What now? Practical tips on what next.

Now that the course has finished, and the celebrations are over its time to make sure you build on your time at college in your next move. Many students will have already decided what they want to do next, and will have organised it, whether it’s the next level course or finding work/an apprenticeship. Some students will still be trying to do this. There will be some practical tips for all students to carry on your success!

 

If you have got something lined up, well done! Here are some tips for when you start the next part of your education or career,

Check out the travel arrangements, if you are going to be catching a bus or driving each day, make sure you know the route and how long it will take.

Find out if anyone you know is starting on the same course or at the same university as you. Having a friendly face will help. Using facebook or www.thestudentroom.co.uk may be a good way of doing this – with the usual social media health warnings!

If you are starting a new job, make sure your employer talks through your progress regularly during the first 3 months. This will help you settle in and achieve.

Don’t assume that ‘this is it’! Plan how to make the most of this next step, to help you with whatever happens after it.

If you haven’t got anything sorted out, now would be a good chance to do something about it. You won’t be the only student with nothing concrete sorted out yet!

While there may be a certain amount of pressure or questions about what you are going to do now from friends, parents and family relations, it is important not just to react by taking the first job offer. There is an increasing trend for graduates to accept an offer to then turn it down close to the start date due to being offered something else. This doesn’t do anyone involved any favours! Here are some tips to consider to help you.

Wiki images source Druysts.t

Think through what you actually want to do long term – having a longer term career/education aim is important

In the short term, this might mean taking a job or getting some experience that helps with the longer term goal, which you wouldn't view as a long term position!

Do a skills and experience audit, what are you missing that would make you stand out? What have you done that really motivates and interests you?

Get some help and support! You aren’t expected to do all this on your own. The WUC careers dept can help, as will tutors. You may be surprised how many people working in the area you want to get into will also be willing to offer some advice too.

Stick at it and be persistent. You may need to be adaptable in your thinking and aspirations, but there will be opportunities for you.

Whether you have got your plans all firmly in place or not, it is important to recognise what you have achieved so far. There will be much more to achieve in the next few years, and with some planning and thought there is nothing to stop you achieving really well. And who knows what the future holds.