Many students often jump straight to graduate programs as the default way to secure a full-time job after university. But it's important to recognise that this structured pathway might not be the best choice for everyone. In this blog post, we run through just a few of the alternatives you can take if you decide that the traditional way might not be for you.

1. Complete Further Accreditation

Maybe you’ve just finished your degree and realised that perhaps this might not be the right field for you after all. But before you jump ship straight into a Masters program, consider upskilling yourself in a field you are interested in through the much more economical options of a bridging course. This could be towards a specific certificate or diploma, or simply an upskilling course through an academy.

2. Work for a Start-Up

If you’re having trouble finding the right entry level role for you, try looking at startups in the field you’re interested in and reaching out directly to the founders. Odds are you’ll have to start in some sort of internship or volunteer position, but the good news is if you perform well, it's quite likely that they’ll promote you at sooner rather than later to a permanent position. For more on big vs small companies, check out our blog weighing up the pros and cons of the different spectrums.

3. Work Abroad

Look, we know travel is just kicking off again, but we like to be optimistic! Pending government restrictions and visa requirements, an incredibly exciting way to travel the world and make a meaningful difference is to work abroad. One of the most popular options is to teach English as a Second Language, either at a dedicated ESL school or for programs like dedicated summer camps. Qualifications usually include at least a university degree, a CELTA, TESOL or TEFL certificate and bonus points for any teaching experience.

4. Freelance

In a similar vein, freelancing has become increasingly popular as people have discovered the benefits of having flexible working hours and a self-managed, diverse portfolio of clients. Unlike starting your own business or brand, you’ll still be working for other people, but have the luxury of selecting who you want to work for. Plus, there are so many fields you could go into freelancing now – your side hobby of photoshopping could turn into a legitimate reoccurring gig. And job search sites like Sidekicker and Fiverr are now making it even easier to help kick you off with some initial clients.

5. Start Your Own Business

It’s never been easier to start your own business than now. With platforms like Squarespace, YouTube, Etsy and WordPress, you can now live out that creative pipe dream you may have had for years. Whether it be blogging about your best food recommendations, sharing your passions through creative video editing or offering the rest of the world your unique embroidery pieces, the possibilities are endless. Of course, starting your own business is no easy feat and requires much effort and commitment with possibly not much reward, especially when starting out. But if you’re truly passionate and stick with it – you might just be surprised where it can take you.

Alternative Career Pathways after Graduating