Where SOAS graduates are taking their careers after university

Class of 2026: What's next? We asked a few SOAS graduates about their next steps, career-wise, and how their time at SOAS shaped them.

Last week, SOAS said goodbye to its Class of 2026, with 8 graduation ceremonies over 3 days that turned campus into a buzzing crowd of grey and gold. During the celebrations, we interviewed some of our 2026 graduates to learn what they will be doing post-SOAS and how their studying experience shaped not only their decisions, but them as people. 

I now look into things more deeply and analytically

While the diversity of the SOAS student body's backgrounds and areas of interest is only highlighted by the range of the 2026 graduates' post-university plans, what unites them is a common appreciation for SOAS' identity as an academic stronghold of decolonial knowledge and critical analysis that has broadened and deepened their worldview.

Sara, who completed an MA in Comparative Literature and is now working in facilities management, appreciates the unique nature of SOAS' student body: "Everyone has a similar mindset, as we're all interested in interrogating what's at face value, and I think that's quite valuable".

A SOAS Internship helped me get my job at the BBC

At the same time, Angela, an MA Postcolonial Studies graduate, highlights that "it is very good to feel comfortable in your thoughts, but to also have people challenge you and push you further".

This year's graduate stories emphasise how SOAS' spirit of constant inquiry and critically approaching the status quo have played a crucial role in positively impacting student futures beyond university, providing them with invaluable skills and perspectives that are rarely nurtured elsewhere, giving them a competitive edge in the world of work.

"Coming [into the workplace] with a particular global perspective really helps. Currently, I work at the BBC, and I think they value how I'm a bit more radical, and maybe a bit more leftist than many of the thinkers there. The perspectives that SOAS gave me were able to help with that," reflects Angela.

I was able to lead research, and it was great to have those research skills and gain that experience, because I really think it helped me get my job.

"During my time at SOAS, through the SOAS Internship Scheme, I interned with 10 Years' Time, which is a decolonial philanthropist. This was a bit random for me, but such a great experience. I was able to lead research, and it was great to have those research skills and gain that experience, because I really think it helped me get my job. I started the full-time job that I'm in right now the day I submitted my dissertation."

Working with such a diverse group at university prepared me for an international company

Sayra, a BA Global Development graduate going into a full-time job in grant management, says: "I think that SOAS' priority of looking out for the little guys, looking into not working for the government, but rather around them much of the time, will be quite helpful for what I intend to do."

Her friend Samarah, who graduated from the same course, adds: "The company that I'm working at now is an international renewable energy company, and I think working with such a diverse group at university has definitely helped prepare me for that. Also, the way that I've started to think is a bit different now. I now look into things a lot more deeply and more analytically, which I definitely think has helped with my role."

My career mentor at SOAS helped me see that I wanted to be a teacher 

Leaving SOAS and beginning a new chapter of their lives, graduates warmly reminisce about how fellow students and staff inspired and motivated them on their journeys of personal and professional growth, building relationships they truly cherish.

Samina, a BA History graduate, recalls that she was initially intending to go into archives after graduating. However, just 3 months prior to graduation, she decided to become a secondary school teacher instead, as she found that she was passionate about working with young people. 

[My career mentor] showed me how amazing a career in teaching is.

She is grateful to her career mentor for guiding and supporting her every step of the way: "Our career mentor that we get assigned from first year was a major help for me. He gave me guidance on exactly what steps I should take. Initially, I was going to get a career in archives. He showed me volunteering places, placements and so on, and he helped me with the interviews. Then, I realised that my career was actually in teaching, and he gave me the references and showed me how amazing a career in teaching is."

SOAS gave me a great opportunity that ended up leading to a job

Tom, who graduated with an LLB, is about to start a full-time job practising refugee and asylum law, says that he landed this job thanks to internship opportunities SOAS provided for him.

"Regarding the place I got a job in, I got the job via an internship through SOAS in January. I had the internship, and then I got back to the firm at the end of June and then got the job through that. SOAS gave me a great opportunity that ended up leading to a job.

SOAS itself inspired me. The people I was around always inspired me to push myself a little bit harder, but also to go and help out where I can and do something meaningful with my life.

SOAS itself inspired me. The people I was around always inspired me to push myself a little bit harder, but also to go and help out where I can and do something meaningful with my life. And I think that I learned those skills just from the people I was with, from the tutors I had. The people I've met, the people I've made friends with, the people I've studied with were the best part of SOAS for me, 100%."

What's next?

As they leave SOAS to enter a world increasingly plagued by instability and injustice, SOAS' Class of 2026 remain positive, ready to take their knowledge and experience to drive positive change in the world.

"Obviously, we know that the job market is in a bit of a tight one at the moment, but I'd say my best advice would be to hang in there and also see what you can get from the internships, see what SOAS can offer you as an alumnus," advises Sara.

Tom wishes his fellow graduates all the best in whatever they end up doing: "Good luck with everything in the future. Go and do something impressive. Just go and do something, and enjoy your life!"