Working out what to do after university can be a challenge. The possibilities may seem endless, which is exciting but can also create a lot of uncertainty. It’s ok not to have everything figured out after you graduate though. Take some time to explore your options and discover the best path for you.
This guide is designed to help you work out what choices are available after uni, and which will be the most positive route.
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Exploring career paths
Applying for graduate jobs
One of the key aims for most people at university is to gain skills and qualifications that will open new and exciting career paths. Taking a graduate job straight after university allows you to hone those skills while they’re still fresh in your mind. And it may start you on the path to a fulfilling career in your chosen field.
If you can find a suitable graduate role, you can begin on a structured career path, where there will likely be new and exciting training opportunities along the way. You should also have some level of financial stability.
However, the application process for graduate jobs can be highly competitive, and you may not yet feel ready to commit to a specific career path. If this is the case, remember there are plenty of other options available to you.
If you decide to pursue a graduate job, there are a few things you can do to help your applications stand out from the crowd. These include:
Tailoring your CV for each role you apply for, including company-specific knowledge
Prioritising the skills and qualifications most relevant to the job
Building a solid LinkedIn profile to get your name out there
Spending time preparing for interviews and honing your technique.
Taking on internships
An internship is a great way to test the waters in your chosen industry before you start applying for full-time graduate positions. You can gain invaluable experience and discover whether it’s the industry for you in a low-risk way. You may also be able to make useful networking contacts who could help you further down the line when you start looking for more permanent positions.
Just remember that many internships are low-paid or not paid at all. So, you’ll probably need some other source of income or financial support.
Your career adviser at university is a good place to start when thinking about internships. They’ll have contacts and ideas that you may not have thought of.
You can look for internships on the Find a Job service at Gov.uk. You can also apply directly to companies you’re interested in working for. Red flags to watch out for in internships include:
Too much emphasis on “exposure”
Unclear job descriptions
Bad reviews
High staff turnover
No mention of opportunities for future employment
Absence of training or mentorship
Unrealistic job requirements
Looking for non-graduate work
There’s nothing to say you have to launch right into your chosen career the second you leave university. It can be worthwhile to take a bit of time for reflection. For example, by getting a job that pays the bills while you think things over.
Popular roles for graduates include those in retail, hospitality or admin. You could also consider freelancing while you think about your future.
All these possibilities provide opportunities to develop transferrable skills while earning money. And you can build up your experience and CV while you work.
Taking a gap year or go travelling
Why consider it?
A gap year is an opportunity to discover new cultures, new ways of living and new things about yourself. Travel broadens your horizons in more ways than just the literal – you might find you come home with an entirely new perspective on what you want to do with your life. Even if you don’t, it can be a valuable experience that will teach you lots of things. And it’ll be lots of fun!
Options for meaningful travel
You could consider making your gap year more meaningful by doing something career-related at the same time. This can range from taking an internship abroad to volunteering somewhere new. Or backpacking through countries and learning more about other ways of life.
Things to consider
If you want to take a gap year, one of the big things you’ll need to figure out is your budget. If you don’t have much disposable income, you will need to either look at getting a work placement in another country or finding part-time jobs as you go.
You’ll also need to think about how to explain the gap in your CV to future employers. Think about how you can sell your gap year as an invaluable experience where you spent time learning new skills, rather than an extended holiday.
Deciding where to live
Moving back in with parents
Deciding where to live after uni can be tricky, especially if you don’t have savings or some other form of financial support. Moving back home with your parents might be the best option temporarily.
It gives you a chance to save some money whilst you figure out your next steps, and time to work out what you want to do without added financial pressure. However, you may find it tricky to readjust to the family dynamic after being away for several years, and the loss of independence might not appeal.
To make the most of this time, sit down with your parents before you move back in and set some boundaries and expectations together. You can also create a timeline for your next steps, so everyone has an idea of how long this living situation is likely to last. Of course, not every graduate will have this option to fall back on.
Finding a place to rent
You may decide you want to keep your independence and find somewhere to rent, either on your own or with some friends. This could be a good chance to explore a new city, move closer to where the best job opportunities are in your industry, and stay independent.
But you’ll need to look at your financial situation. Rents are at an all-time high in the UK right now, so you will need to have some income and make a budget. You also need to think about the dynamics of living with housemates. On the plus side, the rent will be cheaper, but you’ll have to navigate living with other people in harmony. You’ll probably have experience of this already from living with people at uni, but the dynamic can change drastically when you’re working full time.
Top budgeting tips include:
Listing all your outgoings and prioritising spending into essential, important and extra.
Listing your incomings – earnings from a job plus any other money you might get.
Calculating what’s left after essential and important outgoings have been taken away from your income. This is your budget for extras such as takeaways, nights out or new clothes.
Bearing in mind most letting agents will expect you (and your housemates if you have them) to have a gross income of around 2.5 times the amount of the rent.
Staying in your university city
If you choose to rent property and you’ve fallen in love with the city where you went to uni, then staying there could be a good option. You’re already familiar with the location, and probably have a decent social network.
However, before committing to this, explore job options both for right now and in the future. Just because you love a place doesn’t mean it will necessarily be the best city when thinking about your career.
Moving to a new city
Moving to a new city can be scary, but it can also open lots of new opportunities. You may find you get homesick or lonely if you don’t know anyone in your local area, and it can be hard to adjust to a brand-new environment.
On the other hand, you’ll also be able to use this to your advantage by expanding your social and professional network. Research the city you’re thinking about moving to before you commit and make a list of pros and cons.
Some top tips for meeting new people include:
Using social media and the internet to find like-minded people in your local area, such as those that enjoy the same hobbies and interests and joining some groups or societies.
Researching job opportunities in the new city before you move, and trying to have something lined up to start straight away, even if it’s just a part-time role to generate some income.
Volunteering for a charity you feel passionately about and meeting other people with the same values.
Joining a gym or library, or attending community events in the local area to get to meet your neighbours.
Starting a club yourself if you can’t find something you like. For example, advertise on Facebook community groups or similar and start a book club, board game meet-ups, or coffee mornings to meet new people.
Continuing education
Postgraduate studies
You may find that you love academia and want to continue with your education after graduating. This can be a good option for many reasons. You’ll develop new skills and qualifications that will help you progress in your chosen field, improving your career prospects and even giving you a unique specialisation.
However, you’ll also need to think about your finances. Doing a Master’s, PhD or other postgraduate qualification can be costly, and you will need to support yourself financially while you study as well. Take some time to look at the demand for these types of qualifications in your chosen field and see whether additional qualifications will have enough benefit.
If you’re already working in your chosen profession, attaining a Master’s degree or similar could be a fast-track to career progression. You may also be lucky enough to have an employer that will support you financially through your extended study.
Short courses or professional certifications
If you don’t have the time or money to commit to a further degree, you could still expand your skill base by looking into short courses or professional qualifications specific to your industry.
For example, when weighing up a career in finance, you could look into taking ACCA qualifications.
You can often study for these courses online and they may open new opportunities in the world of work. They take less commitment than a full degree but can still open doors.
Don’t rush your decision
The most important thing to remember when thinking about what to do after graduating university is that there’s no need to rush into a decision.
There is no single “right path” that you should be following – depending on your industry, ambition and skillset, there could be a variety of options that will all lead to where you want to be.
Don’t get stressed thinking you have to make a commitment straight away – take your time to consider all the options and trust your instincts.
If you make a wrong decision, don’t worry – you can always rethink and set off down a different path. Uncertainty is an opportunity to embrace new possibilities, and success looks different to everyone.
