The journey of higher education is truly a remarkable adventure filled with growth, learning, and self-discovery. Many students look forward to finishing their degrees, but some students are left asking themselves what to do next. So what options are out there for our soon-to-be graduates?
As I’m approaching the final stretch of my undergraduate degree, I’m feeling a lot of things. Whilst many people exclaim that my last trimester must be exciting, I am often nervous thinking about what life will look like beyond the walls of Victoria University of Wellington.
The last trimester of my degree has been a time of reflection, making my final assignments my best work yet, and looking ahead to the exciting possibilities that await beyond graduation. In this blog post, I'll delve into what being in the last trimester is really like and the wide array of options that are available to you once you proudly hold that degree in your hands.
Embracing the culmination of years of effort
This is it, the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, intellectual exploration, and potentially a few sacrifices! One thing I’ve done this trimester is look back at my 100-level assignments there’s a lot of growth both academically and personally. If you’re lucky enough to have a capstone course (a course that summarises everything you’ve learnt), everything starts to come together like magic. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to pull knowledge from 20 different courses and intertwine them into a web of knowledge.
Navigating the road ahead
With the end of your undergraduate journey comes a world of possibilities. As you prepare to step into the next phase of your life, it's important to consider the various options available to you:
1. Postgraduate study
Whether you’re looking to take a deep dive in a specific field through research, or launch your career in the world of business and government, postgraduate study can be a natural next step. You may opt for an Honours year, Master's degree or a PhD, that can enhance your expertise and open doors to advanced career opportunities. Discuss your goals and the best options for you with a member of the Professional Programmes team or if you already know the programme for you, get started with your application to ensure you don’t miss out.
2. Starting your career
Entering the job market can be intimidating. With many of your peers hunting down opportunities in similar industries it can feel a bit daunting. The best way to tackle job hunting is to consider networking, polishing your resume, and exploring job openings that align with your interests and aspirations. Visit our online Career Centre which is contains helpful resources and tools for finding employment during and after University.
3. Internships and apprenticeships
Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships can be invaluable as you transition from university to the professional world. These opportunities allow you to apply your textbook knowledge in real-world scenarios, build your professional network, and gain insights into potential career paths. This is a good option if you’re not too sure exactly what role you want to pursue a career in but allows you to get a taste of the role without the long-term commitment.
4. Entrepreneurial ventures
If you have a passion for innovation and a drive to create, starting your own business or entrepreneurial venture might be the path for you. Your degree equips you with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that can be invaluable in the business world, especially if you’ve obtained a Minor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
If you’re ready to start your entrepreneurial journey and are looking for advice and support from entrepreneurs who have done it all before, check out The Atom—Te Kahu o Te Ao innovation space which is located on the Ground Floor of Rutherford House and available for all students, past and present.
5. Travel and Personal Growth
Before diving headfirst into the next phase of your life, consider taking time to explore new cultures, travel, or engage in personal development. Maybe you missed out on your OE because of the pandemic. Taking a gap year or embarking on a meaningful adventure can provide fresh perspectives and life-changing experiences, it also gives you the skills to communicate to different groups of people.
Making Informed Decisions
The transition from university to the "real world" can be both thrilling and daunting. To make informed decisions about your post-graduation plans, consider seeking guidance from career counsellors, mentors, and professionals in your desired field. Additionally using University resources that offer career advice.
Remember that this is your journey, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Embrace the uncertainty with excitement but know that it’s normal to feel worried, knowing that the skills and knowledge you've gained during your undergraduate years have prepared you for the road ahead.
Your last trimester is not just an ending but the start of a new and exhilarating adventure. Go and be great, and congratulations for making it to the end of your degree!