Your degree, what next?: Action plan
Focus your ideas, goals, skills and next steps in a personal plan...
Knowing yourself and what you want
This is an important first step in attaining your chosen career. To get it right:
- start with your degree - list the skills and attributes you have learned and the professions that would suit these strengths. For a helpful starting point, see options with your subject;
- research careers of interest for suitability, taking into account your academic and personal profile. See what jobs would suit me?;
- discuss your options and choices with those you trust, such as friends, family and tutors;
- seek advice from your university careers service, who are trained and, most importantly, impartial;
- use online tools to identify skills, strengths and areas for improvement. Consider psychometric tests and a personal SWOT analysis to help discover your attributes.
Researching your career options
Once you have an idea of your skills, you can begin to match them to a career. You should consider:
- professions that are associated with your degree subject;
- careers that are open to graduates of any discipline;
- careers that match your skills and personality;
- the rewards that you are looking for in your profession, e.g. high wages, career progression;
- the likelihood of being able to enter and sustain your chosen career;
- whether the job requires further study.
There are many ways of researching careers, such as:
- online resources - begin your research by looking at types of jobs;
- your careers service will house a range of literature, which they can guide you through;
- graduate fairs, employer talks, networking opportunities - see your careers service web pages. For further information, see job sectors.
If you are not a recent graduate, contact your previous university to see what help they can offer.
Making a decision
Take on board advice and do as much research as you can, but ultimately it is up to you to choose your next step. Before doing so:
- try to volunteer or gain work experience in your selected profession. It could be the way into your chosen job role;
- request an informal discussion with an individual already in that profession. Look to family, friends and other contacts first. This could lead to a work shadowing or work experience placement;
- your university careers service will always discuss your final decision with you.
Developing your skills
When you have decided on your career, look at ways in which you could develop the skills required for your job:
- Explore the possibility of work experience placements to enhance your CV and application forms. This experience will also give you more background knowledge and examples of work to draw on at interview stage.
- Consider working or volunteering in your chosen sector on a part-time basis alongside your studies (if your time allows), as this will impress employers.
- Networking is important. Explore professional bodies associated with your career and see if there are any events you can attend to make valuable contacts and learn more about the profession.
Making applications
The average number of graduates applying for each graduate vacancy is now 83, the highest number on record (AGR Graduate Recruitment Survey, 2011). It is therefore vital that your application stands out from the rest.
- Target and update your CV for every application by thoroughly researching the company, its mission, core values, and size. The company's website is the best place to start.
- Ensure you understand the organisation's recruitment process.
- Research CV, application form and covering letter examples - see CVs and cover letters.
- Ask your careers service to check your CV and get advice on applying for jobs.
- Sign up to relevant jobsites, both in your chosen sector and desired location. Check regularly for new vacancies to ensure you have enough time to prepare an application before the submission deadline. For more advice, see job hunting.
Reviewing your progress
Ensure that you revisit your action plan as you may wish to amend it for a number of reasons, including:
- your chosen employment might be difficult to get into, have taken a downturn in the current economic climate, or there may be too few positions available;
- your personal circumstances might have changed;
- you have reconsidered your skill set and qualifications and found possible new opportunities.
Updating your plan is easy. Do not stick to a path you no longer feel is right for you. Remember that it may take months to secure your career, so stay motivated by:
- staying in touch with your university careers service for advice and opportunities;
- using your support network of friends and family;
- attending networking events to maximise your opportunities;
- setting new goals - aim to complete a number of applications/interviews per week. A challenge will help you to stay focused;
- asking for feedback from employer interviews - this will help you improve for the next one. Ensure that you listen to the positives as well as things to improve on;
- researching potential employers so you are always prepared for new and unexpected opportunities;
- taking regular breaks and enjoying your time off so that you remain positive.
AGCAS
Written by Claire Roby, Canterbury Christ Church University
