After completing your degree, you may find yourself unsure of what direction to take next – find out below what to do after an undergraduate degree and the variety of options available to you.

You’ve just completed your hard-earned degree after years of dedication. Then suddenly, you’re immediately faced with another important decision; what to do after university? Some graduates will have a clear idea about their next moves once their degree is complete. However, for many, knowing what to do next is a question they find hard to answer.

Everyone’s journey is different. Here are just some of the options you can consider when deciding on the next steps in your life after university.

 

Full-Time Employment

The first option that springs to mind for most graduates is to find full-time employment. This way they can start to pay off some of the debt accumulated over the previous three to four years.

A number of employers provide graduate schemes aimed at helping get newly qualified candidates to work. These graduate schemes can enable you to build valuable relationships within a given industry whilst enhancing your graduate CV.

Competition can be fierce, so start applying for roles as early as you can. Finding ways to get ahead of other candidates is always crucial. Any work experience or volunteering to support your knowledge will only help you stand out from other applications. Furthermore, being proactive in your search for job roles by communicating directly with employers will further improve your chances. Our guide to personal branding covers everything you need to know.

For more help and advice on how to apply for graduate schemes, check out our blog post.

The majority of graduates will search for employment opportunities relevant to their degree. However, choosing to go down a different route and trying something new can provide you with a fresh impetus and new lease of life. This is especially true if your degree has caused you to fall out of love with the subject area.

Check out our dedicated page on Graduate Careers for more information on the variety of career paths available to graduates.

 

Continuing Your Studies

Another option available to graduates is to continue their studies. This is a sound option for those students who are still unsure about what to do after an undergraduate degree. There is a wide range of postgraduate possibilities available to you, some of them include:

Although some doctoral courses can be expensive, they can improve your future employability. On top of that, they open up a number of additional employment opportunities for graduates. These qualifications are not always required to get into work. Therefore, it is crucial to do your research before deciding to continue. The increase in difficulty often requires higher levels of dedication to get the most out of them.

 

Internships

Internships are another excellent option for graduates. They offer you the opportunity to get your foot in the door at a large company or organisation. Internships are usually for a set period of time and are often paid. This provides graduates with valuable experience in a specific job role as well as vital connections within the industry. Connections and networking are always useful for furthering your career potential.

There are many internships available across a broad variety of sectors. Find out more about the benefits of an internship and get advice on choosing the right one for you.

 

Take a Break or Travel Abroad

Many graduates decide to take an extended break after their studies. Think of it as a way to recharge your batteries. Many will even travel overseas to experience different parts of the world and their cultures. In some cases, this can give graduates a little breathing room and extra time to consider their next move.

For those who can afford it, choosing to travel can provide graduates with the opportunity to meet new people and establish new professional relationships. Some surveys even show that candidates who take a constructive gap year can make their application stand out. Travelling and gaining a better perspective on the world we live in creates more well-rounded employees who are more independent, adaptable and willing to take risks.

If you want to work abroad during your gap year, take a look at our Work Abroad series. We have dedicated guides to working abroad in countries such as the US and Australia.

 

Key Takeaways

Making a decision about what to do after an undergraduate degree can be tough. Some feel the need to go straight into full-time work while others stay on to continue studying. The important thing to remember is that you have options after an undergraduate degree. Do your research and make the most of the help and advice that is available to you.

Developing a Student has a live jobs board for those of you considering a move into full-time, part-time or even summer employment. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest job postings. Finally, sign up for our newsletter below so you don’t miss a thing.