It’s the big day: you’ve received an email notifying you that your module results and final degree classification has been posted on Student Records. You’ve anxiously waited for the page to open, and there it is: your final university results.
So, what now?
Receiving your final university results can be overwhelming. After years of studying and having a clear idea of what’s next, you’re now a big step closer to the uncertainty of adult life and the working world. You might not know where to begin, so here are 5 steps to help you get started.
- Update your CV. Include the skills and experiences you gained throughout your degree. Take the time to reflect on your modules and the extra-curricular activities you took part in: do your experiences give you an idea of the type of career you might be interested in? If not, they probably indicate the career you DON’T want, which is still useful! Look at the final product – your updated CV will highlight your strengths and point you towards the areas you might need to work on. Our online guide can give you further advice and a template to follow.
- Start your job search. This doesn’t mean making 80 applications straight away. Rather, it’s about shaping an idea of the career you might want to pursue in the future and becoming aware of the opportunities that are currently available. If you’re not sure which direction you want to go in, Prospects’ Career Planner is a useful tool.
- Get experience. If you haven’t already, find out what your passions are – look out for part-time jobs, internships and open days. Develop your employability skills and ease yourself into working life. Set yourself realistic targets each week, whether it be by making 1 application per week or by doing something new at work each day. Above all, remember that employers do not expect you to arrive knowing how to do everything.
- Get advice. Graduates are able to use King’s Careers & Employability’s services for up to two years – make the most of this! It can be awkward and nerve-wracking to open up about your career aspirations and university results, but know that Careers Consultants aren’t here to judge you; they’re here to help.
- Consider your next step. After completing steps 1 through 4, you’ll have a better idea of what it is you want out of your future career. Now, decide how you will get there. If you’re ready to do so, this might involve applying for a graduate job straight away. Or, it might not – and this is completely acceptable. Your other options include:
- Further study: This may be your chance to study a particular aspect of your course. However, if you opt do a Masters or PhD, make sure to do it for the right reasons – because you are passionate about that subject, and not because you want to stall time or boost your employability.
- Gap year: There’s a popular concern that employers are averse to graduates taking a year off to travel. Often, the reality is the opposite. Students who take a gap year and have planned their travels can show employers that they are organised and self-sufficient, and have experienced different cultures or learned new languages.
- Self-employment: If you find the idea of working for yourself appealing and you are particularly entrepreneurial, then perhaps you can create your own dream job. If you think that your university business project has commercial potential, then it might be worth considering launching a start-up. With this said, be aware of the responsibilities that come with being self-employed, including the uncertainty around the availability of work. King’s Entrepreneurship Institute are a great source of advice and opportunities if you are interested in this area.
Ultimately, remember to celebrate your accomplishments thus far – you put in the work and have received your degree results! Your career is a marathon and not a sprint, and you might change tracks to finally find that ‘perfect job’ – and all of this is perfectly normal!