"It opens up a new chapter in my life. That's the unknown part. That's the exciting part."
Mr Graham is one of about 340 graduands who will graduate in person from Otago University in humanities, commerce, health sciences and sciences, in a ceremony at the Regent Theatre, in Dunedin, at 3pm today.
In his demanding automotive engineering role, Mr Graham has met some of the biggest names in New Zealand motorsport, including drivers Craig Baird, Matt Halliday and Shane Van Gisbergen.
And, now in his mid-30s, he sees plenty of parallels between law and motorsport engineering - including a shared holistic focus to problem solving.
"I had always enjoyed dealing with and helping people. Also, throughout my engineering career, I had developed good analytical and problem-solving skills." A lifelong interest in car racing led to his earlier career.
"I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at some of the world's most famous race tracks and races throughout the United States and Europe, including the Le Mans 24-hour race." After leaving New Zealand in 2001, he worked with Tiger Racing in Los Angeles before turning to Europe and the Le Mans race.
He grew up in Christchurch, but when he had returned to New Zealand in 2004, settledin Dunedin, his wife Monica's home town.
Since then, he has been involved at the top level of New Zealand motorsport, including rallying, while working much of the time as a service manager for a city car dealership.
He had needed an "extra challenge" and a friend suggested law as an interesting new career.
After completing the first year of university studies, his passion for law had grown, and he received positive support from law faculty staff.
He continued some of his engineering work, and despite a sometimes "immensely demanding" workload, thoroughly enjoyed his time as a student.
"There's no point looking back.
"But motorsport will always be a part of my life in some capacity and if I could combine law and engineering in some way, that would be ideal."
