With a competitive job market across the UK, you may find yourself asking ‘Am I really ready for the world of work?’. We take a look at the different options available for graduates so you can make an informed decision.
First of all, having a degree does not guarantee a job for graduates. Yes, it certainly helps, but it is important to realise that you may not land your dream job role straight away. Many students leave university and end up working in a job they had no inclination of going into, due to the financial burden of searching for employment with no income.
With this being said, it is important to evaluate your options going forward. Many students believe that getting a job is the natural progression after leaving university, but nowadays there are so many opportunities available.
Options After Graduation
We’ve outlined the main options available to graduates once you have completed your undergraduate degree:
1. Continue to Further Education
Postgraduate degrees are a brilliant option if you are looking to gain more knowledge and expertise in a certain field or industry. One benefit of doing a postgraduate degree is that you will be able to specialise in your field. This not only increases your likelihood of getting a job related to that qualification but also sets you up for achieving a PhD.
There are a range of postgraduate options available, including:
- Masters degree
- Research degree i.e. PhD
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Apprenticeship (Level 6-7)
- Professional qualification
Having a postgraduate degree does not guarantee you a job either, but it does give you a higher chance of finding employment. Furthermore, the average annual salary for a postgraduate is £6,000 greater than that of a graduate.
→ Visit our Postgraduates page for more information.
2. Get an Apprenticeship
You would be surprised at how many apprenticeships there are these days. It is important to know that they aren’t just for individuals who have just finished school or for people who want to pursue a career in a trade. You can acquire a multitude of higher qualifications through apprenticeships, including degree apprenticeships and even apprenticeships that provide you with a master’s degree or equivalent.
→ Visit our page on Apprenticeships for more or head over to our sister website Employing an Apprentice for the latest apprenticeship opportunities near you.
3. Gain Further Work Experience
If you are looking to find a job after university but feel like you don’t have enough experience, why not consider an internship, a summer job or a form of volunteering? All three things allow you to build upon your existing transferable skills and knowledge, as well as provide you with opportunities to build a network of contacts. This network can prove invaluable down the line, opening the door to a variety of career opportunities.
→ Head over to our Work Experience page for more ways you can gain on-the-job experience and develop your skills.
So, What is an Internship?
Internships can be paid or unpaid but are essentially a period of work experience ranging anywhere from a week to 12 months. With a reported 46% of employers offering internships, there is a huge number of opportunities spanning a multitude of different industries.
→ Find out more about the benefits of an internship and get advice on choosing the right one for you.
What Summer Jobs Are There?
Finishing university at the start of summer provides the perfect opportunity to smoothly transition into a seasonal role. Whether you would enjoy working with kids at summer camps, working in your favourite clothes shop or working in the local café, summer jobs help to expand your experience while also earning some money.
→ Check out our dedicated pages on Summer Jobs in Birmingham and Summer Jobs in Glasgow for more.
What Volunteering Could I Get Involved With?
Firstly, giving up your time to help a cause is viewed very highly by prospective employers. It shows you are committed and portrays you as a proactive and considerate individual. When deciding what volunteering to pursue, it is important to choose something you are passionate about. You can volunteer in schools, hospitals, community centres, and for specific charities, such as Age UK, Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross, and more.
→ Visit our page on Volunteering for everything you need to know.
What Next, Graduates?
We know that deciding what step to take next can be a daunting process. Therefore, we have compiled a Guide for Students and Graduates to provide you with all the information and tools to make your choice as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
If you are ready to begin applying for your first graduate job, check out our dedicated Student and Graduate Jobs Board for fantastic opportunities in your area.
Our website has a wealth of valuable resources for graduate jobseekers, including CV writing tips and advice on writing an impactful cover letter.
Contact us if you have any questions or sign up for the free Developing a Student email newsletter using the form below.
Are you a graduate employer? Our services page has information on advertising on our specialist jobs board, creating a company profile, and more.
To see how we can support your business, give us a call at 0345 872 4501 or email info@developingastudent.com.
