I was sold the illusion that graduating from university would open the door to a world of endless opportunities; where a multitude of design agencies would be waiting to welcome me, eager to embrace fresh, ambitious talent.

I was sold a lie.

It didn’t take long to realise that a First-Class Degree and what I believed was a strong portfolio wasn’t going to be enough. The months after graduation felt like sitting in a bleak waiting room. I was hopelessly unemployed, watching my peers get called in one by one. They were freed from the monotony of searching for purpose and fulfilment, whilst I stayed behind, watching the clock.
‍

Searching for a full-time job became a full-time job in itself. My phone filled
with ever-growing lists:

829 new LinkedIn connections

81 agencies emailed

72 conversations with creatives

23 job applications sent

4 networking events attended

and approximately 552 times I reluctantly answered the dreaded question, 

’So, what’s the plan now?’.
‍

Only when I finally broke through into the industry did I realise that maybe the waiting room wasn’t so bleak and stagnant. It was
a space of transition, between study and studio.

I was able to fill this time with seeing people that I love, trying an abundance of new hobbies (they were short-lived, but tried nevertheless), and rewarding myself with a well-deserved rest after years of continuous study alongside part-time work. I’m extremely privileged to have been supported endlessly by my family, able to confide in my friends, and have many invaluable conversations with creatives who took the time to share their advice.

Finally, I’d like to say the biggest thank you of all to We Are Fred! For taking a chance on me, finding space, and trusting me to creatively contribute to your studio. I can wholeheartedly say that I’ve never experienced such a sincere and warm welcome from a workplace before. The team at WAF are truly kind, approachable, and supportive. They have created an environment in which I feel genuinely valued and encouraged.

To any recent and soon-to-be graduates, if you find yourself in that same uncertain space, keep holding on. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and ultimately, what is meant for you will find you. Your passion will find its place, your talent will be recognised.

Learn to find peace in the in-between. What’s ahead may not come quickly or be entirely how you expected it, but trust that it will come. And when it does, it’ll feel right. It’ll be an opportunity that is entirely yours, and deservingly so.

‍