4 routes to take after graduation

With so many options after graduation it's common to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, the UK's flexible job market allows you to pursue a career path that suits your aspirations, regardless of your degree subject 

1. Get a graduate job

If you want to apply your knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, gain practical experience, and contribute to a company's success while earning a living, finding a job after graduating is the perfect option. 

Your university's careers service can provide guidance and support throughout the process, including assistance with CVs, cover letters and interviews. Some services also extend their support beyond graduation, ensuring you have the tools and guidance necessary to apply for jobs. You might also be able to make use of your university's connections through mentors or alumni networks. 

While many graduates seek employment with large organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) offer rewarding careers, quicker advancement, and valuable hands-on experience. These businesses often provide training and development opportunities, allowing you to make a significant impact. 

To explore your career options fully, Karl Anton, graduate careers consultant at the University of Bristol's Careers Service, suggests the following: 

• assess your values, interests, skills, and strengths 
• research different jobs and sectors 
• talk to people already working in the field 
• be open to changing career direction.  

If you're struggling to find a job straight after graduation, aim to fill your time with internships, volunteering, part-time work, or a stint of work shadowing to gain experience and skills to enhance your CV.

'It can feel like your first job is the be-all and end-all, but it's worth pausing to reflect that your first post likely won't be your forever job, and graduate career journeys can often follow non-linear pathways,' advises Karl. Consider widening your search for graduate jobs and explore our job sectors for inspiration.

If you haven't yet decided on the career you want to pursue, take a look at what can I do with my degree? or explore graduate schemes for an alternative path into work.

2. Become self-employed

 If you have a promising business idea or believe your final-year project has potential, seize the opportunity to start your own company. 

For those with the confidence, tenacity, and entrepreneurial skills to turn their vision into reality, self-employment offers the following benefits: 

• independence to make your own decisions  
• control over who you work with and the type of work you do  
• freedom to work when you like on projects that you choose    
• flexibility to balance work commitments with family and other interests 
• opportunities to build a portfolio of activities funded by various sources and to respond to ideas and proposals as you see fit 
• recognition as you're able to take the credit for everything that you do, create, design or invent.

'Both your university's careers team and enterprise-related student societies will have plenty of support to offer,' adds Karl. Be sure to check with your institution to find out what support is available, or discover 5 ways to benefit from your institution's links.

Karl recommends the following resources for more information on becoming self-employed: 

• Business Companion 
• Entrepreneur Handbook 
• Gov.uk - Set up a business 
• Social Enterprise UK 

While being your own boss may seem enticing, the reality of running a business involves juggling multiple responsibilities, including providing services, marketing the company, managing finances, and overseeing staff. By the time you graduate, you should have a clear understanding of whether you envision yourself as a sole trader, establishing a more formal entity like a limited company, or perhaps working as a freelancer.

Self-employment can also affect your home life if the boundaries between work and leisure become blurred. To weigh up your options, read our guide on whether self-employment is right for you.

3. Pursue postgraduate study

Studying a Masters degree can be a rewarding next step, offering opportunities for advanced learning, career advancement, and personal growth.

While postgraduate study is required for some professions, like law and psychology, it also presents an opportunity to potentially increase your earning potential.

Karl emphasises the importance of understanding your motivations for further study. When considering a postgraduate course, he suggests asking yourself:

• What do I want to study, and why is it important to me personally and professionally? 
• How will further study help me towards my long-term career goals, and what evidence do I have for this? 
• Is this the right time for me to pursue further study, and am I prepared to commit to the necessary hard work? 

Karl also advises that if you're considering further study due to uncertainty about your career path or difficulties securing a graduate role, seeking guidance from a careers advisor can be beneficial.

Investing in a Masters degree is a significant financial commitment, so it's important to carefully consider your funding options. Your university can provide guidance, helping you access financial help where available.

Finally, talking to family members, postgraduate course leaders, and experienced professionals in your chosen field can offer valuable insights into the real-world value of a Masters degree.

If you'd like to go down this route, search for postgraduate courses. 

4. Take a gap year

A gap year is an opportunity to explore the world, immerse yourself in diverse cultures, and gain new perspectives. Employers value these experiences and the cultural understanding they bring to the workplace. Additionally, taking time to travel demonstrates maturity, strong organisational and planning skills, and a strong sense of independence. 

Consider incorporating volunteer work or work experience into your travels. This will not only enhance your CV but also allow you to showcase qualities that employers value while experiencing new cultures firsthand. 

Your gap year can benefit you in job interviews, as Karl explains 'you can share examples of your ability to understand different viewpoints and cultures, and adapt to diverse cultural settings. Connect these skills to your ability to work effectively within diverse teams and bring fresh perspectives to an organisation. Employers are also interested in unforeseen and challenging experiences that required flexibility and resilience.'

To gain valuable insights into the job market and application process, consider working abroad. This will allow you to apply your international experience in a real-world setting, enhancing your employability, expanding your professional network, and broadening your career prospects. To further widen your experience and cultural horizons, you may also want to consider learning a language or studying abroad. 

Don't assume a job will magically appear on your return home. Proactively engage in the job search process by exploring opportunities in your chosen field as soon as possible. 

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