Graduating from college is mostly a thrilling time for students. After years of studying, you are now in the position to choose from countless numbers of life paths. While for most this represents jumping into an entry-level career position, for others, it can represent traveling, interning, or even taking a gap year. In this guide, we expose to you 15 great ideas worth considering when deciding on what to do after college that’s right for you.
What are your post-college options?
In recent years, college graduates have many choices, some graduates are prepared to begin their careers immediately while others would prefer to volunteer for their communities.
Graduates mostly move away from their colleges, in some cases back home, to new places or even to international destinations. Cautiously examine your options and interests and decide on a post-college path that is beneficial to both your career and your passions.
SEE ALSO: Latest Jobs at the British High Commission
Things to do after college
As a recent college graduate, you have multiple options and the freedom to choose what you want to do next in life. It might be time for volunteering or internship in your industry, it’s important to make all the mistakes you can while you’re young, so start testing out various careers or maybe just take a break from a full-time schedule and travel to a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Consider our below list of things to do after college graduation to help you find what would be your best next steps:
- Teach abroad.
- Take a gap year.
- Become an intern.
- Take seasonal jobs.
- Take a job in college.
- Relocate.
- Become an apprentice.
- Take an entry-level job.
- Attend graduate school.
- Start a business.
- Volunteering.
- Take a public service position.
- Monetize your passion.
- Further your Education.
- Become a research assistant.
Teach abroad
Many countries need native English speakers to tutor kids and adults the English language. Language schools hardly require the tutors they hire to have a degree in education or even experience in teaching. Mostly, all they require is a bachelor’s degree and a readiness to learn. Such job openings give fresh college graduates the opportunity to travel, experience new cultures and develop a strong, transferable skill set.
Take a gap year
A gap year is usually a time of exploration and travel after graduation from high school or college. Mostly, graduates who take gap years use the time to experience new cultures and improve their soft skills like communication and problem-solving. A gap year is a great way to acquire new experiences and meet new people who might be able to help you in finding your ideal job once you’re set.
Become an intern
Internships are a great way for fresh graduates to acquire entry into competitive industries or companies. While internships mostly pay lower than full-time positions, they always result in resume experience, recommendation letters, and on some occasions even full-time positions. Start searching for internships before graduating, so you can immediately start after graduation.
Take seasonal jobs
If you’re enthusiastic about a seasonal activity, like farming, think about establishing a timetable of seasonal jobs to encompass your passion. Like, you can work on a sailboat from the late spring to early fall, while working during the holiday season at a shopping center, where stores mostly employ more employees during the busy season. Or, if you’re a passionate skier, you could enjoy working at a state or national park leading tours during the warmer seasons.
Take a job in your college
Lots of colleges hire their ex-students to join the administrative departments like admissions, development, and academic advising. If you adore your college and are passionate about education, try conversing with the administrative team at your school to check if there are open positions for fresh graduates.
Relocate
Recent college graduates are well-positioned to relocate to new places after college. Most companies expect candidates coming right out of school to go away from their college to new cities or states, and they might be more willing to pay relocation costs than they would be if it were mid-career transfers.
Become an apprentice
People mostly link apprenticeships with vocational jobs, but lots of industries employ apprentices. While apprenticeships are similar to internships, they vary in the kind of work and depth of mentorship the apprentice has. Mostly, companies will assign apprentices hands-on assignments and real-world problems to solve. They are normally under the direction of a senior colleague who guides and instructs them in the required skills and steps to be an expert on the job.
Take an entry-level job
Sometimes, the best choice after college graduation is to pick up an entry-level position to gain skills and experience. Even if the job isn’t related to your field or something you’re passionate about, a full-time job would help you enhance your resume and give you the needed support to plan for your future and prepare to land your dream job.
Attend graduate school
Graduate school is also one fantastic option for those who already know they’d require a post-graduate education to reach their long-term career goals.
Ensure to properly research graduate programs and schools before applying to be assured you’d be completing a degree that will benefit your intended career.
Start a business
If you have an idea for an amazing product or a strong passion, kickstarting your own business would be the best way to get your dream job. Like, if you’re very passionate and knowledgeable regarding physical fitness and you bagged a degree in business, you are well-positioned to begin your personal training company.
Volunteer
Volunteering is a great way to boost experience on your resume. Mostly, volunteering opportunities help in developing hard skills, like task management and leadership, in addition to soft skills, like communication and adaptability. In some cases, volunteering can tunnel into a paid position with the organization or a full-time job somewhere else through your networking while volunteering. In addition to the fact that it feels great to provide a service to the community.
Take a public service position
A lot of public service organizations exist that offer recent graduates the avenue to gain new skills with a small stipend while providing a service to the community. Such programs are mostly an excellent way to grow a strong professional network that can be used for job prospecting and references.
Monetize your passion
Utilize the skills you acquired in college like time management, self-motivation and creative thinking to turn your passion into a job. Like, if you love dancing, earn a teacher certification and locate a studio looking to hire full-time instructors. If you’re an expert artist, consider selling your arts via an online marketplace.
Further your education
At times, the job you’d like after college necessitates more education. Most community colleges provide individual classes to aid you in your preparation for the workforce. In addition, trade schools usually help you gain hands-on skills and qualifications for vocational jobs.
Become a research assistant
Most colleges and universities hire fresh college graduates to help with research. While lots of people connect research with the sciences, like chemistry and psychology, lots of college academic departments perform research. Reach out to your college or previous professors to enquire if there are research opportunities available for recent graduates.
