You’ve Graduated: Now What?

Congratulations! You’ve graduated university and have obtained that degree you have worked tirelessly for over the last few years. You are technically no longer a student and free to enter the adult world, and although this may be exciting and full of wonderful opportunities, it can also be exceptionally daunting. It can leave you wondering, “Now what?”

It can be easy to forget the reasons behind you going to university in the first place. You may have enrolled in a specific university because there was a course that spoke to you and allowed you to gain a great head start in your career. But being a student can be a fun yet stressful experience, and for some, once you have graduated, you may have had a change of heart when it comes to what career they wish to pursue.

Have you recently graduated or want to get ahead of the game and know your options once you’ve obtained your degree? If so, the following article will explain a few things you could do to help you land your dream career. Read on for more information.

Consider Your Future Career

Do you know what you wish to do career-wise? If so, then you may already know the steps you wish to take to land your dream job. But, if you don’t, it is time to consider what it is that you need to do to enter your chosen field. Ideally, the degree you have graduated with should be relevant to what it is that you wish to do. However, it is not uncommon for students to change their minds during study and simply graduate with a degree and then look for a masters. This can be a great way to build on your skills.

If you are unsure on what it is that you wish to do, then you may want to spend this time speaking to others and exploring the job market to see if there are any roles that stand out to you. You could also speak with those you look up to and ask what it is that they do for work and whether they enjoy it and if it sounds like a role that would suit you, too.

Luckily, there are many graduate jobs out there, so if you see one that stands out to you, then apply and see if it is a job that you end up enjoying. Graduate jobs are typically designed to help someone enter a certain field and provide all the training and support needed.

Do You Want to Study for a Masters?

Perhaps you have decided that you would like to study for a masters. This can be a great choice as you will gain more experience and knowledge in a certain field, which is greatly beneficial as it will allow you to specialize and become more of an expert in a specific topic.

For instance, have you recently graduated and become a registered nurse? Or, are you looking for a graduate program that helps launch you into a career in healthcare? If so, then Marymount University offers healthcare graduate programs that can help you become a fully trained nurse and family nurse practitioner.

There are various benefits of obtaining a master’s degree. For instance, you will benefit from:

• Better career prospects
• Specialist knowledge in certain fields
• Earning more money once you have landed a job
• Gaining academic recognition
• Meeting likeminded individuals from your master’s course which can create great networks in the future

Are You Looking for Work Experience?

You may want to go straight into work once graduating, and if this is the case, you may benefit from applying for work experience opportunities. Work experience can be a great way to enter a field as it allows you to gain on the job training and see how a certain company or industry works. Plus, this insight can allow you to make a more educated decision when it comes to deciding whether this is a field you wish to work in. If so, then you have a foot in the door and experience to put on your resume, showcasing that you are dedicated to learning the trade and would love an opportunity to work within this industry.

Remember, even though you have graduated, there is no rush to land a full-time job (especially if you are unsure as to what you want to do). This is what is so great about work experience, so if you want to dip your toe in the waters and put the theory you have learned from university into practice, this can be the best way to do so.

Take a Break from Education

It can be easy to feel pressured when it comes to graduating, and while some people may want to apply for jobs and start working as soon as possible, there is also nothing wrong with taking a break and deciding to spend a few months doing something that isn’t related to your education or future career. You never know, taking this time away could also be greatly beneficial to your health and even help you solidify what it is that you want from life and your future job.

You can take a break by exploring the world and traveling for a few months. This is a very common thing graduates do as traveling is very much more attainable. Plus, many countries are backpacker friendly, so you can easily find work elsewhere that can help fund your travels. Once you return, then should you look for a job that aligns with your wants, needs, and likes. There is no rush when it comes to starting a career.

Once you have graduated, try and refrain from rushing into employment (unless you are certain of what you want to do). Take your time so that you know that you are entering into the right field for you. The last thing you want to do is get stuck in a job that you do not like or enjoy.