December 1, 2015, by Nathan Goodey
Generating Ideas for Graduates
By Nathan Goodey, student blogger
I think it is common for students to be confused about decisions that have to be made about life after graduation. I have been trying to generate ideas for the next step in my life, this is what I’ve been doing and also what I have found useful.
1. List your interests
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What motivates you? What gets you out of bed every morning? What is it you love to do? Start with your hobbies and your subject, and then think about what you enjoy most about these things. Personally, my interests evolve around sport, societies and physics. This has led to a list that includes things such as getting to meet new people, exploring new opportunities and problem solving. I now want to build a career around these interests.
2. Use a careers generator
If you really have no idea what to do, this is a good place to start. I suggest My Prospects, which led to me finding jobs that I hadn’t considered. For example, it was suggested that I may be interested in the energy sector, which I hadn’t previously thought about. This method doesn’t take long, but can really help narrow down your options.
3. Life goals
Picture: Tookapic
For me, this is most important. It is easy to look at our next step as a defining career decision, but sometimes it’s better to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What is it you want to achieve in the future? For me, I wish to meet people, inspire and make a difference. Others will want to earn a lot. Some will want to travel. You don’t have to do everything at once, but have a goal and make a decision that will move you in that direction.
4. Get advice
Remember, you aren’t the only one in this position. Ask what your friends and family think, or like me, go to see a careers adviser. I thought I would have nothing to talk about, but instead they offered me ideas on where to begin. They provided me with new websites to look at, people I should speak to and advice on things I had considered so far.
Whatever position you are in, there’s time and no need to panic. While my friends apply for jobs, I continue to do my research. The more things I look at the more likely I am to find that one thing I really want to do.
Are you graduating in 2018, and unsure what career path to take? Visit our website to see all of our expert advice and tips on all things careers related. Make sure you follow #UoNgraduation on Twitter to keep up to date with all of our advice and vacancies.
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Thanks! Great post, really good points and has lessened my panic. Keep it coming! 😀