What will you do now? How will you spend your time? If you don’t have a clear plan in place, the prospect of going out by yourself – whether it’s to earn money or to travel can be scary. 

To help make this process a little less terrifying, it’s a good idea to think about what you want to achieve. Are you ready to go to work? Do you want to take a break and travel the world? Or perhaps you want to carry on studying and further your education?

If you’re still unsure as to which path is right for you, here is some information on four options you can take:

1. Go travelling on a gap year

Do you want to see the world before you settle into a 9 to 5 routine? Then this could be the perfect opportunity to take a gap year. Often, after completing a university course, students don’t want to dive straight into employment, which is why they decide to travel the world instead.

With so many incredible and safe gap year destinations to choose from, you’ll be able to find the ideal one for your taste and your budget.

2. Take on an internship 

Internships are a great way of getting a taste of what it’s like to work full-time whilst showing that you’ve made use of your spare time. They also indicate to future employers that you’re determined to succeed within the field and that you have valuable experience that you can bring into the role. 

Standing you out from the crowd of other candidates, they are an invaluable step to take after university. Similarly to internships, you can take on work experience – lasting one, two, three or more weeks. 

3. Undertake a postgraduate course

If you want to increase the chance of getting a higher role after university, a postgraduate degree is a great way to go. No matter what you’re looking to get into, there is a master’s degree to suit. 

For example, if you’ve undertaken a Bachelor's degree in accountancy, it’s the ideal opportunity to take on an online accounting masters degree or course that you can complete in your own time.  An MBA Luxury Brand Management online course is also available for those in hospitality industry, which allows for them to study without interfering with their busy schedules. Alternatively, you can complete such courses at a university or college, if you prefer to do in person.

4. Become self-employed 

If you want to get into employment but there aren’t any perfect roles for you, consider becoming self-employed. Even though this can seem very daunting as you’ve just come out of university and might feel as though you haven’t got any work experience behind you, it’s a great way of opening up future opportunities and developing the skills that you’ve learnt at university.  Freelancing could pave your way to greatness.

Whether you want to start your own freelance writing business, create your own online shop or take another route, becoming self-employed can be a very fruitful start to your career. 

What To Do After Your Bachelor’s Degree? 4 MORE Routes You Can Take...

Bonus idea 5: Volunteer abroad

Engaging in volunteer work overseas offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, gain a deeper understanding of global issues, and contribute to meaningful projects that make a positive difference. Whether you're teaching English in a rural village, participating in conservation efforts in a biodiversity hotspot, or assisting in community development projects, volunteering abroad allows you to develop valuable skills such as cross-cultural communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Moreover, it provides a chance to step outside your comfort zone, build resilience, and foster empathy and compassion towards others. Whether it's for a few weeks, months, or even a year, volunteering abroad can be a transformative experience that broadens your perspective and leaves a lasting impact on both you and the communities you serve.

Bonus idea 6: Join a graduate scheme

Graduate schemes, also known as graduate programmes or entry-level programmes, are structured initiatives offered by companies to recruit and train recent graduates for roles within their organisations. These schemes typically provide comprehensive training, mentorship, and rotational placements across different departments or functions, allowing participants to gain a holistic understanding of the business while developing key skills and competencies.

Whether in sectors such as finance, engineering, marketing, or technology, graduate schemes offer a pathway for graduates to kick-start their careers, gain exposure to industry best practices, and fast-track their professional development. Moreover, many companies use graduate schemes as a talent pipeline for future leadership positions, making them an attractive option for ambitious graduates seeking long-term career prospects and advancement opportunities.

Bonus idea 7: Start a passion project

Launching a passion project allows you to pursue something you genuinely care about outside the constraints of traditional employment. Whether it's writing a blog about your travels, creating content for a YouTube channel on topics you're passionate about, or developing a portfolio showcasing your artistic talents, starting a passion project enables you to unleash your creativity, express yourself authentically, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests.

Passion projects can serve as a platform for personal growth, skill development, and self-discovery, providing a sense of fulfillment and purpose beyond monetary rewards. Whether as a side hustle alongside other commitments or as a primary focus, investing time and energy into a passion project can lead to meaningful experiences, valuable connections, and potentially even new career opportunities down the line.

Bonus idea 8: Take a short course or workshop

Continuing education through short courses or workshops offers a flexible and accessible way to acquire new skills, deepen your knowledge, and stay competitive in today's job market. Whether it's mastering a specific software tool, learning a foreign language, or acquiring industry-specific certifications, short courses and workshops provide targeted training and practical insights tailored to your professional interests and career goals. Additionally, these learning opportunities often offer networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers, industry experts, and potential employers. Whether pursued online or in-person, part-time or intensive, short courses and workshops empower you to take control of your learning journey, expand your horizons, and position yourself for success in your chosen field.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, the period after completing your university degree is a pivotal moment filled with endless possibilities. Whether you choose to travel the world, gain practical experience through internships, further your education with postgraduate study, or embark on the journey of self-employment, the key is to embrace this transition with an open mind and a proactive attitude.

Remember, it's not just about finding a job, but about discovering your passions, honing your skills, and charting a course that aligns with your ambitions and aspirations. So seize the moment, explore your options, and pave the way for a fulfilling and successful future ahead.