So, you’ve graduated from university—well done! That’s a huge achievement, but what now? After graduation, you may feel lost and confused, and that’s completely normal. There’s so much pressure to know exactly what you want to do after you graduate, but there’s nothing wrong with not knowing! We’re here to help you explore your options, from jobs to activities, and kick off this new chapter in your life.

Here’s 10 Great Options for What to Do After Graduation

 

1. Take time off to relax.

Use the lack of responsibilities to rest and recharge. Completing university is no easy task, and you deserve some me-time! Before signing on to that new job or moving to a new place, block out some time in your schedule to do absolutely nothing. Sleep in, rewatch all your favourite movies, binge a new TV show, or read a book.

• Studies show that taking time off to mentally recharge improves mental stability and cognitive function, so a little relaxation can help you be the best version of yourself.

2. Spend some time at home to regroup.

A stable environment can help you feel comfortable after graduating. Chances are, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the post-grad unknowns. Spending a little time at home is a great way to slowly ease into your new life and figure out what you want to do next.

• Reach out to old friends while you’re home. It’s always nice to reconnect, and they may even be going through the same things you are.
• If home isn’t a safe place for you, consider staying with a friend or in a neighbourhood you’re familiar with.

3. Stick to a routine for a sense of normalcy.

Make and follow a schedule to benefit your overall health. You’ve been following one schedule or another your whole life, so plan out your day like you were still in school—wake up at a certain time, block out hours for job hunting, do some exercise on specific days. Try writing out your schedule in a planner or filling in a digital calendar.

• Believe it or not, sticking to a routine benefits your mental and physical health. Accomplishing things on your to-do list can feel rewarding, and getting up to move your body helps you feel good inside and out.
• Make time in your schedule to hang out with friends, as socializing can help improve your mood and ease loneliness.

4. Consider volunteering.

Pass the time and beef up your resume by volunteering. Helping out in your community is a great way to feel involved and part of something bigger. If you’re unsure where you want to head next but want to gain practical experience, try volunteering in medical outreaches, charity organizations, community sanitation, or even free teaching. Ask around to see if anyone needs an extra set of hands.

• Keep a good rapport with who you volunteer for because you never know when you’ll need a job reference.
• Search for volunteer opportunities in the field you want to work in. For example, volunteering with a local primary school might help you get your foot in the door when becoming a teacher.
• Sites like VolunteerMatch can help you find volunteer opportunities near you.

5. Consider graduate school.

You can also attend graduate school after your graduation. This is a great option if getting a post-graduate qualification aligns with your long-term career goals. For instance, getting a post-graduate degree is an excellent opportunity if you intend to become a consultant or expert in a particular field. You can research available graduate schools and programs that align with your goal. Afterwards, present a compelling application to the institution highlighting your interests and qualifications.

Steps:

• Check your college’s website to see if they have any graduate degree programs.
• Search online for your degree or career path with the words “graduate programs” to find programs all over the world. For example, if you want a master’s degree in publishing, you’d search “publishing graduate programs.”

6. Apply for an internship to kickstart your career.

Internships help you ease into the workforce after college. If you have a firm idea of what you want to do with your degree or are weighing your options, consider applying for an internship to beef up your resume. Many entry-level jobs require experience outside of education. An internship can provide you with this experience and help you network. Search for internships near you using LinkedIn or Indeed.

• Not sure if an internship will benefit your career? Ask your college advisor, mentor, or career coach to see if they know of anyone in your desired field you can reach out to.
• Internships used to be unpaid, but many offer payment and benefits on top of the possibility of future employment.
• Apprenticeships work similarly to internships but generally last years rather than months.

7. Take on a part-time job for experience.

Keep yourself busy and gain experience with a part-time job. There’s no rush to get a full-time job right away after college. While you’re on the hunt or debating what you’d like to do, take on a part-time position that lets you easily balance post-grad life. A side gig can help you stick to a routine while adding more to your resume. Search for jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed or ask friends and neighbours if they need one of the following services:

• Tutoring
• Event Ushering
• Delivery Services
• Retail Sales Associate
• Social Media Management
• Data Entry
• Fitness Instructor
• Housekeeping

8. Freelance your expertise for extra cash.

Hone your craft and make your own hours by freelancing. If you want to travel or chill out before diving head-first into the workforce, no problem! Freelancing lets you advertise and sell your work to multiple clients at once, giving you the freedom to perfect your skills and take time off before your next big life decision. Here are the types of freelance work you can consider:

• Graphic Design
• Content Writing
• Web Development
• Digital Marketing
• Virtual Assistance
• Translation Services
• Photography

Advertise your skills on sites like Fiverr, and Upwork, or learn new skills for free from scratch.

9. Start a small business to be your own boss.

Explore the possibilities of being an entrepreneur after school. If you have a creative passion, now’s the time to see if you can build a life from it. Maybe you enjoy cooking, baking, or coaching others. Use the free time you have after graduation to make a name for yourself and start a small business.

• Consider looking into small business grants, scholarships, or partnerships to help fund your project.

10. Make finding a job your full-time job.

Update and circulate your resume in your free time to find a job. Take a few hours every day to job hunt, scrolling through job listings and possible career paths in your field. Make a list of all the jobs you apply to, marking the employer’s response so that you can keep track of your progress.

• Sites like LinkedIn and  Indeed help you find jobs, upload a resume, and keep track of your applications.

• Remember to be gentle with yourself. It’s important to hustle, but it’s also as equally important to rest.

FAQs

1. How long is long enough to wait before applying for jobs? It’s ideal to start applying for jobs during your final year of studies or shortly after graduation. However, there’s no strict timeline; it depends on individual circumstances, market demand, and personal readiness.
2. Will it be possible for me to find work immediately after graduation? Finding work immediately after graduation is possible but not guaranteed. It often depends on various factors such as your qualifications, skills, the job market, and networking efforts. Being proactive in your job search can increase your chances.
3. Is it tough to find work in Nigeria after completing university? Finding work in Nigeria after completing university can be challenging due to factors such as high competition, limited job opportunities, and sometimes, a mismatch between skills and market demand. However, networking, gaining relevant experience, and persistence can improve your prospects.
4. How do internships impact my career if I am a fresh graduate? Internships can significantly impact your career as a fresh graduate. They provide practical experience, skill development, networking opportunities, and enhance your resume. They can also lead to job offers either from the internship host or through referrals.
5. Can I work in an unrelated field of study after graduation? Yes, it’s possible to work in an unrelated field of study after graduation. Many employers value transferable skills and a diverse background. However, you may need to demonstrate how your skills and experiences are applicable to the new field through networking, internships, or additional training.
6. Will it be possible to secure a high-paying job as a fresh graduate? Securing a high-paying job as a fresh graduate is challenging but not impossible, especially if you have in-demand skills, relevant experience, and a strong network. It may require diligent job searching, showcasing your unique value proposition, and possibly starting in entry-level positions with growth potential.

 

If you’re interested in developing skills and knowledge in particular fields or want to expand your horizons by learning a skill that will be beneficial after Uni graduation, don’t hesitate to check out our free RESOURCE PROGRAMS and narrow down your choices. We can also help fund your Education.

Conclusion:

While deciding what to do after university can seem stressful and overwhelming, it’s also an incredible opportunity to take control of your future and shape your career and life goals in a way that you find fulfilling, enjoyable and exciting.