Are you nearing the end of your course and feeling confused about what to do? Or are you just curious to see alternative routes to the career path of your dreams?
Whatever you have in mind, there is always a route. Here are some ideas we’ve put together to help graduates in the next stage of their lives.
Pursue a postgraduate study.
If you decide that further education is the path for you, then postgraduate study could boost your employability. You could even increase your earning potential by undertaking a Masters degree or PhD; statistics show that:
Another option is to study abroad, which would allow you to soak in the culture and learn a new language. Some cities such as Copenhagen and Berlin offer free Masters’ degrees.
Opt for grad-scheme jobs.
A graduate scheme is a training programme sponsored by your employer and can usually run for a year or two. The key to securing a job on a graduate scheme is to apply early, and deadlines are generally in October-November for a training scheme starting the following September. Some employers tend to frequent university job fairs too, so keep a lookout for any job opportunities.
Once you’ve applied, make sure to educate yourself on the interview process and to do sufficient research on the employer before accepting a role.
Pursue an internship/work experience.
While waiting to get a job in your desired field of employment, it may be wise to take up an internship or volunteering opportunity.
Talk to startup companies and see if they’ll be able to offer you a short-term placement. More often than not, they would be happy to take graduates onboard and in return, you can make valuable contacts in the industry and gain transferable skills.
Look into the world of self-employment.
If you have a killer business idea and can’t wait to get it off the ground, then perhaps being an entrepreneur is the right path for you. Some advantages of being self-employed include autonomy, flexibility and complete control over the work you do.
If you’re feeling wary about starting your venture, look for workshops and support from your university careers service. Many universities offer programmes that provide graduates with the skills needed to run their own business.
Go travelling.
Maybe you’ve gotten sick of spending the last three years (or maybe longer) in the same city. You deserve a break. Blog about it, make friends and accumulate experiences, as this is your opportunity to break free from responsibilities before launching yourself into a full-time job.
You could even volunteer abroad and help out with community projects, all while gaining skills to put on your next job application.
Get a part-time job.
Perhaps you’re not ready to commit entirely to a full-time job and would prefer part-time work instead. You get the flexibility with a work schedule, as well as adequate experience and free time (which you could use to apply to other graduate roles).
It also allows you to work multiple jobs before you decide what works for you, or you could work for a few months, save up money and then go travelling.