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HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER My Graduation is approaching and I don't want to go. My parents don't share the same view and are putting pressure on me to attend. I had a really bad time at University because I was unhappy with the standard of teaching and the lack of careers advice my department gave me. I feel University hasn't given me the practical skills I need for the world of work. What do I do? T. Kalid, London. Advice by: Tricia Krietman, Counsellor *Don't look at University as preparation for work. It's much more about expanding horizons, learning more about yourself and having new life experiences. *Put yourself in your parents' shoes. After your Graduation you will have a new career, new life and new friends and none of this will matter to you. Your parents will want to have that graduation photograph on their mantelpiece, and it's something they will treasure. Do it for your parents. You won't regret it! Anne Howarth who works as a Senior Careers Consultant and trouble-shooter for DBM, offers practical advice. *Use the situation as a developmental stage and a learning process. Know your values and the things about yourself you are proud of. Know what you have to offer and your unique selling points. When you do something you enjoy, you are good at it. *Be proactive and not reactive because being proactive generates energy to create the right environments. Everyone has transferable skills, it's just a matter of updating them and moving them into a new environment. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   Your first week of university... 1.Make sure you find the nearest cafe, get a coffee or tea, it's one of the best ways to get noticed and make new friends. 2. You will need to get a student card. It will allow you to use the library facilities, computer labs and other services. 3. Get to know your timetable – this is an essential document, it tells you where you must be and when. 4. Get to know your campus. The better you know your way around the more confident you will feel. 5. Last, but most important - talk to everyone. Make an effort to smile, nod or wink at people.    INTERNET LINKS Braintrack University Index   UNESCO Education   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites