So, you’ve finally graduated woohoo! But what happens next? After I graduated I had an idea of what I wanted to do after uni, but I didn’t actually know how to get into that career path. And many students I’ve spoken to say the same thing.
It’s a massive change going from uni life where you have the option to wake up whenever, eat whatever and go out for drinks however many times you want, to getting up at certain times for work, going to work every day and basically having the same routine day in day out. But, it’s not as boring as it sounds I promise!
1. Apply for jobs
If you definitely know what you want to do, then apply for jobs within that field. But remember that nothing comes easy and if you don’t have the experience, then you may get quite a few rejections to begin with, but don’t let that dishearten you. If you want to do a job you love, then keep trying.
2. Volunteer in the profession you want to pursue and don’t give up
I didn’t get to where I wanted to be straightaway, I had two office jobs before going into the marketing field. But whilst I worked as an Analyst, I also did freelance volunteer work for an online magazine. I made sure I continued to apply for copywriting jobs even when I was tired after work and the gym. It’s my passion for writing and working full-time whilst volunteering, that landed me a job as a Copywriter and Content Marketer for a digital marketing agency.
So, if you’ve got the ambition and drive and think you’ve got what it takes, then don’t give up!
3. Don’t know what you want to do? Write a plan
Lots of people are unsure of what they want to do after they finish uni so don’t worry because you’re not alone. List all the pros and cons of each job you think you might be interested in. Start researching into what degree or postgraduate degree you’d need. Our blog on degrees and the jobs they can help you to get might be useful.
4. Think you chose the wrong course?
When we have the option of choosing a degree, it’s at such a young age that we can end up making the wrong choice. Or it might be that along the lines of studying, we realise it isn’t what we expected. But don’t worry, you’ve still got plenty of time to think about taking another degree or even a postgraduate degree – in some cases you don’t even have to have taken a particular degree to do a different postgraduate degree.
5. Start saving
Now’s the time to start saving. We know this might be hard, especially with the thought of paying your loan back, but it can be done! Open up a graduate current account (these usually offer benefits such as interest-free overdrafts for a few years), and a savings account (which offer interest on the amount you save).
6. Don’t stress out about repaying your loan
We know the thought of repaying your loan can be alarming. But you only have to start paying it back once you start earning a certain amount, and the monthly payment you will have to make won’t break the bank!
7. Contact graduate employers
Lots of companies are looking for graduates just like you, so do your research and contact them, you never know, you might just find your ideal job.
8. Keep using your NUS card
Keep using your NUS discount card, just because you’re not a student anymore it doesn’t mean you can’t keep using your card until it expires, and if you’re thinking about taking a postgrad course, then you can buy another year’s worth!
9. Think about your living situation
There’s no harm in moving back home, but if you want to venture out to a new city, then that’s an option too. Make sure you research into what there is to do there and whether they offer the kind of jobs you’re looking for.
10. Keep in touch with your friends and make time to have fun!
Just because uni’s over, it doesn’t mean everything has to be boring. Keep in touch with your friends and make new friends wherever life takes you!
Have you recently graduated? Then we’d like to hear from you! Let us know what you’re up to either by commenting below or on social media.
