Whether you’re approaching your final deadlines at university or you’re coming to the end of your first year, the thought of graduating and deciding what to do with our lives can be daunting for all of us. Most of the time, the issues lie within not knowing what options are available and where the hell to start…
That’s why we’ve provided some simple and honest explanations of the different paths you can take to get you off on the right foot.
That’s why we’ve provided some simple and honest explanations of the different paths you can take to get you off on the right foot.
Graduate Jobs
First up: graduate jobs. Now, this one doesn’t sound too tricky, right? Choosing to apply for a grad job after your degree is probably the most common option (but by no means easiest).
Applications for these go on throughout the year, meaning there’s not necessarily any rush to apply during your studies! However, you might want to make note that season peaks are often during May-July and September-November. The application process for a graduate job is a lot like applying for any other job – so make sure your CV is up to scratch and brush up on those interview skills!
Applications for these go on throughout the year, meaning there’s not necessarily any rush to apply during your studies! However, you might want to make note that season peaks are often during May-July and September-November. The application process for a graduate job is a lot like applying for any other job – so make sure your CV is up to scratch and brush up on those interview skills!
Although the term job can seem quite scary for a lot of us, don’t let that put you off. Graduate jobs still provide a lot of training and support for their employees – they’re just less structured than grad schemes. That means that instead of going through years of preparation, you’ll learn on the job.
Sounds like your cup of tea? Then check out sites such as graduate-jobs.com and prospects.ac.uk for the latest available opportunities.
Sounds like your cup of tea? Then check out sites such as graduate-jobs.com and prospects.ac.uk for the latest available opportunities.
Graduate Schemes
If having a bit of structure and guidance in your life sounds more appealing to you, maybe a graduate scheme is your best bet. The term ‘graduate scheme’ seems to be thrown around a lot at university, but you’ll be surprised at the number of people who actually know what one is and what it entails. A graduate scheme is simply a structured training programme within an organisation or business with a set time of usually around 1-2 years. During this time, you’ll be provided with professional training in a sector of your choice as well as the likely opportunity to explore different parts of the organisation, meaning you can get a taste of what you really want to do.
The only problem with a grad scheme is that the application process takes a lot longer and applications usually open a year before you start. So, if you’re a second-year student and are hoping to take part in a grad scheme when you finish, make sure you don’t miss the application process, which starts in September of your final year!
The reason they start so early is because graduate schemes usually involve a lengthy application process, so be prepared for a lot of interviews and assessments!
The reason they start so early is because graduate schemes usually involve a lengthy application process, so be prepared for a lot of interviews and assessments!
Despite this, graduate schemes can provide a lot of useful experience and training which can stay with you for the rest of your career. Getting paid and learning at the same time? Now that’s something we can totally get on board with.
Internships
Now, this is the one we’re probably most familiar with. Most students are advised to take on some kind of internship, whether that be during the summer or even during their studies.
Internships are all about the experience. So, don’t be shocked if your position is unpaid. That being said, some internships will pay you – meaning you’ll gain valuable experience and earn some cash.
Internships are all about the experience. So, don’t be shocked if your position is unpaid. That being said, some internships will pay you – meaning you’ll gain valuable experience and earn some cash.
Another bonus about internships is that they’re a lot more flexible. Many internships take place during the summer but there is a wide selection of internships available throughout the year too.
Internships vary in length, so if you’re really not sure about your future career and don’t want to spend two years in a training programme you’re unsure about, why not try out an internship for a few months? You can even arrange internships around your studies, but they’re great to consider after your degree too.
Internships vary in length, so if you’re really not sure about your future career and don’t want to spend two years in a training programme you’re unsure about, why not try out an internship for a few months? You can even arrange internships around your studies, but they’re great to consider after your degree too.
See… now that wasn’t too daunting, was it? These terms definitely sound way scarier than they actually are - but they’re important to know. Finding out about your possibilities means you’re a step closer to deciding on which path to take to get to your career. And as they say, no one really knows what the future holds – but here’s the first step to deciding yours.
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