Finishing Your Undergraduate Degree: 6 Routes to Take After Graduation

If you’ve spent the last three to four years studying, it can be challenging to figure out what to do once you finally achieve your goal. Many university students don’t know what to do after graduation. Their lives until university may have been divided into academic achievements, and it’s understandable to be confused about how to proceed once you’ve crossed the finish line and completed your undergraduate studies. Fortunately, there are many routes that you can take, including travelling, starting a business, getting a job, or pursuing further education. If you’re unsure about what to do after graduation from university, you’re not alone. This article will delve into the different choices available and give you an idea about the number of paths you can pursue.

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What to Do After Graduation from University  

As a university graduate, you have many choices. You can begin your career, take time to enjoy your life and travel first, or start thinking about postgraduate studies. The following are some potential routes you can take and some ideas on what to do after graduation. 

1. Take a Gap Year and Travel

Many people don’t know what to do after graduation, but they’re hesitant about jumping into work right away. Fortunately, since you’re a graduate and don’t have to worry about exams and deadlines anymore, you can take a gap year or some time off to travel and explore the world.

Many graduates worry that taking time off after university to travel might reflect badly on their CVs. However, this isn’t the case. A survey conducted by Hostelworld showed that 82% of employers thought travel made people more employable. According to the survey, travelling was thought to boost confidence, improve communication skills, and give individuals a more global view. The skills you hone through travelling also include budgeting, time management, problem-solving, and readily adapting to new situations.

If you don’t know what to do after graduating from university, travel, volunteer while travelling, or work while travelling. All three options give you a wealth of knowledge that can help you make better decisions in the future.

2. Join a Graduate Scheme

High achievers who don’t know what to do after graduation can always opt to join graduate schemes. These are structured training programmes that hand individuals responsibility and give them opportunities to gain experience in their chosen industry.

While graduate schemes are excellent opportunities, it’s important to remember that only a few spots are available. Applying early is the key to getting a position since these fill up extremely quickly. Additionally, most graduate schemes only accept top-ranking applicants, so this opportunity is usually limited to those who have achieved a 2:1 or higher.

3. Enter the Workforce

One straightforward option on what to do after graduation is entering the workforce and starting your career. Whether it’s getting work experience before finding your dream job or pursuing a career path outside the realm of your university degree, it’s always worth it to check in with career advisers at the university to help guide you. Your university’s placement department is your best resource when first entering the workforce and can help you find internships, volunteer roles, and even full-time jobs. If you’re planning on switching fields, they can also advise you on the steps you need to take to do this.

When you’re first entering the workforce, it’s important to remember that entry-level jobs are just that. They may not be dream jobs, but they help you gain experience and build your CV so you can avail opportunities that come your way.

4. Consider Self-Employment

If you’re unsure about the jobs you come across and can’t seem to find your dream job, you can also consider self-employment. If you don’t know what to do after graduation from a university and have an idea for a business you think could be successful, it could be worth your while to consider self-employment.

Many graduates jump to this because they love the idea of being their own boss. However, this should be a well-thought-out decision since it involves juggling multiple responsibilities. Self-employment is also very uncertain and may not be a good move for you if you’re struggling financially. Keep all these aspects in mind when making your decision.

5. Internships and Volunteering

Instead of directly jumping into the workforce, you can also spend some time interning or pursuing volunteering opportunities. These may be unpaid or pay very little, but they’ll help you develop much-needed skills, build your CV, and can lead to paid positions within the company if you work hard. Many internships and volunteering opportunities directly lead to jobs because they allow you to develop skills and build a network of connections. If you’re unsure about what to do after graduation, a volunteer position or internship may be the perfect way to start building your career.

6. Pursue Post-Graduate Education

Figuring out what to do after graduation doesn’t have to be too different from your life beforehand. If you have a passion for academia and want to expand your knowledge, even more, you can always look into postgraduate education. By furthering your education, you can gain an even more advanced skill set and potentially uncover more career opportunities than you would have previously. This is especially relevant if you want to work in an industry that requires more formal qualifications but can even be helpful in fields where it’s not a requirement.

While you must keep things like finances and resources available to you in mind, studying abroad for a postgraduate degree can be an excellent option. However, it’s essential to ensure this is being done for the right reasons, and not just because you’re putting off entering the workforce.

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If you’re interested in developing your skills and knowledge in a particular field and want to expand your horizons by studying abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AHZ Associates. We can help you navigate the complex application process and narrow down your choices. Reach out to us here for more information.

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