The Anxiety of Post-University Life: What's Next?
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As I approach the end of my university journey, I find myself standing at the junction between the comfort of academic life and the unpredictable road of adulthood. I'm writing my final exams; I see students in other departments already wearing their sign-out jackets. It's happening — and it gives me chills.
The structured environment of lectures, deadlines and grades is about to give way to a world where results aren't always based on merit, and effort doesn't always equal reward. I’ve heard countless stories about life after school — some inspiring, some disheartening — and it’s hard not to wonder: where will I fall?
I believe I’ve put in the work: attended classes, built practical skills and stayed focused. Still, deep down I ask myself if I’m truly prepared. The anxiety is real. In Mass Communication at Ahmadu Bello University, we study the very society we’re about to enter, and that makes the prospect even more daunting. It feels like much of the world now rewards who you know as much as what you know.
Coming from an average background without “people at the top” to clear the way, the path ahead already looks like it comes with extra hurdles. I’ve seen peers with weaker records but stronger networks land opportunities that others, objectively more capable, fight for. It poses a difficult question: is hard work alone still enough?
For someone who likes having plans, this uncertainty has been unsettling. For the first time, I couldn’t simply “buckle up” and move on. I told a senior about my fear, and he laughed — not to belittle me, but to ask, “What exactly are you scared of?” Then he shared his own story, the one that calmed me down and changed my outlook.
“You don’t have to be perfect,” he said. “Be consistent, learn along the way, and you’ll end up where you envisioned.”
That talk shifted something inside me. I’m still anticipating what’s next, but now there is hope rather than panic. I believe I still have value to offer — and that resilience, strategic networking and deliberate skill building can move me forward.
What I lack in privilege I plan to make up for with persistence and strategy: internships, professional communities, mentoring, and small steps toward building a network. The journey may be slow, but steady growth beats panic.
To my fellow finalists: the transition from student life to adulthood won’t be smooth. There will be self-doubt, financial strain and pressure to “make it” quickly. But we possess something powerful — the willingness to reflect, to grind, and to adapt. Society may not immediately reward this, but those qualities are seeds for long-term success.
Practical next steps
If you’re feeling anxious like I was, try these small, practical moves:
- Build a weekly plan: 2 hours for portfolio work, 2 hours for job/placement search.
- Apply for short internships — even unpaid ones can create bridges to paid work.
- Join professional groups (LinkedIn, alumni networks, student media associations).
- Document your work: keep a simple portfolio (Google Drive / a free blog).
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts below — tips, experience, or questions about life after university.