Your foundation degree, what next?: Action plan

An action plan can help you to focus on what you really want to do after your foundation degree and can aid you in your next steps. The plan may include...

Researching your options

It is important that you research each option that interests you thoroughly before trying to make a decision. You should ask yourself:

• Does it meet my current priorities, i.e. financial, personal?
• Are there currently opportunities available?
• Is it realistically achievable?
• Will I need any support?
• Does it suit my interests, ability, skills and personality?
• What options could it offer me in the future?
• Do I have a back-up plan?

Knowing yourself and what you want

Sometimes people find this the hardest part of career choice. If this is difficult for you, you might want to:

• discuss this with a careers adviser;
• ask friends and relatives what they see you doing in the future - sometimes this can provide surprising insights into how others see you;
• try personality questionnaires and other self-awareness tools, e.g. Windmills  and Personal SWOT analysis  - others will be available in your careers service;
• try one or more short-term or voluntary placements to test out your ideas.

Decision-making

Once you have identified options and researched them carefully, you will need to decide on a first choice or preferred course of action.

• Make a list of requirements and needs and sort these into categories such as ‘essential’, ‘desirable’ and ‘bonus’. Options can then be compared to see how they match these criteria.
• List the pros and cons of each option.
• Gather all the detailed information on the options available and then examine each choice.
• Talk through the options with a supportive friend or careers professional.

AGCAS

Written by Emma Bumpus and AGCAS editors

Date: 

May 2011

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