Third year - full of deadlines, job hunting and goodbyes.

By Chloe B

For me, my final year of university once felt so far away- I had no idea what it would actually look like. I expected to have no free time, caught in a cycle of working, studying, and applying for jobs. That’s partly true, but third year is so much more than that!

The reality was, prioritising my time became more important than ever. Final year was a time where I had the power to make my dreams a reality whilst still enjoying the journey. I had to focus heavily on studying and assignments, lock in when needed, and seek help when necessary. For me, it’s short-term pain for long-term gain. As I await my results, I hope the hard work has paid off.

In this blog, I’ll unpack the successes and challenges of third year: assignments, balancing commitments, job hunting, and saying those emotional goodbyes.

The D Word

The D word—dissertation.

Dissertations can overwhelm many students, and they vary across courses and universities. Mine was 6,000 words and lab-based. Thankfully, my Medical Science course included a research proposal module that helped us prepare in advance.

I actually loved working on my dissertation. My supervisor was incredibly helpful, and I had a lot of freedom to explore a topic I was passionate about—the efficacy of probiotic drinks. A dissertation is a steep learning curve where all three years of your degree come into play: research, analysis, referencing, and constructing a strong academic argument. Orally defending my research was incredibly rewarding, despite the nerves. I was extremely proud to present my findings and answer questions on a subject I truly care about.

Chloe showing off her academic poster defending her dissertation!

I loved my dissertation, my supervisor was incredibly helpful and I had a lot of freedom with my topic to truly explore the efficacy of probiotic drinks. A dissertation is a learning curve where all three years of your degree come into play - research, analysis, referencing and constructing a strong academic piece of work. Orally defending my research was incredibly rewarding and despite the nerves, I was extremely proud to present my findings and answer questions on a subject I'm truly passionate about.

Outside of coursework, I had multiple student jobs that offered flexibility around my studies. During busy academic periods, I had to step back from work and double down on revision and writing. Time management was absolutely critical. I lived by my Google Calendar to keep track of classes, study time, job shifts, and application deadlines. It was tough at times, but those challenges taught me discipline, resilience, and how to ask for support when I needed it.

Being organised is a key skill university has taught me and will hopefully will teach you as staying on top of your tasks and maintaining priorities will prevent burn-out and feeling overwhelmed. Many universities have health and well-being support alongside student services so you don't have to do all of this alone - use them!

Securing That Grad Job

Coming into university, I knew I wanted to graduate with a job already secured. Looking for graduate opportunities can be overwhelming, but having a robust system made the process manageable.

Here was my approach:

1. Identify industries you’re passionate about. My top four were biopharmaceuticals, marketing, healthcare, and consulting.

2. Search strategically. I used LinkedIn, Google, Bright Network, Gradcracker, and my university’s Employability Service to find roles.

3. Track your applications. I created a spreadsheet with columns for job titles, industries, application links, and tracked CVs, cover letters, feedback, and progress.

4. Be selective and intentional. Only apply for roles that genuinely interest you—this keeps your applications authentic and avoids burnout. Tailor each application and align yourself with the companies values!

5. Learn from rejections. Use them as feedback and motivation to grow.

   
   
   
   

   

   Chloe's Application tracker showing the progress and stages of her applications.(some information had to remain confidential).

   
   
   
   

Being consistent helped me progress to interviews, assessment centres—and eventually, a job offer! I began applying in October and continued through February. The earlier you apply, the better, especially for competitive graduate schemes. At one point, I had to pause applications and fully focus on academics. I trusted in the strength of my earlier efforts and left the rest in God’s hands. Thankfully, the results followed and I have just accepted a job offer on a prestigious graduate training programme.

Goodbye (For Now)!

Wrapping up university has been incredibly emotional. From the high-stakes job application process to leaving behind a routine I had come to love, it’s been a bittersweet goodbye.

Saying farewell to academic staff, friends, familiar places, and routines has been strange. The support I received from the ARU Employability Service and ARU Temps was invaluable - leaving that behind was tough but before heading home, I made sure to visit campus one last time to say my goodbyes.

But I’ve learned: goodbyes don’t have to be permanent. If you make meaningful connections, they’ll carry on. As an ARU alumni, I know I’ll remain part of this amazing community. I plan to give back in the future and stay connected.

University has shown me the power of networking and forming strong, lasting relationships. I’m stepping into my next chapter with a strong support system, and I hope to make a real impact as a future leader.

Conclusion

Third year taught me to be myself - fully and unapologetically. I’ve learned the importance of authenticity, of trying new things, and of knowing when to lock in and focus.

Academically, I’m leaving university with a solid foundation in Medical Science and a newfound passion for gastroenterology and gut health. University is the place to find your niche—and Ultimately Uni is the place to share it!

To anyone reading this: embrace the chaos, find your balance, and trust the process. You’re capable of more than you know. 🌟

If you want to share your story please get in touch at itsultimatelyuni@gmail.com!