Your foundation degree, what next? : Action plan

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 really interest me?
• Does it meet my current priorities (i.e. financial, personal)?
• Are there currently opportunities available?
• Is it realistically achievable?
• Is it right for me now?
• Does it provide the rewards I am seeking?
• Will it make me more employable?
• 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;
• use a career-planning computer program, such as what jobs would suit me? (login required);
• 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.

A number of techniques can be used to help:

• 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.

What else do you need?

Specific experiences or skills may be required in addition to your qualifications. You can overcome any gaps through:

• placement, work experience or work shadowing;
• voluntary work;
• part-time work;
• joining a club or society;
• entering relevant competitions which can develop your portfolio;
• a short course at a local college, or by online or distance learning;
• additional modules at your university or college;
• staff development opportunities in your workplace;
• volunteering for additional or different responsibilities at work.