The last exam is done, no more coursework. You await to hear how your exams went and look forward to life after university. But as the days draw closer, you wonder .... What actually is next? What is available to me? Do I work? Do a Master's? Do a PhD? Just relax? Well no worries, you've come to the right place. We'll be talking about some options available to you as recent graduates!
The first thing to do is remind everyone that there are a lot of options for you after you graduate. Some of these you can even do while in your final year! While someone may do one option, that doesn't mean you have to do it too. So what are these options?
Option #1 - Gap Year(s)
First of, let's talk about the one that every student has at least thought about - taking a gap year or just relaxing for a bit. This option allows you to truly enjoy life as a graduate. No longer can deadlines prevent you from going to parties, no longer do you have to think about lectures. You can explore new places, learn new things and most importantly enjoy life
Option #2 - Postgraduate course
Moving onto the next one, of course we have to talk about the postgraduate route. Now this can be either a Masters or a Doctoral Research position (PhD). This option gives you the opportunity to find out more about your interests (and dislikes) in an academic way. Additionally, it allows you to explore combinations of courses. For example, I'm doing a Master's in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design (with only a background in sustainability). It's been great to learn about Entrepreneurship and Design, while also learning about how all three mix together.
"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest." – Benjamin Franklin
Option #3 - Get a job
Now, this is a BIG ONE ... getting a job! The great thing about this option is it can work with the other two. For example, you might get a job before starting your masters or while you do your gap year. This option helps you to adjust into the working world. You don't have to know everything when you start a new job, so you'll get a lot of training as well as gain skills that can help you in the future. It's also allows you to see know what you learn on your course is used in the working world, as well as help you to learn about the things you like and/or dislike.
Final words
Before we end the blog, we want to remind you of a few things:
Number #1 - Plans change
If the last two years have taught us anything, it's to remember that plans can change. Now we're not saying you shouldn't plan (in fact planning can help make things easier for you), we're saying that just because you can your plan doesn't mean you're doing something wrong.
Number #2 - Facing Rejection
Whether this is about a job, a postgraduate programme you signed up for or relationships, you will face rejection. And it can be hard on you, and definitely discouraging. But let me give you a piece of advice that was given to me 'If you get rejected from something, then it wasn't meant for you. Accept that it happened and then move onto the next one (this applies better to jobs than relationships 😂).
Number #3 - Protect Your Happiness
Finally, whatever you do, do what makes you happy. Life is a beautiful amazing thing, and sometimes we can be focused on living out someone's dreams that we don't love out our own. Well enough is enough, if you think that the best thing for you is to get a job after graduating, go and get it. You need to be happy with where you are.
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