Once you finish your higher studies, it is important to have everything planned to advance in your professional life, however, what options do you have? Just looking for work? The first thing many people do when they graduate is find a job, work with their family, or pursue a master’s degree, but these aren’t the only options you have. Next, we will tell you more about it.
You should not despair or get upset, because you have the opportunity to:
1. Start your own business
Once you have your diploma you will be able to work in any field depending on the subject you have studied. The best thing about going to college is that you have the foundation that will give you credibility with companies, not to mention that you know what works and what doesn’t in your niche. In this case you have two options: start alone or start with partners.
Most entrepreneurs advise doing it without a partner, as the Internet has made costs, middlemen, and more much easier. But this depends on the vocation you have to exercise. Starting a law firm is not the same as starting a nanotechnology company. In addition, today it is vital to have accounts on social networks—we recommend LinkedIn—and create a personal brand, boosting your business through paid advertising, either in Google AdSense or Facebook Ads.
2. Start traveling and relieve stress
The best option, in case you want to think about what you want to do for a while, is to travel, either within your country or abroad. The truth is that it will clear your mind and you will return with greater motivation and knowledge to start a business or a job. Before venturing out, do not forget to choose the destinations that you like the most, as well as to put together your travel itinerary, your budget, and your return to the country.
3. Start building a resume
More than half of the people who graduate from the university prepare their resume immediately, venturing out to look for a job. But how is it made? It is important that you have a professional photograph, with good lighting so that your face can be seen correctly. You should also write down your email, your social networks, and a key title so that they can differentiate you from the other candidates.
Regarding your work experience, include the places where you performed social service and received professional practices. And when we talk about your studies, add the high school, the university, and the courses or workshops that you have taken. Having concluded all this, introduce yourself to the companies that are looking for workers.
4. Start learning new skills
A key to any successful employee is preparation. 90% of college dropouts think they shouldn’t study at all, yet today the number of graduates beginning to improve their skills is on the rise. Among the most popular skills is language learning. Companies are looking for people who know Mandarin, English, Russian, German, Italian, etc., everything depends on what you are going to practice. What do we mean by this? Learn English and Mandarin if you’re interested in technology, learn German if you care about mechanics, and learn French and Italian if fashion is your thing.
5. Start doing professional practices
One of the main advices of all specialists is that, once you finish university, do professional internships, considering that they are the best way to reinforce the knowledge you have acquired in your academic journey. They will also help you to have more experience, being a fundamental aspect when improving your resume.
6. Start a gap year
This is the least common alternative, but it’s also a good option if you still can’t decide what to do with the knowledge you’ve gained. Do not forget that studying a degree is a process that demands a lot of effort and time; while, on the other hand, many graduates are not highly motivated to look for a job. Take a gap year to continue learning outside of college: take courses, read books, meet people, do independent projects, learn new skills, and more. In the end you will be more prepared and happier to hold a position than the other people who did not take their sabbatical, which will be attractive to interviewers.
