Your Graduate Guide is within your reach, and a world full of possibilities is open to you. It can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. The next step is not so easy to decide, not to mention the professional future. Is it an apprentice or a degree? Do you want to start right away or stay abroad? Do you want to start your career or get a master’s degree? First of all, it doesn’t have to be “either”.
Good news: You can best combine several things. For example, a double learning course. It combines training and research, overseas internships combine a desire for travel with first-time work experience, and a non-professional master’s degree enables non-professional training. To make the best choice for you, we would like to recommend five tips to help you bring your future into your own hands:
1) Brainstorming Ahead
Is your graduation not so far? It’s best to think about what will happen a year ago, or at least half a year ago. This gives you enough time to look into the details and make all the necessary preparations.
But don’t worry, you don’t need a specific plan yet! Brainstorm, do research and talk to your friends whatever you can think of. A simple “mind map” helps support the thinking carousel. In this way, you can organize your wishes, ideas, concepts and get a clear head.
2) Know the Deadline
Do you want to start studying or spend a year abroad? Check the application deadline and make a note of the date, so you don’t miss the deadline.
The best way is to write down the required documents and see if you still have something to do. For example, some courses require a language certificate as proof of foreign language level. If you are interested in travelling abroad, you may also need to apply for a visa. Also, pay attention to the expiration date of your passport.
3) Take the Time to turn around
Are you interested in different research fields or specialities? But do you feel that you are not ready for an apprenticeship, a degree, or a full-time job? Staying abroad is a great opportunity to broaden your horizons and turn yourself between the two stages of your life.
4) Stay open on Unexpected Occasions
Planning is fun and helps you reach your goals. But don’t get stuck. The best opportunity can come right there unexpectedly.
Keep open and talk to others about you and your dreams. In this way, you can train your networking skills at the same time and benefit from contact with other new ideas and exciting success stories.
5) Determine the Next Step
How do you make breakthrough life-changing decisions for the future after graduation? Most importantly, you don’t need to know the whole thing, just the next step. Focus on what you want to do most now and write down ideas that work for you.
Now is the time to set priorities: what is your plan A, and what is your plan B? Create a ranking of ideas for immediate reference if your plan goes wrong.
Now talk to your close friends and family about your plans and see how you react to your ideas. Your gut sensations will tell you what you want! Don’t hesitate to make a decision, as every decision takes you one step further.