What’s in store for students after graduation?

You have just graduated and now you’re ready for the next steps in your life – career and education. You want to find that perfect post-graduate programme that will take you towards your future career but where do you start? How do you find options and then choose a programme? How do you know whether you will like it? .

When choosing a university programme/country of study, consider the following:

• What do you want to study?
• What are you passionate about?
• Would you feel more comfortable in a larger campus or at a smaller institution?
• Do you need a university degree or would a technical programme/skills-specific programme be a better fit?
• Do you want to study abroad or stay in your home country?
• What scholarship opportunities are available?
• Would you be interested in an internship first to learn more about what you would like to pursue as a career? (Taking a year or summer off before starting university might give you insights about what you would like to do or at least give you an idea of what you don’t want to do – this experience is just as helpful; or instead you can spend the year interning abroad or in your home country to become familiar with different kinds of work that may interest you).

When you have chosen a major or degree to study, find out which universities provide the best education opportunities in this area that meet your needs. Identify what is important to you and your goals. Ask which universities offer great careers support and student support, which will be essential in your studies and future career. Which universities offer internship placements, further non-academic activities, and international exposure?

During your studies, take every opportunity to do internships without hesitation. At the very least, you will find out what you don’t want to do, which is just as important as finding out what you do want to do.

If you are interested in an internship, make sure you understand what is really driving you, and what you really want to do, as this can help provide a structure and focus for the opportunity presented by the internship.

Next, think about:

• What are some of the activities that you enjoyed in and after school such as social or sports clubs/organisations?
• What comes naturally to you?
• What industry do you want to work in?
• Within your target industry, what company (or companies) are you interested in?
• What role would you want to apply for, and why?

As a fresh graduate, you should aim to try as many things as possible when it comes to working. Volunteering with an organization, doing pro-bono work for a project you are passionate about, and giving your time for a cause you believe in are all great ways to gain experience, expand your network, open your mind to new ideas and possibilities, and develop a stronger sense of what your ambitions and passions may be. The focus should be on experiences, not money or position, not at this stage. Use this opportunity to find what you truly want to do, explore what you are good at, and think about what the job market requires.

About the Author
Elena Agaragimova is careers counsellor at The University of Manchester Middle East Centre in Dubai. She is an engaging, skilled trainer and talent development specialist with 8 years of experience, credited with combining operations, education, and international expertise to design and deliver programs for diverse audiences. Highly-accomplished in building and developing relationships, Elena has a strong passion for L&D, promoting creative and engaging workplaces and all about optimizing performance through the development of others with a keen interest in neuroscience.

She is also an experienced career consultant/coach, currently working as a career consultant with The University of Manchester Middle East Centre with mid-level to senior level managers in various industries, supporting them in achieving their professional and personal goals. She specialises in coaching, training content design and execution, recruitment, stakeholder relationship management, corporate engagement, business development, and individual development.