Two graduates from The University of Sheffield work together to support students

Two University of Sheffield graduates are working together on an online platform for students that provides help, support and resources on careers, travel, mental health and life after graduation.
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Olivia Lynch, who graduated in 2017 with a degree in law, and Holly Standring, who graduated in 2020 with a degree in history, are part of the team at NewGrad and have been helping to support thousands of students across the UK.

NewGrad was created in February 2019 by Olivia, who felt there was a gap in the support system offered to graduates to help them find a job and to deal with the pressures that accompany the process.

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NewGrad founder Olivia LynchNewGrad founder Olivia Lynch
NewGrad founder Olivia Lynch

She said: “Once you leave university, that’s it.

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"There’s often no support system in place and lots of graduates really struggle to adjust to life away from education, entering the job market and moving to a new city.”

She added: “I started this page when I was living in New Zealand and I was at a really low point. It was nearly two years after I had graduated and I still had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do which left me feeling really anxious and worried about my future.

“I looked for a blog like this but I couldn’t find one. So I started it for others who might be feeling the same.”

Holly said: “I’ve followed NewGrad for over a year and it’s been a great support system for myself and others. I absolutely love being part of such a great community.”

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NewGrad has been helping to support thousands of students, in particular through a free mentoring scheme, created during lockdown, which provided students and graduates with free mentoring sessions in six different industries including law, journalism and PR.

In addition, they have run free, virtual events connecting students with graduates in their chosen industry. Alongside this, they provide weekly content on their website.

NewGrad also produces a free, weekly newsletter that contains articles written by graduates and covers a wide variety of topics including travel, mental health, and life after graduation.

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