The graduate application journey can be incredibly challenging. However, what truly pushes us forward is our commitment to our goals and the perseverance to overcome obstacles that ultimately shape our success. My most important piece of advice is as follows: Your past is important but it’s your unwavering commitment to your dreams and the determination to overcome challenges and failures that will lead you to the remarkable destinations you aspire to reach. “It doesn’t matter where you are coming from, all that matters is where you are going.”

Even when it feels like you have a setback, there are always opportunities to learn, and having that mindset makes those setbacks so much more manageable and surmountable. If something hasn't gone to plan, rather than feeling too badly about it and beating yourself up, asking yourself what the greatest learning points were makes sure you can gain from the experience. One of the most important things I've realised is that I can also ask others what they think the main take aways are too - and that fresh perspective can really drive your own motivation and help approach new situations from a different angle going forward! Even in circumstances where things have gone really well, it's always worth reflecting why it went well in the first place, and what can be taken away from this and applied to other problems and situations. Your colleagues are some of your greatest learning resources, and no question is ever silly, so don't be afraid just to ask!

Don't make the mistake of pretending to be someone you are not. We recognise that everybody has strengths and weaknesses, so embracing them is vital so that you we can really learn who you are.