So you’re in your third year. You’ve got this far and have really enjoyed it up to now. Everything was going so well in terms of both your academic and social life. Then, just before returning to university, you attended a family gathering where every one of your relatives proceeded to ask you the same question: “What are you going to do with your life after you graduate?” Shit. You realise that you haven’t thought about it and didn’t really want to either.
Although they mean well, it’s one of several questions that people shouldn’t ask, and that you have been actively avoiding. This question sits in the same category as “when are you going to get married?” (usually asked at someone else’s wedding) and “so when are you planning on having kids?”(usually asked at your own wedding). You pass them off with a general answer and then go and quietly cry in the corner. It suddenly dawns on you that you have bigger decisions to make than what colour socks you are going to wear today.
Right, try not to panic! I know that sounds like a terrible piece of advice since I have spent the last couple of months worrying about whether I’m going to continue studying or get a job and where I’m going to live. In actual fact, what’s the worst that can happen? You graduate and get a job in a bar until you work it out. In all honesty, that doesn’t seem like the most terrible situation in the world.
As long as you’re doing something to keep yourself busy and earning money it’s fine. Anyway, it’s easier to go from job to job than to wait months for a position that suits you.
Having said that though, it’s probably a good idea to take a look at what’s out there. If you have absolutely no idea what you want to do, why not write down what you like about your subject and how that can be applied to careers. For instance, if you study English you may be creative or a good essay writer and there are so many jobs out there where these skills are transferable. You may enjoy laboratory life and practical work, which could equally narrow the job field.
Alternatively, you could do a Myers- Briggs personality test online which could suggest jobs suited to your character. Among these may be careers that you’ve never heard of or never considered before. If anything seems interesting, research it.
One online tool that I have found useful is the website http://www.prospects.ac.uk/ where you can look at postgraduate courses, and get advice about applying for jobs an internships amongst other things.
You may feel that the best way to approach the planning of your future is by talking it through with someone. Remember your friends are in the same boat so it would be good to bounce ideas off each other. Equally, you could have a chat with your parents. Some of you may be thinking: “they’re on my case about my life decisions so why would I bring it up deliberately?” However, if you explain to them where you are with it all (even if you don’t know yet) they may be able to offer some good life advice. If not, they will probably tell you that you have a home with them as long as you need it. That in itself is one less thing to worry about.
Alternatively, why not book an appointment with the careers adviser? There is one for each academic school and there are weekly slots available for all students. They are there to help you and will be able to answer most of your career questions.
If you are thinking about further academic study, your first port of call should be your personal tutor. They can give you an overview of the process of application and can refer you to the postgraduate admissions tutor who can tell you how to apply for funding. Also keep an eye out for when Cardiff and other universities are holding postgraduate open days and go through the UCAS process (yes, you have to go through the fun and games all over again).
While you figure out what it is that you want to do, try and make yourself look employable. Many students are going to graduate with good marks, so you need a CV rich in extracurricular activities to make you stand out, particularly if it is linked to a particular career.
Voluntary positions, internships, work experience placements, part time jobs and even leisure activities will not only make you a well rounded person, but will give you an opportunity to have an insight into careers in action. You will know after a week if a job is not for you. There are several societies, associations and schemes at Cardiff University that could help you gain valuable experience such as the Student Media, St John’s Ambulance and Cardiff volunteering.
The Cardiff Award scheme in particular comes highly recommended from students as it’s core purpose is to make you a exceptional candidate for employment. If you want to work for a particular company, why not telephone their office and ask about placements? If you successfully get your foot in the door of organisations like the BBC, it may be easier to get a job with them.
When you decide on a particular career, be aware that there is likely more than one route to get where you want to be. For example, if you are considering a career in teaching, you can either do a PGCE or apply for the Teach First scheme. These are very different approaches that would suit different people. Make sure you take time to look at all possible routes so that you come to an informed decision.
As you can see, there are plenty of little steps that you can take to plan your future when you have a free half an hour here and there. It’s definitely a scary time for us, but it’s equally as exciting. Part of that excitement is turning that horrible question you’ve been avoiding into a statement: “I can do anything with my life.” To quote Milton Berle “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
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