What’s your graduation story?

To celebrate World Student Day on 15 October, we’re encouraging university graduates past and present to share stories from their graduation and reflect on how their degree has helped them in their career. 

Everyone’s university experience is different, whether you’re an international student graduating thousands of miles from home or studying alongside a family member, but these stories clearly show how the right degree can inspire a dream career.  

Share your own story in the comments below or on social media using the #MyTopUniGrad and #WorldStudentsDay hashtags. 

Royce Tan 
BSc(Hons) Computing, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), 2017 

Being an international student more than 6,600 miles far away from home was a challenging experience. However, UWE has always been there for me, from orientation to graduation.  

I had an amazing time in class, the tutors were very attentive to us and very patient in answering questions to clear any doubts on any lectures or tutorials. It was also from the data studies module in the course that I built my interest in pursuing a career in Data Information, which led to me working as a Data Information Officer. I have never regretted in enrolling in UWE Bristol and those academic years will certainly be the best times in my life. 

Chee Hong Ng  
LLB, Bachelor of Law (Hons), Queen's University Belfast, 2018 

Studying LLB Law has helped me develop my problem-solving skills. This skill is invaluable especially working as a Student Enrolment Advisor as it allows me the ability to ‘think outside the box’ and quickly propose answers to problems raised by the students.  

The love I have for both QUB and Northern Ireland is immeasurable as the people there are super friendly, and it has played a significant role in shaping me.  

Alisha Bartl  
Master of Business Administration, University of Melbourne, 2013  

Completing my MBA was an inspiring experience, where I developed knowledge across a large variety of study areas. Every day I draw from that experience and apply what I’ve learnt in a way that creates lasting impact. I’m forever grateful for my study experience and recommend further education as a way to open opportunities and lead your own career.     

Agnes Bakondi 
BA in Journalism and Communication, Eszterhazy Karoly University of Applied Sciences, Hungary, 2016 

Although I ended up not being a journalist, the skills I acquired proved to be extremely valuable in my career. I learned not only about journalism but videography, and radio & television production too.  

I made life-long friends and mentors and my professors inspired me to always do better. Because of their support, I ended up doing a semester at the University of New Mexico (USA) as an exchange student - a decision that has shaped my life in so many ways.  

Alyssa Jaffer 
Bachelor of Arts, Media Studies , University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), 2012  

I studied media at UC Berkeley and had the opportunity to explore journalism, writing and media. My course nurtured my passion for storytelling and ultimately shaped my career in journalism and marketing.  

With me in this photo is my sister Rubina – she has always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter throughout my life. She also graduated from UC Berkeley just six months earlier. Studying with my sister, my best friend, on a campus we both loved made my university experience really special.