THE LIMERICK MAGAZINE
Expect to feel a little lost.
Once you first graduate, you’ll probably be hit with
an overwhelming sense of ‘What now!?’ Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. It might seem like everyone
around you is swimming along just fine while you feel like you’re drowning. But trust us, they’re feeling
just as anxious as you are! The most important thing to remember is that, if you’re dedicated, this feeling
won’t last forever. Chances are you’ll find your niche sooner or later. However, if you’re still in college and
just can’t stand the idea of being in limbo once you leave, do your research now. Research the type of
thing you’d love to do after college and take the steps
you need to get there. For example, if it’s you’re dream to travel for a year once you graduate, do your research and look up costs and start saving.
Don’t listen to others – for the most part.
While you will likely get helpful advice from people
who have been in your position, you will equally get a lot of unhelpful advice. Many people will tell you about the worth of your degree and what you should
be doing instead but it’s important to weed out the good advice from the bad and not pay attention to
anything else. After all, the only person who knows what’s best for you is you so go with your gut and you’ll be absolutely fine! Keep in mind that there
are so many avenues to get to where you want to be. Again, the key is to be determined. If studying for the next couple of years towards a post-grad or
masters doesn’t appeal to you, do your research. For a
lot of jobs, you can start from the bottom and work
your way up through internships and apprenticeships. So, don’t listen to that ‘helpful’ advice that your Arts degree isn’t going to get you anywhere.
If your dream is to write for a fashion magazine, keep
your eyes peeled for internships and get your foot in
Don’t panic if you decide to change your path.
Many fields of study such as technology are in high
you’ve studied for four years no longer appeals to you.
enough to land a graduate-level job that will help you
Make sure to look at things from a positive outlook.
require you to be highly qualified. The earlier you do
longer for you now rather than after having put down
however - there are plenty of sites online that offer
about! Give yourself a break and don’t beat yourself
education. One fantastic website is Qualifax.com. You
money, do a night course or take up a new hobby.
days but there is a great ‘adult learning’ section with a
eventually, it just takes some people a little bit longer
in Ireland. If you’re still in college and are thinking
waste, think of them as a learning experience and
to a career guidance counsellor can be a great way to
You might be petrified at the fact that the subject
demand and so you may find that you are lucky
This is a perfect time to take a step back and breathe.
move up in your career. However, many industries
At least you have realised that the path you’re on is no
your research for further qualifications, the better,
ten years in a field that you aren’t at all passionate
advice and support for those wanting to return to
up about it. Travel, take a year out to work and save
might remember Qualifax from your Leaving Cert
Whatever you do, don’t panic. You’ll find your way
full list of Postgraduate and Masters courses available
to get there. Don’t think of your studies so far as a
about further education once you graduate, speaking
focus on the things you can take away from it.
explore options and figure out what you will need to
Travel, travel, travel.
If you’ve just graduated college and don’t already have
carry on with your studies. Article by: Ali Molloy
a job, don’t have children and are healthy, you’ll never
have a better opportunity to go out and see the world as you do now. Think about it, you have your whole
life to work and make money but there is no better
time than now to make experiences and memories. It’s a total cliché but nobody has ever looked back at their life on their deathbed and though ‘I wish I made more money and worked more’. Whether you
go by yourself or with friends, the memories you make
at this point in your life will last you a lifetime and they’ll be the stories you tell your children in years to come.
As mentioned above, if you’re unsure where to go next in your life or career, travelling is one of the best ways
to give yourself time to ‘find yourself ’ as cheesy as that may sound!
Take steps in furthering your career.
the door. No matter what degree you’re currently in, nobody can write you off as having an unsuccessful future, you can get there if you’re dedicated.
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