Congratulations on Graduating: What now?

You’ve graduated! Finally! After 3 or 4  years of hard work and hard partying, you’re ready to face the real world.

Some students spend months preparing themselves for post-uni life and know exactly what they’re going to do. Others find themselves back at mum’s the morning after graduation with no plans and a stinking hangover.

For those of you who have no clue, this article will hopefully provide some inspiration. We’ll cover all your options, because a job in the city isn’t the only one!

Let’s get going!

GAP YEAR

If you haven’t already taken a gap year, now is the best time to do it, before you get on the career ladder and have firm responsibilities.

Taking some time out to travel the world and experience new cultures can do wonders. You’ll come back with a clear head, feeling refreshed and enthused. You might even learn new skills and languages too, which will look fantastic on your CV.

It doesn’t have to be an entire year, of course. Even just spending the summer abroad can be really enlightening.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Does the thought of working for someone else send shivers down your spine? Do you have a burning business idea? Fancy yourself as the next Business Mogul?

If you answered yes to any of the above, entrepreneurship might be the path for you.

A lot of students baulk at the idea of starting a business right out of uni. After all, you need lots of money and a team of employees to be successful, right?

Wrong! Whatever resources you have, you can start a business. Here are just a few examples:

• – Create an app from your bedroom using free software.
• – Use your arts and crafts skills to create handmade products and sell them via Etsy.
• – Freelance using your talents in web design, writing, photography and so on.

For out more about graduate entrepreneurship on the Student Underground blog.

 

INTERNSHIPS AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE

Many students believe they need to dive straight into a career after uni. But what if you’re not sure that accounting or advertising is really for you?

Internships offer the flexibility of trying out a career before committing.

Lasting anywhere between 2 weeks and 6 months, internships can give you a real taste for life in the industry.

Some are unpaid, but you’ll only work two or three days a week so you can take on a part-time job too. However, more and more work experience placements and internships are paid, allowing you to wholeheartedly focus on choosing your path.

CONTINUE STUDYING

If you’re not ready to leave the warm embrace of university behind, you can continue your studies with a master’s degree.

If you’re really passionate about a subject or want to specialise in a particular area, a postgraduate course is the way forward.

A master’s will also help your career prospects in the future. As the job market becomes increasingly harder to crack, people of all ages are turning back to study to improve their chances. So, going straight into postgraduate education could help you get ahead of the game. A majority of UK universities offer both Taught Masters and Research Masters programmes in a wide range of subjects.

Well, there you have it; four alternatives to diving straight into employment. Which one will you choose?