University of Manchester Careers Blog

Studying at University doesn’t mean you know what you want to do when you graduate. Even doing a vocational degree is no guarantee that you will want to want to stay in that field after graduation.

The good news is, you do not need to decide the rest of your life right now. Lots of graduates try something out and then move on.   But what to try first?

Looking at graduate directories & jobsites can be like going to the supermarket without a list, budget or any clue what you like to eat. Do you put everything or nothing in the trolley?

Many of us like to stick to what we know, jobs we have heard of, or where we know people who do them. That’s fine, but what if you investigate those and you don’t like the sound of them, what do you do?

Muse a little  – how could you find jobs YOU might like?

• What jobs do you know about? What is it about them that you don’t like?
• What things in your life – do you like? Experiences of work or activities you enjoyed – what was it you liked?
• What barriers are there stopping you doing something? It could be something you don’t like or just can’t do yet.
• Where do you want to work? Near family & friends, overseas?
• Talk to people – friends & family, how did they choose their first job? What do they like or dislike about their current job?

Be a little open minded

Have a look on the Which career bit of our website it looks at broad areas of employment and gives information on different jobs and ways in.  Perhaps you could gain some inspiration or a place to start?

Look at actual advertised jobs. Read the job descriptions see what is involved, sometimes it might trigger a “I’d like a job like this but doing that or involving / not involving this” moment!

More good news about 70% of graduate level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline.  Or is that bad news, more for you cross of your shopping list?

Be adventurous

Just go and find out – take 1 hour of your life and go to a presentation from an employer about the jobs they are offering. It will help you clarify your views!

You can’t try out every job out there but sometimes taking a risk on something you are not 100% sure about can pay off.  It may not be your dream job but it can help you find the next one.

A problem shared…

Talk to us, and just be honest, it’s ok not to know what you want to do. We will help you go through the steps YOU need to work out where to start. It isn’t always a quick process so try not to leave it till after you graduate.