When you don’t know what to do after university your looming graduation can be a daunting prospect. Big life changes are coming, you can’t rely on your student loan anymore and your decisions are important. However, the good news is you have plenty of options to choose from.
Explore these options in more detail below.
You didn’t get a degree just for fun. We’re guessing you went to university to improve your career prospects so it may be time to find that first all-important graduate job after graduating.
If you’re driven and want to get straight onto the first rung of your career ladder, then it’s time to start looking for a graduate job! If you’re thinking that this option is for you, be sure to take a look at this job hunting advice and soon the job offers will be rolling in from potential employers.
We don’t like to blow our own trumpet, but we do have fantastic commercial graduate jobs on offer working with market-leading business across the UK. You can take a look and apply here.
Graduate schemes won’t always guarantee you a job at the end of them. However, they are a great way to get valuable experience and they give you an excellent insight into the role and business you are working for. If you want to secure a place on a graduate scheme you’ll need to move quickly, as places are extremely competitive and recruitment takes places early in the academic year.
If you’re unsure about whether choosing a graduate scheme or a graduate job is the right option for you, discover more about what sets them apart here.
Interested in seeing the world? Don’t fancy moving back home? After uni can be one of the perfect times to travel (if your bank account allows it). You haven’t started moving with your career yet and you’re unlikely to have any responsibilities tying you down. If funds are a problem, remember you can always work while you travel. This experience will only help boost your CV when it comes to finding a graduate job.
Travelling is also something that employers value. Graduates who have travelled tend to be more independent, able to use their initiative and have developed strong communication skills. You can also use your time away to reflect on what exactly you want to do as a career and how you see your career developing in the future.
Not completely sure about travelling? Here are a few reasons why taking a gap year is a good idea.
However, we do like to play devil’s advocate and you should also consider these reasons why you shouldn’t take a gap year.
Over the last decade, the master’s degree has experienced a significant surge in popularity. A large number of undergraduate students are now staying on for postgraduate study. It can be a temptingly safe option if you don’t feel ready to leave uni yet. However, it’s important to only do a master’s if it will benefit your future career.
A master’s isn’t the best option for everyone, but if it is going to add value to your CV and impress employers then go for it!
If your CV is looking scarce or you’re trying to break into a super-competitive industry, you may need to get more experience before securing a permanent role. Industry-specific work experience will definitely help you to stand out from other grads when applying for roles. Remember, every graduate has a degree so it’s all the extra things (including part time work) you have done that will make the difference. If you’re unsure about how and where you can get work experience, have a chat with your university careers service.
If you don’t know what to do after university, keep these five options in mind and weigh up the pros and cons for you. What you decide to do next will affect your career.
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