A message for final year students from the NTU Class of 2008
Published: 15/01/2021
If you’re graduating this year and feeling unsure about what the future holds, take a look at these inspiring accounts from the Class of 2008, who also graduated during uncertain times.
2021 graduates are not alone in entering the world of work during an era of uncertainty. The Class of 2008 entered the careers market amidst an economic recession and faced similar worries and stresses, but great things can still happen and these stories from 2008 graduates are proof of that.
These accounts will fill you with hope and optimism for your future, even if that future isn’t what you imagined it’d be.
Sarah McLeod, BA Hons Fashion Design
What did you find most challenging about graduating during the 2008 recession?
I assumed I would walk into a comfortable design job after I graduated. However, the recession hit many fashion suppliers hard and I found myself looking for a new way to carve my path and still work in my dream job. I decided to be brave and set up my own business to work on a freelance basis for companies that needed design work, as well as creating my own line of printed silk scarves to retail at events across the country. These are normally things that people go into after having a lot more work experience than I had at that time and it was a huge learning curve, but I’m so glad I stuck at it.
Over time, I gained new clients and collaborated with different organisations, leading me to opportunities to speak at events for people in the freelance creatives and tech arena. I have spoken at lots of events including at Google Campus, the IPEX Print Fair, The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success Awards and Graduate Fashion Week to name a few. I was producing design work for companies such as Alfa Romeo.
All of these things were a big challenge, but had the recession not happened just as I graduated, perhaps I would have found that comfortable job and maybe I would have just stayed there. But I was forced to think on my feet and adapt to a new plan which led me to so many more exciting opportunities in the end. I have now produced design work for companies such as, Alfa Romeo, FIAT, Budweiser, River Island and many more.
Read more of Sarah’s story and stories from other 2008 graduates.
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