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Preparing for life after graduation

As you approach the end of your time in higher education, it’s natural to focus more on what comes next. But there’s likely to be a lot going on in your final year: lectures, essays and, of course, exams.

So if you want to prepare for life as a graduate while keeping up with your studies, it pays to get organised – and to get the right advice.

Weighing up your options: work and postgraduate study

Not sure about your first step as a graduate? Talking through your options can help you come up with ideas.

Even if you’ve decided what you want to do, getting advice is still worthwhile. For example – if you’re looking to get a particular job, will a postgraduate qualification improve your chances? Or would it be better to get some work experience?

Help is available through your university or college careers service. Subject staff can also advise on options for further study, or provide some tips on where to look for careers ‘leads’.

Career options and finding a job

It’s best to register with the careers service as soon as possible - especially if you’re looking to go straight into a job after graduation.

As well as taking the pressure off towards the end of your final year, getting started before the rush will help you avoid missing application deadlines. You’ll also benefit from early advice on planning your job search and making effective applications.

See ‘Graduate careers’ for more on help with career planning, finding a job and getting work experience.

• Graduate careers

Trying out careers while you’re still at university or college

If you’re curious about what it might be like to work in a particular career, there may be opportunities to find out during your time at university or college. Student societies, newspapers, radio stations, sports teams and taster courses can also help build the kind of skills and experience employers look for.

Postgraduate study

If you’re considering further study, it’s best to start thinking about your options as early as possible – ideally, at least 18 months before you’d be looking to start your postgraduate course.

See ‘Postgraduate study: getting started’ for some tips on what to consider.

• Postgraduate study: getting started

Starting a business

Many universities offer support to students and graduates who want to start their own business. This may mean giving you the option to develop entrepreneurial skills as part of your course, or running extra-curricular advice sessions on starting a business. Some universities also provide an ‘incubator’ service to help graduates get their business off the ground.

Another source of help and advice is the FlyingStart service, run by the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship.

Visit the FlyingStart website to:

• use online resources, including a database of grants and funding
• network with other graduate entrepreneurs
• find out about free, one-day events to help you get started
• get details on longer-term mentoring and training programmes

• FlyingStart - help for students and graduates starting a business Opens new window
• Starting a business as a graduate - guide to support available on Business Link Opens new window

Taking a gap year

Whether you go abroad or stay in the UK, a gap year can be a good opportunity to broaden your horizons.

If you’re after a particular gap year placement – especially one of the more popular ones – it’s important to check the deadlines and make your arrangements well in advance.

Or, if you’re prepared to be more flexible, you can probably get away with leaving your application until around two months before you plan to start.

• Planning a gap year (young people section)