GRADUATE MINDMAP
Investigating university graduates transitioning to the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic
On this page, you will be able to read graduates talking about their transitioning experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. To protect our participants, all the names below are pseudonyms.
​
If you are a graduate, university staff or employer and would like to share your thoughts with the research team and a wider audience, get in touch with us here.
Tamara | September 2020 - June 2023
Entry 1: 2020
​
“University will be the best time of your life and you’ll make so many new friends!”
These were my parents’ words that I heard in my head as I stared blankly at my professor on Zoom. How is this university when I’m stuck at home? How can I even make friends when I don’t know what my classmates look like? I wish we can be on campus.
​
Entry 2: 2021
​
How has working on a group project gotten so much harder now? Everyone is so unresponsive. Most of us are stuck at home with our phones and laptops! I thought group projects would be easier now because we don’t have to schedule physical meetings.
​
Entry 3: 2021
​
It’s not all bad being at home. I’m more active now with my regular morning home workouts. I’m much more aware of my physical health now. Now that I’ve adjusted to this new normal, I’ve come to terms that there are some things that I just can’t control. I’m also starting to spend more time with my family and appreciating all the little things in my daily life. COVID really forced us to take a break and take things slow.
​
Entry 4: 2022
​
COVID-19 restrictions and regulations have relaxed! We have hybrid mode at university now, so some of us can finally return to face-to-face learning. I’m glad to not have to sit in front of my computer all day. But to be honest, I’m still quite anxious. How do I approach and talk to people? I much prefer just working and communicating via text or email.
​
Entry 5: 2023
​
Now we’re fully back on campus and I’m nearly done with my bachelor’s degree, I’m excited for the future . I’m not so sure what will happen in the next few years but there’s no rush. COVID taught me that. The pandemic reminded me that I am allowed to take things slow to spend more time on myself, with my family, and appreciate the little things in life.