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Where to start?

The question that many people struggle with as they finish university and embark upon the real world is ‘What should I do with my life?’ The first thing to emphasise is that it is entirely natural to have difficulty in finding an answer to this – and, rather than being a problem, it can be a very good thing, because it gets you to focus on who you are and what you want.

We at Future Foundations believe that where most come unstuck is by looking at a range of careers and thinking – ‘could I do this?’ Rather, we suggest, you should look at yourself and identify what will be important to you in employment: What motivates you? What structures do you enjoy? Are you more people - or task-oriented? Try to grow your portfolio of self-knowledge.

The shortcoming that some graduates and finalists don’t realise they have is that their mental map of the world of work is limited. Do you know what microbusiness is? Social enterprise? Have you considered self-employment?

Ultimately, don’t be in too much of a hurry, it will often take experience to know what you want, and to refine your choices. Moreover, futurologists predict the average graduate will change job over twenty times in their career, so the key to your career will be continuing your learning and development, not your first job.

Go for education and experience over immediate salary – they will stay with you, whereas the extra few grand in the long-run is of little importance.

The ideal career will combine your talent, your passion and your conscience. What would you attempt if money weren’t an issue and you knew you couldn’t fail? When better time in your life to attempt that thing.

To your success,
Jack Butler

Jack Butler is from Future Foundations, an organisation providing support services for recent graduates and finalists to help them find direction and realise ambitions. For more information visit www.future-foundations.co.uk

Remember your university Careers Service will provide you with information and guidance for up to 3 years after graduation. Alternatively you can use the facilities of your local university Careers Service under the AGCAS mutual aid agreement.

Visiting the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition allows you to research various careers and companies face-to-face and at the very least give you some inspiration! Alternatively check out the various companies currently recruiting graduates in the advanced job search


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