Are you graduating soon? Do you have no idea what to do after your course finishes? Do not panic! There are lots of options both at home and in countries all around the world.
If you are coming to the end of college or university the whole prospect of finishing can seem daunting especially if you are unsure about where to live and what avenue to go down.
But look at this period of your life as an exciting opportunity as there are so many fun things to do after graduation, and starting a career in the real working world doesn’t have to be your only option.
Check out our list of the top things to do after graduation and start planning your next steps today.
1. Travel
Taking time out to visit a new country or explore the world can be an amazing experience.
Whether just for a short break or a longer backpacking adventure it can give you a relaxing experience which is probably much needed after finally completing your studies.
You could go on a short holiday with your friends, book a tour and discover a new country or plan a much longer epic adventure to explore whole continents.
2. Take a Gap Year
There are so many reasons to take a gap year, this can be a really amazing experience and there are so many options for how to fill this time. If you are new to gap years, this is typically a break from studying or working where you take time out to travel, or book a structured experience.
If this type of experience appeals to you we have one of the best gap year websites for planning and booking an incredible trip around the world. Browse top rated opportunities from highly rated companies around the world on our site today.
The hard part is deciding what to do and where to go.
3. Summer Adventures
If the idea of completing your studies then doing something short term for summer appeals to you then you have a lot of choice. There are lots of amazing summer travel ideas for students from partying, working, adventures and more.
Working at a summer camp is really popular in places like the USA and Canada, thousands of people apply and get placed every year. Summer jobs abroad in places like the Spanish islands are also very popular, spend time living by the beach, enjoy epic moments, make new friends and get paid!
4. Find an Internship
Looking to boost your career? Worried about not having enough experience? Apply for internships and gain new skills in the industry of your choice. Some companies offer paid gap year internships in industries like media, tech, finance, IT, architecture, fashion, business and more.
5. Continue Studying
If you have enjoying studying why not continue your education? There are lots of short and long term courses available in a range of subjects. From learning a new language to doing a masters or PHD.
6. Volunteer Abroad
Looking for a meaningful experience? Consider volunteering! There are so many amazing opportunities around the world where you can make a difference, from helping elephants in Thailand, teaching in Indonesia, language camps in Europe, community projects in Africa and more.
You will get to learn new things, meet really incredible people and see inspirational work being done. No previous experience is required for most projects and short and long term placements are available.
Short term gap year volunteer programs offer a great taster experience, some trips last a few weeks and have free time to travel too.
7. Take a Non-Academic Course
If you like the idea of improving your skills, but are not keen on academic avenues, there are lots of other courses you can do. By taking a course you could turn a passion into a job, for example training to become a yoga instructor or scuba diving instructor.
One popular option for graduates unsure about starting a long term career is to take a TEFL certification and getting qualified to teach English abroad. This is a great way to live in a new country and get a well paying job allowing you to save money.
8. Start a Career
Settling into a career after completing your studies might not sound like the most exciting option but having full time employment can give you peace of mind, especially when the job market is so competitive.
Lots of companies offer graduate jobs and training schemes, whilst others offer the chance to start a long term career. Some websites like find jobs abroad are a great resource to find information about recruiters hiring staff around the world if going live in a different country appeals to you.
If you are looking for what to do after graduation from university in the UK or after high school in the USA, or from any other worldwide destinations, hopefully our list has given you ideas to inspire you.