What to do after University

If you’re feeling lost after university and wondering what is next, you are not alone.

Finishing university is meant to be a time for celebration. You’ve completed school, now have a bachelor’s degree and are ready to take on the world.

Right? Not necessarily.

If you’re anything like me once the graduation elation has worn off, you can be left feeling a little bit flat. The questions asked of you from friends and family after finishing up are frustrating and they are numerous.

Will you apply for jobs straight away and work towards a successful career? Should you instead travel whilst you are young without commitment or worry? Maybe interning abroad would be a great idea?

You are expected to have clear answers to these questions yet the myriad of options is daunting, and for an indecisive person can be anxiety inducing rather than thrilling.

To prevent this angst, I’ve compiled a list of options for post-grad you, to help make your important decision a little bit easier.

1. Travel

If you’ve got the money and the time, then heading overseas whilst you can is the obvious choice. Meeting new people, broadening your horizons and learning how other cultures live is a truly rewarding, exhilarating experience. There are different ways of travelling too- from organised tours to backpacking solo each option offers varied benefits. Post-travel depression is a very real experience however, so be careful you don’t go away and lose all inspiration of perusing your dream career.

2. Volunteer

If you’re completely at a loss for what to do in the year following your graduation, why not figure it out by helping out? Either by heading abroad or staying local there are a variety of things you can do to help out those less fortunate than you. Jump online and see what you can do to help.

3. Post-graduate studies

If you did an arts degree or think the industry you are in requires post graduate studies, then go for it. The university life is essentially the lush life and you’d be silly not to prolong living lusciously. However, if you are only studying for fear of entering the ‘real world’ I would discourage you from doing so, as post-grad degrees can be expensive and exhausting.

If you don’t really need the extra qualification, then you should probably just buck up and get a job in your industry- you can always get further qualified whilst working.

4. Intern within your industry

Working for free can be a drag but it’s one of the best ways to boost your resume and better your shot at landing a job in your field when the time comes. Not only do internships provide you with experience within your industry, they allow you a taste of whether or not it is where you want to be, as well as demonstrating to future employers that you are a hard worker. The more the better, just ensure you are being treated properly by your employer.

If you are unsure, visit fairwork.gov.au.

5. Work

Perhaps the least exciting of the options listed, you can always just get to work. Getting a head-start on your career is a good thing. If you want to be the next big thing in your field then chances are you have to start young and work your way to the top- if this is true of your industry, then get in there now. Graduate positions can be hard to come by however, so get on it early and persist in applying for every suitable job you see.

Whatever you choose, trust that it will all work out and that no matter the experience you decide on, you will learn and grow from it, ultimately becoming a wiser person, better equipped for your future.