Starting a postgraduate degree can be daunting. Studying a different subject area within your discipline can be challenging. But going from one academic discipline to an entirely different one seemed borderline insane. And that’s exactly what I did.
I did my undergraduate studies in Policy, Politics and Economics (PPE). As interesting as the subject was, I always knew it wasn’t for me – three years of avoiding econometrics can attest to that. And, while it is true that PPE opened doors to many different careers (the civil service, consultancy, journalism, prime minister…), I’d be lying if I didn’t say my heart belonged elsewhere.
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I felt like I was being pulled in two directions. On campus, I was doing a degree in a subject I had no intention of pursuing as a career. Meanwhile, off campus, I was chasing my passion for storytelling as a writer and actor. I was living a double life, a constant tug-of-war between dream and expectation. And if there’s one lesson we can take from Dead Poets Society, it’s that at some point, you have to seize the day and make a decision. Do you stay on the path you’re on, or do you dare to follow another?
This came to a head in my final year when I decided to apply for a postgraduate degree in Creative Writing. It was my chance to finally dedicate my full attention to the craft of storytelling. Was it daunting? Absolutely. Has it been challenging? Without question. But was it as ‘borderline insane’ as I initially thought? Not at all.
I quickly learned that I wasn’t alone. Most of my peers had also come from different academic backgrounds or career paths, and like me, they, too, had made the leap in pursuit of their passions. Our professors understood this dynamic, offering tailored support during office hours to help us acclimatise to a discipline that’s new to so many of us. Furthermore, the university’s academic support services and Career Network are another valuable point of contact for those daring to forge a new path.
The great thing about transferring subjects for postgraduate study is that it pushes you to do things you never thought possible. Before studying Creative Writing, I used to stay away from poetry, much preferring the safety afforded by fictional prose and believing myself too poetically inept to quip anything more than limericks. But with practice and encouragement from my peers and professors, I’ve since discovered that I, too, can write a sonnet if I put my mind to it. I’ve even begun exploring playwriting, too. I may still be far from Shakespeare, but I would never have grown creatively if I had stuck with PPE.
The key thing to remember is that your different academic background isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. My Bachelor’s in PPE gives me a unique lens for storytelling, enriching my creative work with perspectives I might not otherwise have. In postgraduate study, your unique background isn’t something to overcome – it’s your greatest asset.
Ultimately, the boldest decisions often lead to the most rewarding paths. If you’re considering a leap of your own, trust in yourself and seize the day. Who knows? Your unique perspective just might change the world.