When you start college it seems like you have an eternity to make up your mind about what you will do after graduation but in real time it can be a daunting task. Your graduation ceremony signifies the end of an era and the start of something new but you may be left wondering, ‘what next?‘

Everyone’s journey will be different, One can search for a job, enrol for a postgraduate course, set up a business, or travel the world. Whichever path you choose, it is important to take full advantage of any free time you have to make plans.

1. Go for an Internship

One can always go for an internship. This will help one to gain relevant skills and experience in a particular field. Internships can last from a few weeks to a year depending on the sector and employer.

Doing an internship will show other roles that one may not have previously considered while studying. It also helps to gain an insight into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face.

The best part of internships is that one might be get subsidised travel or lunches and also a supervisor who might be able to act as a referee for you in future job applications.

2. Get a graduate job

There is an increase in the number of companies recruiting graduates, with transferable skills across all sectors. Companies are looking for mix of creative and quantitative people, who can bring different talents to the company.

One needs to get noticed by building contacts with industry professionals. This can be done through work experience, attending networking events such as careers fairs and through various social media channels.

If one is struggling to find a job straight after graduation, fill the gap with internships, volunteering, part-time work or a stint of work shadowing.

3. Become self-employed

Sometimes one needs to think outside the box a little. Why not create it by setting up own company? Perhaps if one have a great business idea then go ahead with it.

Once got a concrete business plan, one needs some money to get everything started. There are many ways to get money to start up the business like, an overdraft, business loan, crowdsourcing fund, private investors and many more.

However, one need to be sure that self-employment is right for them. Being your own boss might sound like fun but as the owner of a business one will need to combine a number of responsibilities such as providing a service, marketing the business and financial and staff management.

4. Pursue postgraduate study

An alternative option is to return to university to study at postgraduate level, to broaden your experience and cultural horizons.

Don’t just opt for a post graduate degree to stall for time or to boost general employability. These courses are expensive and unnecessary for certain jobs. Some career areas, such as law and psychology, require further study at postgraduate level in order to qualify for future jobs.

One should make sure to have valid reasons, research course and institution options thoroughly, before applying for a postgraduate course.

5. Take a gap year

A gap year could help one to bag the dream job. Employers no longer recruit people solely on the basis of the qualifications. They also look out for the life skills such as decision making and living independently that one might gain in the gap year are also seen as important.

Taking a year out to consider the options, decide where one’s professional interests lie, travel and gain life experience also helps one to make more informed career decisions in the future.

If you are still confused regarding the career option that is most beneficial to you, contact Study Bridge UK. The representatives of Study Bridge will understand your queries and confusion about your career and will provide you the best career guidance that will clear your mind and you will be able to choose the best for yourself.

For more information, please visit https://study-bridge.co.uk

We wish you all the best for your career choice!