, and reinvention. It is particularly through these times that we build resilience and find confidence from within.

So, reframe uncertainty as opportunity, and do not forget to enjoy your final year amidst all this pressure. The last year passes so quickly, and we need to be present to take it all in!

Best of luck!