From hair do's to career insights: Alumni's encouragement, practical tips, and honest reflections for 2026 graduates
We asked University of Portsmouth alumni what they wish they'd known when they graduated, and their advice is full of encouragement, practical tips, and honest reflections.
From celebrating your achievements and making the most of graduation day to finding your first graduate job, embracing unexpected opportunities, and building a career with confidence, these insights offer reassurance and inspiration for the class of 2026.
Graduation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and while the future may feel uncertain, those who've been there before have plenty of wisdom to share.
Faculty of Business and Law
"Enjoy each time, live your life, have confidence in yourself..... Your opportunity will be there. I found my first job with Fidelity only a few months my graduation.. Good luck!"
Ennifar
MSc Business Economics, Finance and Banking, 2005
"Remember if one person can, anyone can, if you can imagine it you can obtain it, I always said yes why not and have had some amazing experiences and continue to learn every day."
Amanda Harcus
PgDip Human Resource Management, 2009
"Be open to diversifying, each job or skill will enable you to reach your goal. Starting any job will up skill you and give you valuable experiences of what you like and don't like in employment. Whether you are a CEO or the Cleaner working will give you choices to explore and develop. So grab any opportunity you and enjoy the learning."
Marney Lowe
PGCE Business, 2009
"Careers are built over decades not years - graduation is the very start, keep chipping away and make the most of any opportunity that comes your way."
Tom Rawcliffe
BSc Economics, 2009, Postgraduate Cert Occupational Health and Safety Management, 2017
"Be kind to yourself and patient too, don't benchmark yourself against other people, enjoy your graduation day and know that your future is just on the horizon.
Whatever happens don't let your fears and anxieties get in the way of your life!"
Mel Crook-Kent
LLB Law and Criminology, 2011
"Graduation day:
- Bring a fan, it can get really hot. Mine was a lifesaver.
- When styling hair, don't forget you are wearing a cap. It wasn't until the morning of graduation when I was doing my hair I had to pivot styles because I remembered the cap.
- Bring safety pins, if your outfit doesn't have buttons the gown can slip easily.
- Embrace it - it's a bit of a whirlwind day but try and soak in your celebration.
- Bring comfortable shoes to change into when walking around the city
Finding a job:
-I encourage every graduate to use our careers advice service. The first job I applied for with assistance from them, I got (only applied to 1 other beforehand). They helped me with my CV, cover letter, and had a couple meetings with me for interview prep."
Jessica Knapman
BA Digital Marketing, 2025
"I wish I'd known that your first job doesn't define your entire career. Focus on learning, building relationships, and saying yes to opportunities that stretch you. Success rarely follows a straight line. On graduation day specifically, take a moment to be proud of how far you've come. Take more photos. Hug your family a little longer. Celebrate the people who supported you. Years from now, you'll remember the people and the feeling far more than the grades. Please don't worry if you don't have a five-year plan. You got this and most importantly congratulations!"
Sukhneet K. Raikmo
BSc Economics, Finance and Banking, 2016
"Put all your effort into landing your dream. There will be moments when you feel like giving up, but never stop chasing what you truly want.
"The path may not always be straightforward. It might cost you moving places, being far from loved ones, and making sacrifices you never expected.
"But every step, every struggle, every distance travelled is worth it when you're building the life you were meant to live. Your degree is just the beginning, what you do with it defines everything."
Muntaqim Chowdhury
MSc Accounting and Finance, 2023
Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries
"Don't worry if you have no idea what you are going to do next. I certainty didn't. I am now 42 and run my own chocolate business with my husband up in Shropshire!
"You never know where life will take you. Just always follow your interests. Follow what motivates you to get up in the morning. If you enjoy what you spend your time doing, you will never feel you've worked a day in your life - so the saying goes.
"As for Graduation Day itself embrace the day as best you can with friends and family. Get lots of photos and go for a lovely meal! Congrats to you! Wishing you the best for the future."
Laura Lefevre
BA Media Studies, 2005
"Fake it till you make it? Nah. Learn it till you make it. Stay curious, ask questions, say yes to opportunities and don’t be afraid of looking inexperienced because… you are. Everyone starts somewhere. Also, put your phone away for five minutes on graduation day. Future you will thank you."
Elena-Mirabela Spoiala
BA Graphic Design, 2022
"As you step into this next chapter, remember that you don’t need to have everything figured out right away.
"Your first job, first decision, or even your first plan doesn’t have to define the rest of your life. Allow yourself to explore different paths, try new opportunities, and learn what truly resonates with you. Growth rarely happens in a straight line, and sometimes the unexpected path can lead to the most meaningful destination.
"Trust that with time, what’s meant for you will become clearer."
Kaltrina Khan
BA Journalism, 2021, MA Digital Marketing, 2022
"Your degree doesn't limit you to that specific area of work, its gives you so many transferable skills and experience to get graduate jobs outside of that sector, remember a degree expands your horizons!"
River Robinson
BA Film Production, 2024
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
It's a wholly different universe now, compared to 1979, but my advice would be to not be dogmatic about what you want to pursue.
The Civil Service was my 61st job application back in 1979/80.
I ended up visiting parts of the world I'd NEVER have been able to see, meeting people I'd never DREAMED I'd rub shoulders with.
And, most importantly, made a positive (I hope!) difference to many people's lives.
Les Mondry-Flesch
BA (Hons) German Studies, 1979
‘Life happens when you are busy making other plans’. This is so true. But everything you have learnt here at the University equips you to deal with the forks in the road. Embrace your journey and you never know where you will end up!
Michelle White
BA Hons English Literature, 2003
Never think your degree subject is not worthy despite what the tabloids say. Your degree will open doors and be actively viewed positively in future job applications. Some you will only be eligible for BECAUSE you have a degree.
Steven Howe
MSc Criminology & Criminal Justice, 2016
"Utilise the careers service, get in touch with the Graduate Recruitment Team, attend Job Fairs. The support out there available to you in those days, weeks, months, and years after university is immense.
"Most importantly of all, however, take a moment to reflect on the amazing achievement of graduation. Be proud of getting to the end and celebrate the moment!"
Joe Barry
BA International Relations and Politics, 2024
"The day is all about you and your achievements so enjoy it the best you can with the people you love. Get as many pictures as you can so that you can look back on such an amazing day."
Ghislaine Wellgreen
BSc Sociology with Psychology, 2025
"Do not wait for others to create your future. Look at your degree as a tool, go out and create your dream job.
"Don't be afraid to start a business and fail and take all the learning, to make it work."
Jamal Nassar
Postgraduate Diploma in Education Leadership and Management
"Say yes to everything - your life post graduation can be whatever you choose it to be. The best way to live the first few months or even years of post grad is to just agree to whatever makes you happy or excited. Don’t overcomplicate it and worry about building a career straight away - just do what brings your soul joy."
James
BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics
Be reassured that the first job that you land after you graduate doesn't have to be your "dream" role. Most graduates, including from my own experience, will try different roles with different organisations across at least the first 5 years after you graduate.
Always focus on what you have learnt about yourself from the opportunities you have and remember that each job and employer will have its own merits.
I have, honestly, made friends for life from my first three job roles after graduation and I wouldn't change it for the world!
Clare Pitkin-Hall
BA (Hons) Childhood & Youth Studies, 2013; MA Education Studies, 2019
"Graduation is the best opportunity to bring together everyone who has helped you make it this far, whether that's your lecturers, friends, or family.
"It took me lots of applications to find my first grad job so in the meantime I did extra projects in my retail job to add to my CV, volunteered with a local charity, and started a bookstagram account to add to my digital skills. It's totally normal to not have it all figured out beyond graduation, but you can do lots of little things to keep engaged and to boost your applications!
"Very few grads' first job is their dream job!"
Nicole Chapman
BA (Hons) Literature and Language, 2020
Faculty of Science and Health
"Believe in yourself. Your degree is part of your worth, but self confidence, and a willingness to extend yourself beyond your comfort zone can be very productive and fulfilling. It worked for me."
Simon Dilloway
BSc (Hons) Policing and Police Studies, 1996, MSc Criminal Justice Studies, 1999
"Even in the face of setbacks, make sure you persevere, pivot when needed and be creative. You'd be surprised what getting one new perspective, experience or activity can do for your life and career."
Toni-Q Harris
MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards, 2020
"Comfy shoes, handheld fan, spoons breakfast!"
Harriet Jacknelle
BN (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
"Make sure you take a moment to slow down and enjoy your graduation day. It goes by much faster than you expect! Take lots of photos, celebrate with the people who supported you along the way, and be proud of what you've achieved.
"Enjoy yourself, this is your opportunity to celebrate all the hard work and fun youve had over the last few years!
"When it comes to applying for jobs, be bold and confident. Don't be afraid to apply for opportunities that seem outside your comfort zone. You are capable of much more than you think, and some of the best opportunities come from taking a risk! Good luck, and congratulations on your graduation!"
Maggy Smith
BSc Psychology, 2025
"The University of Portsmouth Careers and Employability service offers free careers support for up to 5 years after graduation! They can help you update your CV and provide interview prep to support you in your search for a Graduate role! They are such a lovely group of people who want to see you succeed, so please make use of this service!
"Enjoy every moment of your graduation day! Years of hard work have led you to this milestone, so make the most of it, soak it all in, and celebrate everything you've achieved. Be sure to take lots of photos too, you'll love looking back on them and remembering such a special day. Congratulations!"
Sinead Phillips
BSc Psychology, 2025
"You have exhibited remarkable virtues—patience, courage, passion, and an unwavering zeal that propelled you through graduation. You have excelled. As you step beyond the walls of varsity, hold onto these virtues and incorporate love and empathy to all of it. That's what will sustain you out there, that what will make you a better leader than you already are. Greatness awaits you!"
Yvonne Lekoko
Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management, 2023
"The best way to stand out from the crowd is to be yourself, be authentic and passionate about your chosen pathway. It is okay to go into a field away from your studies, as the transferable skills you have learnt will follow you.
"Life is always an education, you've learnt how to empower yourself to the best of your ability - go out there and show the world how it's meant to be done! If you do not succeed in job interviews, use that time to review what happened and how you can build stronger emotional resilience for the next interview. You will get there!
"Since graduating over 10 years ago! I still use the skills and life tools the University of Portsmouth taught me today, has helped me achieve roles I never imagined I would achieve. I am now in a position where I help those in the journey through higher education, and it is ever so rewarding!
"Remember, you're always part of Portsmouth and with that comes the alumni support from the careers team - use them to their full potential, they are there to help you achieve your career goals!
"Now, celebrate your graduation day - this is your day, a day you will always remember! Plus, wearing the graduation gown is pretty cool, right?!"
Jamie Mitchell
BSc Criminology and Forensic Studies, 2015; MSc Crime Science and Criminal Investigation, 2020
Faculty of Technology
"Be focused, be determined and be flexible. Never stop being curious and keep learning. Learn how to apply your experience and knowledge to new situations. Good luck!"
Stanley John Anders
MSc Information Systems, 1992
"Be yourself, bask in the sunshine of your wonderful and remarkable achievement, you deserve it for your dedication over the past few years. I was lucky with securing a job. The University (Polytechnic) in those days arranged a job for me with the local authority, I needed a job as I studied for 4 years on a Sandwich course, which of course entails working and studying inside the course. This then evolved into my first job on graduation. You can find a job, all is within your capabilities."
Gary Hall
BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering, 1976
"Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop learning. Your degree opens doors, but your character, resilience, and willingness to grow will determine how far you go. Embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and always strive to make a positive impact wherever life takes you."
Aly Ayad
MSc Petroleum and Gas Engineering, 2024