Graduating from university is a major milestone, but figuring out what comes next can feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to begin with your graduate career, you’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.
By breaking the decision down into manageable steps, you can make an informed choice and take confident steps toward your future.
Start by exploring your strengths, interests, and motivations. The goal is to find a career path that aligns with who you are – something you’ll enjoy, stay motivated by, and be able to thrive in.
Ask yourself:
What am I naturally good at?
What subjects or activities did I enjoy most at university?
What kind of work environment brings out the best in me?
What kind of lifestyle do I want?
What motivates me—creativity, structure, helping others, solving problems?
What are my long-term goals?
What industries or job roles am I curious about?
Your answers will help guide you toward roles and sectors that are a natural fit. If you’re still unsure, try taking a career personality quiz or speaking with a careers advisor to uncover more options.
Once you have some career ideas in mind, shortlist five roles or industries that interest you. For each one, research:
Typical entry-level positions
Required qualifications or experience
Salary expectations and benefits
Opportunities for training and career progression
Company culture and work-life balance
Keep track of standout companies that catch your eye, whether for their values, culture, innovation, or graduate programmes. As you do this, you may discover gaps in your skills or experience that you can work on filling.
It’s important to explore the current demand in your chosen field. Are these jobs growing? Are they being impacted by automation or outsourcing? Researching industry trends will help you future-proof your career.
Look at:
Industry reports and labour market forecasts
Recent graduate employment trends
Professional bodies and trade associations
LinkedIn job trends and career insights
Choosing a path with both opportunity and longevity can increase your chances of success.
Would you thrive in a fast-paced start-up, a mid-sized business with hands-on training, or a global organisation with structured graduate schemes? Each environment offers different pros and cons:
Start-ups/SMEs: Broader roles, quicker responsibility, closer team culture, but may offer less job security or training.
Large companies: Established programmes, bigger budgets, and strong employer brands, but can feel less personal or flexible.
Self-employment: If you’re entrepreneurial, freelancing or starting a business could be a viable option, just be ready for the risks and responsibilities.
Think about what kind of workplace will help you grow both personally and professionally.
Once you’ve narrowed down your path, turn your research into action.
Start by:
Setting short and long-term career goals
Updating your CV and LinkedIn profile
Building a list of target employers
Practising for interviews and assessments
Networking online and offline
Make your job search structured and intentional. Consider gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time roles if needed to build your CV and confidence.
Choosing a career path isn’t about making a decision you’ll stick to forever; it’s about making the best choice for right now based on what you know. Your path may evolve, and that’s perfectly normal.
Do your research, follow your curiosity, and back yourself. The most important step? Start.
Ready to take that next step?
Explore our latest graduate job opportunities and find a role that matches your skills and ambitions.
