Next Steps after Graduating: Entering the real world! – Preeya

Exams are finally ending, you’ve spent years working for your degree and all the hard work has nearly paid off! In a few months’ time you will be leaving the lecture theatres and will be ready to take your first steps into the real world! Whilst it can be daunting to think about adjusting to life away from the comfort of university, it is an exciting time for the start of something new, so don’t worry!
Having myself graduated from Aston University in 2017 with a degree in Biomedical Science, I was unsure of which career path I wanted to embark upon. I ended up taking a dramatic decision to pursue postgraduate study in Business and Management. However, this has been one of the greatest decisions I have made as I feel the course has broadened my general business knowledge and allowed me to develop new skills. It has been incredibly rewarding and opened my choices for my first graduate job. However, I would advise before you commit to further study, ensure you have fully researched the course and have valid reasons why you want to remain in education as it requires a lot of dedication. I highly recommend to discuss your ambitions with friends, family and postgraduate course leaders to discuss if the Masters will be worthwhile.
Another option is to focus on securing a graduate job and entering the working world! I would suggest your first port of call to be your university career service, as they can match the skills you have acquired from your course with suitable roles. Or alternatively, go and speak to a recruitment consultancy who have a real understanding of the current job market for individuals just like you, and who can offer you honest advice on what sorts of roles and careers are available, and the recruitment processes associated with these.
Whilst it may be a little too late to apply for graduate schemes now, in my next blog I will be sharing some tips on how to perform in interviews and assessment centres for those most wanted graduate schemes which open from September!
Please don’t feel disheartened if you are struggling on which steps to take. I would advise not to let a massive gap develop after graduating, but instead perhaps fill the time with perhaps volunteering, interning or part-time work until you find your ideal option. You could even undertake a gap year, experiencing different cultures, learning new languages and discovering more of the world! Travelling not only can boost your employability as you will be a unique job candidate, but it also demonstrates your ability to organise and be self-sufficient.
I wish you all the best with your next steps after graduating!