Things that you could do after graduating – and how to make it happen 

As graduation has ended, many upcoming students may be frantically worrying about “what’s next?”, myself included. Having done more than my fair share of research into opportunities for post-graduates, this blog shares some of my insights into some of the different pathways you can take after graduating, and how to make it happen.

Masters degree

For students looking to continue their studies, Cardiff offers a 20% discount for alumni who are ready to be taken advantage of. You can find some of the master’s degree options available here. Alternatively, Find a Masters is a great resource to find information on master’s degrees around the UK.

Working

Another popular, but challenging, option is finding full-time work. Whether this is work in your industry, or another job while you search. There is a very competitive job-hunting environment for new graduates, so it’s important to stay ahead of the competition. To do this, search specifically for roles that you are genuinely interested in, and be able to demonstrate your interest skills and experience.

Travelling 

For many new graduates, a much-needed holiday or backpacking trip (depending on your preferred style of travel and budget) may be at the top of their list once graduating. This makes a lot of sense as it is a welcome opportunity to celebrate your hard work, but it is also one of the times in your life when you will be most free from responsibility. There are so many great budget backpacking routes, South East Asia is a popular one, and Europe is great for first-timers. You can read here about my practical tips for backpacking.

Living abroad

There are a number of different ways for young people from the UK to move abroad. Specifically, teaching English, au pairing (a cultural exchange where you join a family and take care of their children to live in a new place) or trying out various working holidays in Australia or Canada. Moving abroad after your degree can open you up to a wealth of opportunities, as well as provide that much-needed R&R to recover from post-uni burnout.

 Masters degree abroad 

Another way to possibly move abroad after completing your undergraduate degree is through pursuing a master’s degree abroad. Studying abroad can be such a rewarding experience. It can expose you to the world and open your mind to new lifestyles and opportunities. While, after Brexit, finding relevant scholarships can be a challenge, there are options to study for free, such as in Germany, Iceland, Czechia or Finland.

Ultimately, this is one of those few times when the world is your oyster. Whether you’re jumping into your first full-time job, or taking a year out to serve cocktails on the beach in Australia, ensure that you celebrate your achievement and harness the skills you developed and memories made while at university.