Class of 2022 You are part of MULTI STORY EDINBURGH

2 3 Congratulations! You did it! This is your moment. However you choose to mark this milestone, enjoy it. Tomorrow is another day. And whatever you feel when you wake up, whether that’s a burning motivation to start the next chapter, sadness at the loss of the familiar student life you’re leaving behind, sheer panic that you haven’t yet mapped out what your next steps are going to be, or a mixture of everything, you’re not alone. We wanted to share some of the stories, experiences and wisdom of the people who walked in your shoes not so long ago. We hope they will inspire you, reassure you and remind you that there is no ‘right’ path after graduation, just the one you carve out for yourself - either accidentally or with clear purpose - at your own pace. To help you to make your next steps, we’ve put together some sources of information and support. You’ll find these at the back of this publication. We are still here for you, whether you need help with career planning, continuing your learning, or simply staying in touch. Good luck. And remember you are part of Edinburgh’s f story. 22 The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration 0 number SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a “Recognised body” which has been granted degree awarding powers. Class o 2

4 5 22 Lessons for Graduation Day 06-07 s Poem by Catherine Wilson Garry Back to the Islands 08-15 Jennifer on why her future lies back in Shetland What does transformation look like? 16-31 The Multi Story Edinburgh podcast revisited Expectation vs. reality 32-35 ent Breigha and the work thing ‘I want to be there again’ 36-43 Corners, pathways and glimpses from across the campus Sharing things 44-51 A conversation between two members of the University of Edinburgh community The sounds of friendship 52-53 ont Songs that remind graduates of their university friends Making your next steps 54-61 Support and resources from the Careers Service and your C university alumni community Acknowledgements 62

6 7 22 Lessons Always be kind to the following: bus drivers, crows and the bees. Get a library card and register with a dentist. Travel when you can, even if it’s just down the street. Never say no to being close to the sea. Stay in touch with the friends you made here – especially when postcodes separate you. If you keep a fork in your bag you’re always prepared for the possibility of cake. Forgive but don’t forget. Read books. Wear shoes you can dance in, whatever that may be for you. Make mistakes twice, just to make sure. Call your parents, for they worry about you. Or call a friend – for no reason other than you can. Keep this city in your pocket, unfold it when you need to. Use it like a lighthouse. Use it like a seatbelt. Don’t rush to decide who you are now – uncertainty can be its own kind of compass. It will spit you out shaken but whole. Be an excellent contradiction. Take one last time to go to whatever nightclub you escaped to. Take one last walk through the Meadows in summertime. Take one last trip to whatever café served you home when you couldn’t be there. Take a photograph of today and write “I did this” on the back so you’ll always remember what you made of these years. Remember that ceremonies finish and all Graduation applause dies, but you can carry the echo. Let it smoulder in you. Day Today is just the preamble. Catherine Wilson Garry Poet and Writer 2017 Philosophy and English Literature

8 9 It was back in 2017 that Jennifer Sim Back to was asked by her local newspaper, The Shetland Times, to take part in an interview for its YouTube channel. She was coming to the end of her law the degree at Edinburgh and the paper was interested in the experiences of a young islander who had gone off to live and Islands study in the ‘big city’. Expected topics arose - cultural Law graduate Jennifer Sim enrichment, social opportunities, employment – all the benefits that city life on why her future lies back can offer an ambitious student. But the in Shetland. interviewer decided to round things off with a pertinent question: “Would you ever consider moving back to Shetland?” The hint of irony in his voice suggested he might already know the answer, and Jennifer duly replied: “I really have no plans to, and I can’t see that happening anytime soon. But never say never.” In hindsight, Jennifer was right not to dismiss the prospect of moving back home out of hand. It’s five years later, and she’s in the home office of her house in the centre of Lerwick - just back from a morning walk with her neighbour’s dog. She’s squeezing in some time for a chat before she settles into work for Brodies LLP, the law firm she has been with since she graduated in 2017. Photography by Ray McGinlay Loch of Strom, Shetland

10 11 “I meant it when I said I didn’t plan to move to a place and feeling at home. I’d missed in life as much as someone who did. back,” Jennifer says with a chuckle. “It knowing my environment like the back of I think that’s sad. I don’t regret moving to didn’t seem like a possibility as someone my hand. Don’t get me wrong, I had a good Edinburgh when I did, but I do feel it’s a starting out in the law profession. I felt life in the city, but it’s never quite the same perception we need to dismantle. A lot of I needed to be in the city - that I would as home. You don’t have your childhood people have been re-evaluating their life be sacrificing something of my career if I memories interwoven into every street you priorities in the past two years, and this is moved home.” walk down and every corner you turn. Back a big part of that. Life really is too short to in Shetland, I started to feel happier and follow some template that society created And as has been the case for so many city more complete as a person.” for you.” dwellers, Jennifer says it was the COVID-19 pandemic that prompted her change of heart: “It feels strange to say it, but the last two “I suppose I realised that “When I first decided to years have had a silver lining for me. As my Shetland identity is come home, I was a bit soon as the first lockdown hit, I took the a huge part of who I am. embarrassed, as if it was opportunity to go back to Shetland and work remotely from my parents’ home. Being away strengthened a step backwards.” I think I made the decision at 9 a.m. and that identity, or at least was driving to the ferry port in Aberdeen by lunchtime. At first I thought it would be for showed me how strong it a couple of weeks. My suitcase was filled was in the first place.” But Jennifer also recognises that with only a few essentials and a couple of dismantling the preconceptions about dresses; but two years later, and I’m still why a person would move back to a small here.” town or rural community is in its very early On the face of it, it’s easy to see why stages. Jennifer wanted to return to Shetland, even Jennifer also believes that the pressure put if she had only intended to stay a short on young people to move away from their “There’s definitely more openness to the time. The peaceful and scenic surroundings home communities to find success can lead idea now,” she says. “But I must admit would have offered an appealing antidote to a repression of their true selves, but that that when I first decided to come home, I to the anxiety-inducing crisis that the is a mindset that is slowly changing as more was a bit embarrassed, as if it was a step pandemic brought to us all. But why has people choose to live and work away from backwards. I’m sure some of my friends she stayed? Jennifer takes a moment to large city hubs. were quite shocked and couldn’t see how consider her response, but is resolute in her this could be a feasible option for someone answer: She says: “I’ve spoken to quite a few people in the field of commercial and corporate I studied with about this, and it’s so true law.” “When I came back to Shetland, I realised that we had a perception that if you don’t something that was missing since I’d go away to university or to live and work Jennifer’s role at Brodies involves handling moved away - a real sense of belonging abroad, you somehow haven’t succeeded both Scottish and international clients, and

12 13 the reality of her move to Shetland is that it hasn’t affected her ability to deal with either. In fact, the company has been highly supportive of her decision and recognises the asset it has in having employees located away from its city-based offices. “Brodies operates with a policy of trust,” says Jennifer. “They trust me as an employee to get on with the job wherever I am, and that’s a great morale booster. I know working remotely isn’t for everyone, but it works for me. It’s brilliant that the company can reflect the fact that a diverse workforce should work in diverse ways.” She has also found that she’s now been able to take on clients closer to home and is using her local knowledge to develop relationships with Shetland businesses built on trust and mutual understanding: “We have a lot of clients here. I’m not saying it’s about being able to go out and meet them in person, because it’s not. It’s about knowing businesses and knowing sensitivities that affect people in the area on a monthly, weekly, even daily basis.” “Working in smaller firms, doing local work, that really is the backbone of the whole industry.”

14 15 Jennifer also believes that the school of sure employers in regional areas are thought that assumes a student’s goal equipped to attract a young workforce. should be to establish themselves at the very centre of their field, both professionally “Employers are now at a point where they and physically, is implied in too many can start to turn the tide,” she says. “There’s aspects of the journey from university a real chance now to stem the brain drain applications to securing a graduate job, to major cities, and to take advantage of and that this needs to change. the shift in working habits. The benefits of taking advantage of local talent include “There’s a lot of value in people going back reduced recruitment costs, and an increase to smaller communities and using their in the skills on offer to them, as well education there,” she says. “I remember as a boost in employee retention. But another student on my law degree, and employers can’t achieve this on their own she arrived at the university knowing that – they will need policy and investment at what she wanted to do was to get qualified government level.” and get a job in the law firm on her local As well as working for the community, “The pictures show me at the partially tidal high street. But that kind of career path was Recent research from Iowa State University Jennifer is immersing herself back into Loch of Strom outside my family’s little never talked about. There is no information has also found that students often feel Shetland life, including by joining the local boathouse on the west side of Shetland. It or resources for people like her, and I really that their teachers, colleges and even badminton club. isn’t the usual picture-postcard white sandy believe there should be. Working in smaller peers reinforce the idea that they should beach or cliff-side landscape of Shetland firms, doing local work, that really is the shun smaller town life for the seemingly “I had been a member as a teenager that you might see on TV or on Instagram. backbone of the whole industry - certainly abundant career opportunities in the city. but when I re-joined the club, it was like It’s a quiet spot, off the beaten track, and in law – and we need to encourage people The study also showed that this approach I’d never left. They welcomed me back you have to walk to it. It’s home to otters who want to do that, and to show it as a ignored the students’ other motivations in and it’s great to be playing again. I also and seals and lots of birds, but on a really viable option that can be aspired to.” life, including a strong desire to contribute help organise community events and nice day there are often some kayakers or to their local community. This resonates outdoor activities, and really feel like I’m other boaters. Indeed, the constant threat of ‘brain drain’ with Jennifer: contributing to island life again.” on the UK’s regional towns and smaller I love the sense of peace and calm here. I cities isn’t about to subside, despite the “Getting involved in the work here in “Ultimately, it’s about my wellbeing and also love the feeling of community and the impact of the pandemic on people’s Shetland has been much more exciting for doing what makes me happy, and by cheerful waves between boaters or stand- mindsets and priorities. Recent reports me. It might not always be huge multi- coming back home to Shetland I think I’m up paddle boarders. You really get a sense suggest that the trend for young people million pound deals, but I know the people doing just that.” of belonging here, as across the voe* there migrating into UK cities for work is once involved and I know that my work will are lots of abandoned settlements. No one again on the incline, with a City Hall report directly impact the islands in a positive way. We asked Jennifer to tell us about her knows a great deal about these ruins, but identifying a high number of young adults There’s a recent project that I worked on favourite place in Shetland, somewhere it’s amazing to explore and wonder what returning to London, and the population and, although I can’t give away any details that she might take a visitor to the islands. life must have been like.” increasing for the first time since 2020. It’s about it, it has been so exciting to get She chose Loch of Strom on the west side an issue that Jennifer believes leads back involved in something that is going to be so of Shetland and explains why: to availability of opportunities and making beneficial to the community.” *Voe: a small bay or creek in Orkney or Shetland

16 17 In October 2020 we started to talk to our I don’t know if I’m good at it, graduating students. Over the next seven months we listened to the stories of 32 graduates and published them as part of but I’m doing it. I’m making the Multi Story Edinburgh podcast. As 2021 played out we kept listening and we kept it work. But I’m still very sharing. Each snapshot is about a specific time and place but it is more than that. It is about new at it. I think the pace how we manage uncertainty and change. How we draw on each other and how we that I’m going at is very fast, transform. To better understand this transformation and I’m learning really fast - we returned to seven of our graduates from 2020 and 2021, and asked them to listen to themselves and reflect on what happened despite everything. And I’m next. just grateful that I was given What does this chance to begin with transformation because it is a really great look like? opportunity. The Multi Story Edinburgh podcast revisited Angkrit Khemaphiratana (Jay), 2020 Psychology If you want to tell us your story in the Multi Story Edinburgh podcast next season of the podcast, contact us at Season 1, episode 13 [email protected] and you talk, we listen.

18 19 I have completed my PGDE [Professional immense honour. Through teaching the Graduate Diploma in Education], and subject of RMPS, social justice is always I now work as a Religious, Moral and relevant, and I am so passionate about Philosophical Studies teacher in an ensuring the next generation know how Edinburgh high school which I absolutely crucial this is. love. I am excited to see where my career Since I featured on the podcast, and now takes me and how I continue to develop almost two years since completing my personally in these formative years after degree in Religious Studies at the University graduating from university. of Edinburgh, I have grown in confidence hugely, through working with colleagues Listen to Kirsty’s episode of but also through the nature of my job. I the podcast from 2020. have met so many new people and created friendships for life. I think this came at a perfect time as leaving university can be daunting, especially when you have made friendships over the years with people from across the globe. I naturally have to adapt to being the leader in the room when I am teaching and also through various projects and activities in the school community. I would never have considered confidence and leadership skills as key strengths a year ago, so I have really enjoyed being able to develop in this way. My passion for social justice has increased, largely due to my career choice. Every day I work with young people from a vast range of backgrounds, and I am always striving to ensure they are provided with as many opportunities to succeed in life as possible. I know that I am having an impact on the lives of the pupils I teach, and knowing that Kirsty comes with great responsibility but also

20 21 Last year I feel like I was someone made me think about what I want from desperately trying to survive so I didn’t my own life, and my friendships across have to leave Edinburgh. Edinburgh and my hometown have done wonders to reassure me that I am worthy of After two months of unemployment, I the love I’d like to receive. more or less took the first job offered to me, which fortunately turned out to be I’m never going to be the kind of person to incredibly easy-going and stress-free. Once formulate a detailed ten-year plan for my I knew that I could sustain myself, I feel like life, but I feel confident in my ability to steer I have just slowly been getting to grips with myself in the right direction, even if I might the fact that I am in full control of my life live with no hands on the wheel sometimes. now, and discovering what I’d like to fill it with. Listen to Michael’s episode Looking back at my episode, I seemed to of the podcast from 2021. have some anxiety about the world being shut off to me. While it may sound naive, visiting London with my friends for the first time definitely helped ease that a bit. The size of it is just immense, even compared to Edinburgh, let alone the tiny fishing town I come from in the North East of Scotland, so just spending a few days there and chatting with radio industry professionals helped ease some anxiety I had about my place in the world, even if I don’t really intend to live there or work in that industry anymore. I think I discovered that my interest in radio was driven by a rather narrow desire to have everyone fall in love with the same music I love, and the more shows I presented the more frustrated I became that the shows did not match the energy I desired at all. While last year I was still scrambling to become an adult with no vision of the future, now I feel more self-assured and the fog is a bit clearer. Assisting my best friend with her wedding preparations has really Michael

22 23 Last year, I decided to take a gap year and different. For the first time in my life, I apply for PhD programmess worldwide. understand the heaviness of responsibility This year, I am proud to announce that and the feeling of being depended on. I have been admitted to the economics PhD programme at Boston College. I didn’t get a distinction in my degree. It hit me very badly. I remember I did nothing Thinking back, it’s been such a difficult that night. I just lay down on my bed journey for me. With a full-time job and thinking what to do next. Instead of giving very short time to prepare my application up, I still chose to do the applications. Now materials, I pushed myself very hard. I am very grateful for this decision. In the Whenever I’m not teaching, I stay at the end, everything just worked out. main library to prepare for GRE [Graduate Record Examinations] and TOEFL [Test Nearly all my friends went back to China of English as a Foreign Language] tests. after finishing their studies. It wasn’t easy, Walking back home alone from the library since I’ve always had friends to keep me after midnight is my unique memory for company. Because of this, I picked up my this year. I feel lucky that Edinburgh is such reading hobby. My annual goal is to finish a safe city. 100 books this year. I’m grateful for this year since no one can always have company. By working as a tutor, I stand on the other Now I’m perfectly fine with doing all sorts of side of the classroom for the first time. I things alone. still remember my legs were shaking a bit and my voice was trembling at my very first Of all these changes, one thing remains class. It took all my courage to greet my the same. The longer I live in Edinburgh, students and introduce myself. the more I love it. In the future, I hope I can come back here either to work or travel. Gradually, I changed from extremely Looking forward, I feel confident and nervous and scared, to slightly nervous, excited about my new life in Boston. until at the very end not nervous at all. This journey gives me the confidence to talk in Listen to Yao’s episode of front of many strangers, and the courage the podcast from 2021. to be the ice breaker. Most importantly, I am no longer confused about my future. This job makes me realise that working in academia suits me perfectly. Another thing this job has taught me was responsibility. Being late was quite a normal thing when I was a student. Yao But being late as a teacher is completely

24 25 Since graduating from Edinburgh in 2020, at university after seeing her on the TV. I decided to return to the University and They didn’t believe I was telling the truth! complete a Masters in Theology in History. I hope my passion for the subject will shine My interest in the subject and the world- through and help motivate the pupils and class reputation of the School of Divinity allow them to see the worth and value of meant it was the only place I wanted to the subject. do my Masters. I knew I wanted to pursue teaching but I also wanted to spend an I will always look back fondly on my time extra year continuing to learn and expand at Edinburgh. I learned so much and really my subject knowledge. found a love of learning there, which I believe will be lifelong. I would love to one After completing the Masters, I applied to day return to pursue further studies. Glasgow University for a PGDE [Professional Graduate Diploma in Education] in Listen to Marc’s episode of Religious Education. This was always the the podcast from 2020. plan, as I’ve wanted to become a teacher since I was in high school myself. This has probably been one of the most challenging years of my life with plenty highs and lows. However, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a very supportive family and good friends who provide a sympathetic ear and a lot of patience. I recently found out that I’ll be completing my probation year at my old high school and it feels so surreal that everything’s come full circle! I feel confident that I can draw on the rich wealth of knowledge I gained from my time at Edinburgh and apply it to the classroom. I included clips and references from lectures I’d attended, and even showed a documentary made by the Head of School, Professor Helen Bond. I think the pupils were surprised when I said she taught me Marc

26 27 Over the last two years I have worked Looking back, there was a lot of uncertainty mainly at the Royal Alexandra Hospital surrounding that time with regards to in Paisley rotating in a wide variety of how things would unfold and the outlook placements. seemed quite dark. I initially spent eight months in general There are many things I could lament about medicine which entailed working on missing out on but I actually would rather various hospital wards from COVID wards focus on the positives. to rheumatology to cardiology with the occasional brief stints in various acute It was tough but I really enjoyed working medical receiving wards. alongside some incredible people. My immediate circle of family and friends got After a spell in general surgery, I got a through things relatively unscathed and in chance to venture out into the community good health. via my general practice placement at the beginning of foundation year two. This As for me, overall I feel more relaxed and was a surprisingly refreshing and insightful self assured about the future and my ability look into medicine from a different lens, to handle what comes my way. particularly how GPs adapted to the pandemic. I have subsequently decided I can see a way forward that’s more aligned to pursue GP training in the future. I with my goals and values - whether that be returned to the coalface working in the personal or with regards to work and my emergency department over winter which career. was challenging and at times gruelling shift work but ultimately very stimulating Listen to Elson’s episode of and I was left feeling more competent and the podcast from 2020. experienced. I am currently back in general medicine having now completed my foundation programme portfolio so no more deadlines or pressure. I am officially unemployed as of August and I couldn’t be happier. I finally get a chance to jump off the treadmill and have a break for the first time since graduating early and being immediately thrust into working amid a global pandemic. Elson

28 29 I left the receptionist job that I mention the past seven weeks with my partner. It’s in the podcast for a higher position in the been fantastic. I feel happy and full of life. same company. It felt more like a “career People tell me I look so much happier. job,” whatever that was. I definitely feel more confident in my I met some really lovely people, other abilities as a human person than I did graduates from other universities. This before and I’m very grateful to finally be wasn’t exactly a “graduate job” but a lot of having a break from everything and to just graduates fitted the role. enjoy life a little. The world is so big, there are so many opportunities everywhere, Having a degree opens more doors, but although my trip is nearing its end. Not only this felt a bit dead end. I was hoping to be will I have the memories I have made, but determined and move up the company my scope of what I want to do feels a lot and become a proper business woman at wider. I feel more inspired. the time. I basically ended up answering phones to financial advisers with a litany There’s no one way to do things. I’m still of questions about investments, pensions, young (as people keep telling me) so there’s etc. It was very dry compared to what I was no need to rush into anything. It’s ok to take used to. It started off well but I felt the life it easy sometimes. being sucked out of me and it was very draining. Listen to Molly’s episode of I think after graduation the focus for me the podcast from 2021. was finding a job, a career. I worked all the way through university and had never really had a break. By the end of January, I had a few offers in my field and a lot of people interested in me as a candidate. I didn’t think I could jump straight into a career. I didn’t feel like being a “jobsworth” and only saving up for a rainy day that might not even arrive in the first place. People around me could see I was unhappy, so mid-February I put in my notice. I started saving when I moved out of my parents’ home in second year and decided to put that money to good use. Right now I’m in Spain. I’ve just been to my first music Molly festival, and I’ve been travelling Europe for

30 31 My circumstances have definitely treated like a valid colleague; I’m given changed. I finished my Kickstart and responsibility and am trusted in my ideas wasn’t kept on. I started doing odd shifts and my ability to deliver work. Its really at a pub in Leith which I loved; pulling rewarding. It is only short term, but I pints is fun. know for a fact, working in this happy environment has boosted my confidence to Then, jammy me, got a job two weeks after apply for more advanced roles in the future. finishing the scheme, and now me and my boyfriend are living together which has I’ve definitely suffered from imposter been lovely. syndrome in the arts and heritage sector. I think this was a combination of not Lot of changes there, but I’d say they’re going down traditional routes and being more superficial. I think the things that have essentially a professional intern. Initially actually made the most impact were going my job title of Digital Intern was actually from three-day working weeks or weekend a slight niggle, but the role itself has shifts to nine-to-five hours, and finding a really changed how I perceive working job, in my sector, that pays well and boosts in this sector. I’ve met lots of people that my confidence. I otherwise would never have met, I’ve attended conferences and I’ve joined a I’m currently a Digital Intern for the Imperial union. I feel like a valid member of this War Museum’s Second World War and community as opposed to someone on Holocaust Partnership Programme. I’m the sidelines. I needed the time to explore working with the Scottish partner Go what’s out there, and I found something. Industrial which is a collection of around 16 industrially focussed museums. It’s nine- Listen to Rosie’s episode of to-five and hybrid which has taken getting the podcast from 2021. used to but means I can be really flexible with how I work. Honestly though, I now understand why people joke about working adults not seeing their friends and going AWOL. I haven’t sent my friends letters in a long time, which may sound like a small change, but it’s a big one for me. Sometimes I do feel a little less ‘connected’ because of full-time work, but I think I’m still getting used to it. The saving grace is that I love my job; I love the topic, I’m Rosie

32 33 Worry Expectation vs. I was worried that everyone would be decades older than me with far more experience and wouldn’t want to engage with me. I was worried that Breigha and the everyone would have children and I wouldn’t be able to relate to them. I reality work thing was worried that everyone would be Support very serious and no one would want to have a laugh at work, and most of One of the other interns is in the office all, as a notorious people pleaser, I was with me too and you cannot imagine Shock Breigha Morrison writes simply worried that no one would like my relief when he revealed that this about her experiences fitting me. was his first “proper” nine-to-five It has definitely been a culture shock job too. We furtively expressed our as, up until three weeks ago, my only into the world of work. To my relief, I have been treated as an concerns to each other about whether perceptions of working in an office had Is working nine-to-five equal since day one and everyone has we were overdressed or underdressed come from literally watching ‘The Office’ everything that she thought been endlessly welcoming, chatty and and whether we were allowed to swear and, as a young girl, the occasional trip kind to me, especially my wonderful or whether we were doing enough to my parents’ workplace (which largely it would be? line manager. Of course, I absolutely work. involved spinning round on office chairs feel like an imposter sometimes, not and persuading the janitor to let me helped by the fact that the pandemic We’re still getting to grips with take a wee something from the vending seems to have stolen two years of my lunchtime etiquette and always machine). life and I still feel about 19. However, guarantee that we’re going to meal I’m extremely lucky to have started at prep for the next day but constantly My work experience has been primarily the same time as three other interns forget and are forced to sample the based in the hospitality and customer who are all recent graduates with plethora of good takeaway options on service industry with a seemingly limited office experience. Forrest Road instead. endless stream of waitressing and Having a kindred spirit here with me in bartending jobs. I’ve also volunteered the workplace has been paramount for at a local Pictish museum, spent easing my imposter syndrome. I also a wonderful summer as a camp like to remind myself that I belong here counsellor in New Hampshire, worked as much as anyone else and that they as a lifeguard at my school’s pool, wouldn’t have hired me if they didn’t volunteered as a classroom assistant believe I could do this job. at my local Gaelic primary school, and, most recently, spent the past year as a freelance dog walker/sitter (which really is the best job in the world).

34 35 Balance Shannon and a different This is my first proper experience of perspective hybrid working and I have chosen to do three days in the office and two days at home. I really enjoy the formality of the office: the chance to dress up a bit Shannon Ell, who created nicer, the increased productivity of actually the illustrations, also working at a desk with others, the time to Reflection graduated last year. Did properly catch up with my colleagues, the they find that creativity ceremonial closing of the laptop followed Most of my friends have been in a similar and career could coexist? by the walk home which definitively period of post-graduation limbo so, signifies the end of the working day. although I was struggling to find a job I wanted until now, I never really felt left After I graduated with a degree But equally, I love being able to work from behind: out of my four flatmates, two of in illustration, it was tiresome home in my pyjamas and make myself them are in postgraduate education, one and disheartening for a good few elaborate homemade lunches with my is currently unemployed, and the other months. flatmates and keep on top of my chores has just had his contract renewed after six around the house – it’s all about balance. months in a kickstart scheme. It paid off as now I’m in an amazing It has been hard to stay motivated as a full time job and have my freelance graduate in the pandemic; I felt trapped work on the side, with successes in my bartender role for months as I just in comics and Miles the cat couldn’t seem to get any interviews, and merchandise. I felt frustrated with myself because this I would say the turning point for me wasn’t where I envisaged I would be after was allowing myself time to process university. and figure out what I want to do, The experience has taught me a number how to pursue it, and to give myself of valuable lessons though, mainly that the freedom to take things as they having a degree won’t automatically lead come without stressing about the me to my dream job, and that it’s important future. to be patient and adaptable because a Breigha Morrison, 2021 Linguistics and good role will come along when you least English Language expect it. Shannon Ell, 2021 Illustration All illustrations by Shannon Ell

36 37 You see yourself walking around corners, you glimpse yourself in the distance when you’re back in your old university town and you think, ‘I want to be there again.’ Melanie Reid, 1980 English Language and Literature Sharing things podcast Season 1, episode 3 (L-R) Old Medical School, Teviot Place; Garden Labyrinth, George Square

38 39 (L-R) Buccleuch Place Lane; James Clerk Maxwell Building (JCMB), King’s Buildings; Moray House School of Education, Holyrood Road

40 41 (L-R) Hudson Beare Lecture Theatre, Max Born Crescent, King’s Buildings; Potterrow Port; The Café, Edinburgh College of Art

42 43 (L-R) Christina Miller Building and Joseph Black Building, Alexander Crum Brown Road, King’s Buildings; Milne’s Court leading to New College; Edinburgh College of Art from Lady Lawson Street; Pentland Hills from the Roslin Innovation Centre and Campus Hub, Easter Bush

44 45 Sharing things Sharing things is a podcast, a conversation between two members of the University of Edinburgh community. It starts with an object. What happens next is sometimes funny, sometimes moving, but always unexpected. Here’s when PhD student Illustration by Nuam Hatzaw met graduate Philomena Marmion Olivia Sweeney. Hosted by AYANDA: We’re gonna start by introducing intersection of racial and climate justice. I think it’s really important. I’m mixed race, law student Ayanda Ngobeni. ourselves. Nuam, would you like to go first, I have a radio show, and I have a project so I sit at a very obvious intersection there, then Olivia? that’s all about clean air. that duality. NUAM: I’m a third year PhD student at the AYANDA: I was quite interested in AYANDA: Nuam, do you experience those University of Edinburgh. I’m studying World something you said Olivia, about grey areas as well? Christianity at the School of Divinity. intersectionality. What does that mean to you? NUAM: Oh, yeah, definitely. This whole kind OLIVIA: I graduated from Edinburgh in 2017 of blurred lines as you mentioned, Olivia, with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering, so OLIVIA: So much of how we do things in is very much something that is of both I spent five years studying with the School the West and in academia is like, ‘this is personal and academic interest. I was born of Engineering. Now, I work as a sustainable this, that is that, this is this’. Intersectionality in Myanmar, but I’ve spent most of my life waste consultant in Bristol, for a company is just about exploring all those blurred in Britain, as you could probably tell from called Resource Futures. lines and the grey in the middle and my accent. I’m constantly thinking about I also have a side gig. I’m a Black and Green understanding that everything that makes who I am, and where I belong. And do I Ambassador. So that’s a National Lottery a person or a society or a culture unique is belong in Britain? I’ve spent most my life funded project that aims to lead, connect about all those different bits that overlay here but then at the same time, my physical and celebrate diverse community action for and how that changes your relationship appearance marks me out as different. So the environment. It’s about exploring that with people and the world and nature. this kind of hybridity in between us is

46 47 something that I explore in my academic OLIVIA: I’ve grown into my career, NUAM: It’s hard to find a balance, isn’t “Do I belong research. embracing more about who I am, and what it? Because you know, you’re personally my experience is, and bringing that in. The invested in this project as well. So you do AYANDA: In terms of your academic environmental sector is a bit all over the want to talk about stuff that’s important, but in Britain? I’ve research, what is it exactly? shop, because nobody knows what the at the same time it’s emotionally draining to environmental sector is really. So that’s part be constantly reminded of this. Sometimes spent most of NUAM: I was doing research in Myanmar, of the problem. But from the best data we I feel like I have a sense of duty almost to which is where I’m from. Originally, I was have, it’s one of the least diverse sectors be like, hey, if no one’s going to talk about going to look at the faith experiences and in the UK. So embracing, you know, what this then I should because I’ve got personal my life here but the spiritualties and theologies of Christian makes me unique within that, and then experience, but then, you know, that’s a lot women among my ethnicity in Myanmar, going with it and using it to your advantage. of responsibility on someone. my physical and then the pandemic hit. So that forced me to return home. And I spent the rest of At 18, when I started at Edinburgh, I AYANDA: So Olivia, would you like to share appearance 2020, like most of us, panicking, and trying definitely wouldn’t have been like, oh, you with us what you brought with you? to figure out how to continue my research. know, I’m going to have a job that means I And just as I found a new direction, the have to talk explicitly on the radio about my OLIVIA: I have brought with me a necklace marks me out military coup happened in Myanmar, which race. . . definitely not! that my mum got me for my 21st birthday. really closed the door to that avenue. It’s a Tiffany necklace and it’s the classic as different.” NUAM: Does that ever get taxing, talking Tiffany heart, with my initials engraved in So the latest version of my PhD is now about your race and your identity as part of the back. looking at the theologies of migrant your day to day job? women from my ethnic group: migrant I was really grateful for it because it’s a women in the UK, and Europe. I’m basically OLIVIA: What’s good about Black and lovely thing and it’s an expensive gift but at questioning how their experiences of life, in Green is it’s by the black community for the the time I’m like I’m not gonna wear that a context so different from where they grew black community. So within the team, and necklace. I don’t do hearts. But I wear it all up, has impacted the way they understand your immediate hub, you’re around people the time now. God, the divine, all that kind of stuff. That’s a like you or who aren’t going to ask stupid very kind of elevator pitch version of it. questions, and are not going to treat you AYANDA: And Nuam, I believe you brought like an EDI [equality, diversity and inclusion] jewellery as well with you?  AYANDA: And yes, Olivia, just from what consultant. Nuam said about her career and how it NUAM: Yeah, I’ve got my grandmother’s really links to personal experiences, you I think I’m still learning how [to say] what I ring. It’s very blingy. It’s got like, three rows kind of spoke about intersectionality and want to say, and there’s definitely still stuff of about six rubies. She passed away two how it’s your personal experience. I think I don’t say, and don’t talk about. I don’t years ago. And when she passed, I got given it’s also translated into your career, would know if that’ll change, or if that’s just my it by my mum. So it’s very, very important you say so? boundary.  and significant to me.

48 49 “I could just AYANDA: When you guys look at the special the UK to look after me and my siblings so But today, I had a day from hell for various objects that you brought with you today, that my parents could study at university, different reasons. And I could just call her what’s the emotion or special memory that which is insane when you think about it! and have a minor breakdown on the phone. call her and they evoke?  She didn’t speak any English, she only And then I was okay. She sent me a card in spoke my language. So it must have been the post the other day and it says ‘nobody is have a minor OLIVIA: I suppose the special memory is a terrifying experience for her to come over you and that is your power’. that fact that I had that gut reaction of just to a completely new place where she didn’t no, yet I kind of came full circle and really know anyone. The ring symbolises her AYANDA: That’s beautiful, and what about breakdown on love it. I think that’s partly because my mum commitment and devotion to us as a family. you Nuam? knows me better than I necessarily know It reminds me of who she was as a person. the phone and myself. But I’m not a birthday person. So NUAM: So a bit about my gran. When even for my 21st I was just like, oh, it’s just AYANDA: Olivia, can you tell us a little bit she passed away two years ago, it was then be ok.” another day, another year. But it’s also that more about your mum? quite cool to listen to my mum and other marker in time, isn’t it? I’m only twenty people who knew her talk about how she seven now, it wasn’t that long ago that I OLIVIA: My mum is great! My mum and was as a person before I knew her. From was twenty one but even then to kind of dad are very different, but very similar at all accounts, it sounded like she was a you know, look back and be like, what’s the same time. They’ve been together since really remarkable woman who was very changed? May that be physically, mentally, they were like 18. My mum’s the artistic concerned about everyone around her. emotionally. I’m always after the new next and the emotional one. She studied Law She grew up in Myanmar, and where we’re thing, like the next goal, and that definitely and English, and my dad was Maths and from, it’s the poorest state in the country. comes from the type of university and Computer Science. So they have very So life was hard, life was really hard. My school we went to. You’re kind of taught to different ways of thinking, which is why I’m grandfather passed away when my mother be looking for the next achievement. I don’t lucky enough to have kind of both of those was quite young, so being a widow in those often look back and reflect. I think having in me. My mum gave it all up to have me. times, you’re kind of screwed, really, as your those things that pinpoint moments is She did go back to work for a while but husband is your main source of income. But important to be able to do that.  she was like, I don’t want to leave her in she was very determined. a nursery. And so I think as a woman, I’m AYANDA: What about you Nuam, does the always thinking, do I want kids? AYANDA: I’m interested in the change that ring encapsulate some kind of emotional we go through when we’re growing up. And memory? My mum is white British and my dad is from how you saw yourself in the past, how you the Caribbean. So when talking about race see yourself now and how much you’ve NUAM: Yeah, it’s really significant to me, and those things, those conversations can changed?  because it obviously reminds me of my be hard because it’s coming from a different gran. My gran and I were very, very close. place with each person. And my mum OLIVIA: I know this guy who met me when She was a remarkable woman. She must obviously doesn’t have the experience of I was at Lush and that was a couple of years have been like 80 when she migrated to not being white. ago, and he met me recently and he’s like

50 51 “Olivia, oh my god, you’re so confident AYANDA: But how do you then interact with NUAM: That’s a really tough question Meet Ayanda [laughter], what’s happened?” the environment around you, that is used to because I don’t know if I have a home. That you being a certain way? sounds really sad but I don’t know if I can And that’s in two years. I think that’s a big name one place home. I think I mentioned part due to Black and Green. I’m not gonna OLIVIA: Run away! [laughs]. So, yeah, doing fieldwork in Myanmar, which is where save my racial identity or ethnic identity university, I was there for five years and I’ve I’m from. Prior to going there, I was super or blackness for when I’m at home. And I moved twice. I have an expiry date on being excited about doing fieldwork among my own think that’s a big thing. I think I’m just more in a place, therefore you kind of don’t have people. I’ve grown up in Britain, I don’t know comfortable with who I am. I still don’t know to deal with that, which is a nice thing, apart the language or the culture as well as I want what I want to be when I grow up. from the people I choose to keep. And they to but eight months of fieldwork will set me obviously get it and evolve with you. straight, and it’ll be nice to connect with my NUAM: It’s quite nice when you get to that culture again. And I got there and I realised oh stage where you’re like, yeah, this is who I AYANDA: Nuam, what about you? no, I’m very British! am and that’s it. Ayanda Ngobeni was Season five’s NUAM: I think I would say that there’s I didn’t find the sense of belonging and Sharing things podcast host. She is AYANDA: What about you Nuam? What has always an element of the previous version returning home that I thought I would find. an Edinburgh law student graduating changed? What has grown? of yourself in your current version of That was quite difficult for me. I had all these this year. yourself. I went to SOAS in London, the fantasies of being back home, but home NUAM: I think I’ve become a bit more School of Oriental African Studies. It’s got a doesn’t recognise who I am because I’ve Speaking about this episode of confident in who I am and what I believe reputation for being a very left wing radical become Westernised or there are elements of Sharing things, she said: and what I stand for, and just kind of being. University, which I love, love, love, love, this culture that I don’t find comfortable. love. But there I’m more outspoken than I “I remember a OLIVIA: I think it’s also the confidence to be am in Edinburgh for various reasons. But That was a big catalyst for all these big wrong and change your mind. I would hold when I’m back in SOAS, when I’m engaging questions about who I am and where I sense of comradery on to things, like I decided that I’m going with activist spaces, all that kind of stuff, belong, and what my identity is having grown between us where to do this and I’m going to see it through to that’s who I am. And how I am in Edinburgh, up in Britain but looking physically different the bitter end, despite the fact I hate what doesn’t necessarily mean that I’ve forgotten from most Scottish people. we discussed the I’m doing. Whereas now I’m like, no, I’ve got who I am back in London, or that aspect of good, the bad and enough going on in my life, I’m just gonna my personality that’s a bit more vocal about So yeah, the question of home is a big one. let that go. I’m evolving. political social justice issues, it’s just like, I’m I don’t know where home is. I think home is how it is we view wearing a different hat or I’m not putting it where you feel comfortable to be yourself. the world as women NUAM: I think it’s like the pressure, isn’t it? as the first thing that people see. When you’re 21, you’re surrounded by so trying to pave our many interesting and amazing influences AYANDA: So Olivia has mentioned moving This is an abridged extract path and leave our in your life. It takes you a while, at least around, but you know, I’m sure we all have from an episode recorded in certainly for me, to find the kind of group or that one place we call home. So where is 2020. own legacies.” the type of person that you want to be and home for you? to be okay with the fact that it might not Listen to the full episode. fit with A or it might not fit with B, but you know, whatever, this is who I am.

52 53 The sounds of Wagon Wheel Will Ye Go Lassie, Go? by Darius Rucker by The High Kings When I hear this song, I think of deadlines For some reason I started playing this friendship and pints with my pals. band’s songs a lot in my third year flat Luke, 2020 Applied Sport Science when I lived with some of my best friends at Uni. When I listen to that song I think We asked 22 graduates to tell us what song reminds them of You’re So Vain about those times. their university friends. From good times spent on a minibus to Vainius, 2015 Economics Birmingham to a student exchange in Berlin and fun moments by Carly Simon on the dance floor, here is a selection of their choices. You can The song reminds me of my first summer These Chains head to Spotify to hear the playlist in full. at Uni, travelling in Romania with friends by Hot Chip from Edinburgh and St Andrew’s. We sang this with carefree abandon under a The album it’s on came out during our fountain in Braşov, laughing and feeling year abroad in 2012 and some Edinburgh Friday I’m in Love invincible! friends who were also on exchange in Sarah, 2000 English Literature Berlin introduced it to me. We ended up by The Cure going to see Hot Chip play in Glasgow when we returned for 4th year. My flatmate in third year (a stranger when I Send Me On My Way En-Chi, 2013 French and German moved in, but still a good friend 12 years later) by Rusted Root had a mix CD with this on - I don’t remember Listen to the any of the other songs on it, because we’d just This was the song of APEX* and our I Think We’re Alone Now playlist on Spotify. replay ‘Friday I’m in Love’ over and over on compilation video, and reminds me of the by Tiffany repeat. Annie, 2011 German and Russian great times we had on our expedition. Greig, 2019 Medicine It didn’t matter where we were, who I Am Here you were speaking to, when this song by P!nk Work from Home came on we dropped everything and by Fifth Harmony ft. congregated on the dance floor. When I This song reminds me of my closest friends say dropped everything I do mean that I from university. One of my fondest memories Ty Dolla $ign have sprinted from the toilets to do the was on our journey down to Birmingham actions to the chorus of the Tiffany song. for BUCS*. We told the rest of the minibus Fond memories of dissertation writing Lisa, 2000 Law crew they’d only be listening to P!nk the over brunch. entire journey and my friend even printed off Nina, 2016 Nationalism Studies booklets with song lyrics for everyone to sing * BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) along! Emily, 2021 French and Spanish APEX (Altitude Physiology Expeditions)

54 55 So I wish I’d had some better advice at that age about what Making I really wanted to get out of life, what I wanted my pathway to be, what my values were, what would your next make me happy and fulfilled. And that’s not to say I haven’t had a great life, I really have a great steps life and career. But I may have done something differently if I really thought it through. Whether you’re seeking careers advice as you navigate life after graduation, thinking about continuing your learning or taking time to focus on your wellbeing, being part of the University of Edinburgh community gives you access to the advice and resources that you need. Laurence Heron, 1984 Zoology Multi Story Edinburgh, the podcast Season 3, episode 4 www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/new-graduates www.ed.ac.uk/careers/graduates

56 www.ed.ac.uk/careers/graduates 57 Your career Whatever stage you are at on your graduate career path, the Help for newly employed graduates University is here to support you at this exciting, and sometimes If you’re starting a graduate job and want to make an impact, daunting, time. the Careers Service has created resources to help you develop the skills you need to thrive in the professional world. Two-year access to career support for all graduates It can take a little time to settle into your post-university life which is why you can continue to access support from the Careers Support for entrepreneurs Service for two years after graduating. If you are graduating in 2022 You’re eligible to receive free support and advice from then the Careers Service is here to support you with a tailored Edinburgh Innovations for up to two years after you graduate, package of support. including one-to-one appointments with a business adviser, and specialist workshops. Graduate Coaching If you’re struggling to get your post-university career started then a Graduate Coaching appointment with one of our Careers Watch out for the Graduate Outcomes Survey Consultants is a great place to start. You can book these online Be part of the picture and contribute to the UK’s biggest annual appointments through MyCareerHub. social survey. Anyone graduating from a university in the UK will be invited to take part in the Graduate Outcomes Survey Graduate Toolkits around 15 months after completing their course. The Careers Service has a graduate toolkit to support you. Whether you are not sure what you should do, you are ready to make applications or want to make a successful start in your first job. With our online toolkits you can make progress with your career at a time and place that suits you. “Given the current climate I was left feeling a bit confused and demotivated after graduating, but I felt the university careers team really helped me to focus my job search, understand my priorities and gave me a confidence boost.” 2020 graduate

58 www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/new-graduates 59 Your learning Your wellbeing If you’re thinking about continuing your studies at the Taking time for your own wellbeing is just as important as University of Edinburgh, there are several options and focusing on your career path or further study. Here are a resources available. couple of resources to support your personal journey and help you be the best version of yourself. Postgraduate study Discover your postgraduate options and learn about different Feeling Good App types of degrees, whether you’re interested in on-campus or As a new graduate, you have free access to the Feeling Good online postgraduate programmes. App. The app offers a mental skills training programme which teaches how to calm the mind and develop the greater Alumni scholarships emotional resilience to deal with challenges of life. The University offers two scholarship schemes for its graduates, each providing a 10% discount on tuition fees. iThrive Edinburgh iThrive is an online space where you can find information and Free online courses resources for mental health and wellbeing in the Edinburgh There is a range of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) area. It’s managed by a local mental health charity, and includes available to you. MOOCs are freely accessible and open-licensed access to services, support, activities, events and places. short courses, delivered to large groups of learners fully online. Short courses Whether you’re curious about a particular subject or just looking to be creative, the University’s short courses offer a great opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills, with the added bonus of a 10% discount for alumni. Access to the Main Library As a graduate of the University, you are entitled to join the library as an external borrower for free. Visit the website to find out how to apply for membership and discover what services are available to you.

60 www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/new-graduates 61 Your community The University of Edinburgh will always be your community. Alumni clubs and networks It’s a place where you will always belong and somewhere You are joining a community of over 300,000 graduates. Find a you can find people who are ready to support, inspire and club in your city, or a network with particular interests - you are encourage you. never far from Edinburgh, wherever you are in the world. Platform One As you look to the future, you may need some inside information Being Edinburgh, the alumni award on how to start out on a particular career or want to speak Sharing stories, recognising achievement and getting to know to someone with a specific set of skills on another continent. your university community - that’s the essence of the Being On Platform One, you can join friendly people from all over Edinburgh award. Read about Edinburgh alumni who were the world who will answer your questions and share their nominated in the past and find out how to participate. experiences. The one thing you all have in common - the University of Edinburgh. Alumni benefits and perks Sharing things, the podcast and blog As a graduate, you can still take advantage of certain facilities - Sharing things is about the University of Edinburgh people and including but not limited to the University’s gym or free on- their stories. Through the podcast and the blog, alumni, students campus WiFi. You also get access to exclusive alumni discounts and staff reveal themselves and their lives, their memories and and special offers including on accommodation, venue hire, and their hopes, and talk about what makes them tick. official University merchandise. Multi Story Edinburgh, the podcast Social media This podcast is a snapshot and a sneak inside the minds of The Edinburgh alumni community is very active on social media, Edinburgh graduates. Subscribe now and find out what everyone with conversation, nostalgia, opportunities and stories being is up to. shared on a daily basis. You can stay connected by following us on these channels. More graduate stories Get inspired by reading your fellow graduates’ stories and experiences. Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Facebook @edalumni /groups/74624/ @EdinburghAlumni /edalumni

62 Acknowledgements With thanks to Created by Jennifer, Jay, Kirsty, Michael, Yao, Development and Alumni Marc, Elson, Molly, Rosie, Breigha, in collaboration with Melanie, Nuam, Olivia, Ayanda, the Careers Service Laurence for their words and stories Development and Alumni Charles Stewart House Catherine Wilson Garry 9-16 Chambers Street for the poem Edinburgh, EH1 1HT Shannon Low for the illustrations in ‘Expectations vs. reality’ Philomena Marmion for the illustration in ‘Sharing things’ Ray McGinlay for the photographs in ‘Back to the Islands’ Adobe Store for the icons on ‘The sounds of friendship’ For more information and stories from the university community visit The graduates the new website for 2022 graduates. who contributed to the playlist www.ed.ac.uk/alumni/new-graduates The University’s Printing Services Are you intererested in being featured on for making this handbook a reality MULTI STORY EDINBURGH podcast and sharing your story? Get in touch [email protected] www.ed.ac.uk/alumni

Your Edinburgh story doesn’t end here @edalumni University of Edinburgh people