Adjusting to life after university can be very difficult.Graduation may signify a time for celebration but it can also indicate a period of uncertainty as fresh graduates begin to anticipate their future.
As per a psychologist named Andy Hogg, “it is normal for recent college graduates to feel stressed and anxious,”all this because of the so – called post-graduation transition. With the shift comes the question, “What to do next?”
In school, available are the instructions from professors, of what needs to be done and what should be not. However, this is completely different after graduation as you’ll realize that the decisions to make are yours alone. Yes, you can always listen to advices and suggestions from people around you but you know very well that whatever decision it is you are going to take, the only one to be held responsible and accountable of it is none other than you.
And so, your “next step” should be well – thought.The transition can be tough but it is only a fact of life. Also, youcan never take a lifetime adjusting. Instead of getting frustrated with the transition, know that you can use it as a ladder to achieve your life goals.
Just graduated? To help you determine your significant “next step,” below are the paths you can choose from:
- Getting a first job
The majority ofnew graduates has longed to see the very end of exams, assignments and deadlines. They desire a change in their environment. And so, what most of them do post – graduation islook for first job.
As articulated from Nora Ide McAuliffe, “going straight from your undergraduate course into employment gives you an opportunity to figure out strengths and weaknesses.”Additionally, it will be beneficial in identifying if there’s a particular part of the sector new graduates might want to specialize in, or find out if it’s even the right type of work for them.
- Pursuing a post-graduate study
Not yet done with academics and type my paper sorts? A path you can consider is returning to a university to study atpostgraduate level which can further enhance your knowledge and skills in your chosen field.
According to Philippa, “if you have a real desire to study a particular aspect of your undergraduate course in more depth, then postgraduate study is the answer. Some career areas, such as law and psychology, require further study at postgraduate level in order to qualify.”
- Taking a conversion course
New graduates may discover a desire for a complete change from where their undergraduate degree was taking them.
In such case, taking a conversion course can be the right choice as it gives chances to graduates to be in control of their path and go in a totally different direction.
The biggest benefit of a conversion course, according to an article from Prospects, is that “it allows you to enter an area of work that you are passionate about and truly interested in, rather than slogging away for years in an area or profession you care nothing about.”
- Taking a gap year
Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand why your peers are so aware of their future aspirations early on while you are still sorting things out.
If you think you still do not know what to do, taking a gap year could be the best option for you. The gap year can be helpful in having a clear mind to finally make a decision out of your life. Make the most of your gap year by trying to do new things and meeting new people. Use this period to contemplate on your personal strengths, skills and interests in able to better know yourself.