What Next?
Knowing what steps to take after uni. can be quite difficult. A lot of people are reluctant to go into work as all they’ve ever known is education whereas others cringe at the thought of more exams and are desperate to see their first paycheque. I reckon there are 4 main options after you graduate.
- Work
Get a job, sis. You’ve got a flashy degree from an outstanding university. Use it, show it off and get yourself a job. Whether this be your career or just something temporary until you decide what you actually want to do, you can start working if you want. Don’t forget, you can always quit and you don’t have to have a job directly linked to your degree stream. A science degree is pretty versatile.
2. Do a Master’s (/PhD etc.)
People who do a Master’s are either not feeling work or want one to strengthen their CV because they have a genuine interest in a subject. Whatever your reasons are, you can apply for a Master’s degree at the vast majority of universities. It’s not quite the same as when applying for an undergraduate degree as you don’t have the same courses at every university with the same code. Instead, each uni. offers slightly different courses and usually you have to apply directly to them at a cost of no more than £100 (some are even free). You’ll need a couple of references and to potentially brace yourself for an interview as the number of students on these courses are usually pretty low. My Master’s has just increased its number from 12 students to 25, to give you some idea. I am very extremely excited to start as I am really interested in my subject and wouldn’t mind a career linked to it. Student loans don’t work in the same way for post grad students so watch out for that, however alumni students normally get a cheeky discount so that’s worth looking into. Oh, and Master’s can either be taught or research-based.
3. Do another undergraduate course
This is long and expensive, but you could do it if you really wanted to, you know. If you decide you don’t fancy a job in a field related to your degree and know that what you want to do requires a specific degree, go back and get that new degree. Yes, it’s another 3 years but what’s that in the grand scheme of things? I’m not sure how funding works for this one so you’ll need to do some of your own research.
4. Take a year out
Hate the idea of work as much as further education? Go to Bali and find yourself or go to Mozambique and find your uncle. IDK. Just take a year and mooch off your parents until you pull yourself together so you can start the next chapter of your life the following September. You do you, boo.
