How to prepare for life after university

The focus of my final blog will, aptly, be on life after university. This might not, on the surface, appear the wisest choice of topic, given I am still a university student. Yet given I will be graduating in less than two months, I thought writing about how you begin to at least prepare for post-university life could be sensible. It may not be something you want to think about, such is the terror and panic it causes, but taking the time now to think through your options will deliver numerous rewards in the long run. 

You may be someone who is absolutely certain about their post-university plans. If so, congratulations. For many, that is not the case. The summer before your final year at Warwick is a good time to start thinking about what you want to do. This is best achieved by asking yourself lots of questions. Have you enjoyed studying? Would you like to carry it on further to a higher level? Or would entering the workplace be more satisfying? 

Generally, a further qualification in higher education, a vocational course or starting employment are seen as your main options. By starting the thinking process far in advance, you have plenty of time to ask questions, speak to those who care about your future and ensure you don’t make a rushed judgment you will come to later regret. 

When you are sending off applications, it is important to send them to multiple organisations. This ensures you stick to the Scout Motto of being prepared and have back up options in place. Making every application unique, rather than sending the same generic, pre-prepared personal statement and CV, will also ensure your remarks are tailored to the specific organisation, making success far more likely.

Indeed, thinking about your applications in good time is essential. The stress of final year assignments, be they essays, exams or group presentations, means that you want to have plenty of time to think about those after your post-university presentation. Being able to sort out as many of your plans – be they the institution, your new form of employment and where you will be staying – in the autumn term of your final year will therefore be immensely rewarding and reduce your stress levels. 

It’s worth remembering that help is on hand. Your department will likely have a careers adviser and specialist who is responsible for dealing with the transition after university. Utilising them is an option worth taking, not least as they, and others, want you to do well. Having that support network, whether in person or through the internet, who can challenge your plans, propose new ideas and ultimately ensure you get the best outcome, will help you to no end.

I recently went for a walk around campus in the woods near my first year accommodation, which bought back lots of memories from my time as a fresher and helped me realise just how odd it is that my time at university will soon draw to a close. Everyone says it, but your three (or more) years as an undergraduate will fly by. Make the most of them – and see you on the other side.