The daunting thoughts racing through your mind every single time someone at King’s mentions ‘Career Connect’ or a friend asks you what you are doing after graduation is an eerily familiar theme throughout our course of Religion, Politics, and Society, and through the general undergraduate population. If anyone doing a social science degree tells you they have the next five years perfectly planned out to a T, they likely are lying, as figuring out life after graduation is by no means smooth. However, it is essential that one takes pride in the education King’s College London has equipped us with, especially within three extremely relevant career fields. The friends one makes at university may be lifelong, and there are elements of university we may choose to hold on to. This transition isn’t merely about the education we received, but instead the people we have developed into. As I prepare to graduate, I sat down with my tutor, parents, friends, and classmates who shared their experiences and concerns which I believe can be helpful for anyone entering the workforce:
Firstly, unlike commonly thought, Religion is not an irrelevant field in any respect. Today we see the world ever so polarised when attempting to regulate Religion within the political arena. Our experience correctly supports us entering any sector of government work. Moreover, should that not be of interest, topics like Religion deeply permeate the industry of International Law. After graduation, the options are endless, so one must be willing to try things to discover their passion. Three topics give you an ideal chance to find what truly intrigues you in a career. This finding might not occur instantly, thus, be patient. A massive issue I experienced within my third year is the catastrophizing idea of what I want to do. The constant comparing of jobs may make us feel as though we are far behind others.
Secondly, my tutor made a remark regarding the changes we face as we enter adulthood as friendships change and life shifts, we may move apart physically or end up living together in London. With that said, the alumni network will always remain a source of guidance as we navigate independent life, career wise and beyond. The real world won’t necessarily care solely about where we went to school, but instead will focus on the skills we gained in the process. It is important we communicate our experience in each of these three vital sociological topics make us different to the rest of the incoming workforce. Hopefully, we can utilise the network of professors and students as a platform to connect with our shared experiences. However, the bubble will expand, and it is vital as my father advised, to learn that this safety net is an opportunity to bounce off and develop a more extensive network.
Lastly, I was listening to a talk by highly influential businesswomen who explained that the decisions we make after graduation could not be drawn out. There has to an element of enjoyment. Undergraduate was a fantastic opportunity to work hard, but we must be willing to fail while enjoying the experience. There is more to life than the job we attain within these fields or beyond. Education is a ladder where you can only go up, but unfortunately, the real world may not be so simple. A positive attitude will help make the experience life throws your way more pleasurable. If we listen more, continue to learn, and attempt to flourish from each of our likely future challenges, I believe we probably will remain somewhat successful (I pray!).
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For a look into the daily life of an “RPS” student, you can read Wendy’s A Day with a Life of a Religion, Politics and Society Student.
You can also Meet King’s Theology and Religious Studies Department with Faith.
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