The Road After Graduation: Get To Work Or Take The Path Less Travelled? 

Graduation can be a very exciting time.

Besides finally earning that degree that you invested lots of time, effort and money in, it is also time to move on to your next chapter in life.

While it seems like the default next step would be to enter the working world and start building your career with an entry-level job in a relevant field, this isn’t the only path to take.

In fact, sometimes it pays to take the path less travelled to truly understand yourself and maybe even determine which career path is the best fit for you.

If you feel like there are some things you wish to explore or have an itch to scratch, perhaps it is best done by embarking on a journey that best suits your personal preferences.

Today, we take a look at some unique paths after graduation that you can explore.

7 Avenues To Take After Graduation Before You Start Your Career

1. Further Your Studies With A Postgraduate Degree

After graduation, you can consider continuing your education – especially if this aligns with your career goals. For example, if you’re looking to become a consultant or an expert in a particular field.

On top of equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the working world, you’ll also gain an edge over your peers who lack a postgraduate degree.

If this is your plan, you can start researching available graduate schools and programs that best fit your goals and then submit an application to the institution, highlighting your qualifications and interests.

2. Embarking On An Internship or Apprenticeship

If you’re a recent graduate, you have a high chance of finding a suitable internship since you’ll be available on a full-time basis.

Once you’ve graduated, you can apply for an internship position in companies within your industry. Although the pay would be lower than that of a full-time role, you will gain the experience that prepares you for a full-time role.

Depending on your industry, you can also take on apprenticeship training which is more common in labor-intensive and manual industries such as construction and manufacturing. This helps you to become a skilled worker in a specific trade via specialised training by a skilled colleague.

Not only are internships and apprenticeships great for accumulating valuable work experience, but they are also a great way to network and make connections with potential employers.

3. Taking A Gap Year To Travel, Backpack & Explore

Travelling the world is easily one of the most fun things you can do after graduation when you’re free from the responsibilities and obligations that come with a full-time job.

If you have the opportunity to travel, you should do so and soak up all the sights, sounds and culture that other countries offer while gaining life experience and broadening your perspective.

4. Secure A Post-Study Work Visa To Stay In Your Host Country

As an international student, you may wish to extend your stay in your host country and take the time to fully explore it.

The best way to go about doing this is to obtain a post-study work visa, which enables you to stay for up to 3 years, depending on the country.

Besides simply giving you more time in your host country, it also lets you take up a part-time job and earn some money for your day-to-day expenses while you’re there.

5. Join A Volunteer Program Or Missionary Work

Do you feel called to spend some doing good for the less fortunate or simply make the world a better place?

If so, then volunteering or missionary work could be just what you need to do after graduating.

Apart from doing good, you’ll also gain valuable experience and develop both hard and soft skills, including communication, time management and adaptability, among others. These transferrable skills can be added to your resume and make you a more valuable employee when you eventually start working.

You’ll also get the chance to network and meet people from all walks of life and may even get the chance to land a full-time job thanks to this!

6. Work On A Business Idea

Whether it’s taking your passion to the next level or fleshing out a business idea to optimize a process, the time you have after graduating allows you to commit fully.

Even if this may not be completely related to what you studied, you can always invest in a course or certification to learn more – be it in yoga or project management.

After which, you can start your business or work part-time with these new skills you’ve acquired. Who knows, it may very well end up becoming your main job and you get to pursue your dream while earning a living!

7. Learn A Second Language

If you’ve been interested in learning another language – be it French or Japanese, now’s the best time to immerse in it! After all, you have time on your side to pursue your interests and fully commit to them.

Learning an additional language could set you up for success in the workplace, especially in our increasingly globalized world, and you might even boost your chances of working abroad if you get fluent in it!

Successfully Study Abroad With IDP

If your future plans happen to include a postgraduate degree overseas, we’ll be happy to help!

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors who will be able to offer valuable advice and tailored guidance so that you can successfully further your studies overseas.

Apart from that, they will also assist you throughout your application process – from course selection to accommodation preparation.

Get started by booking your free counselling session today!