You finally did it! After three hard years of work you got that degree. You completed all of the sleepless nights, Redbull fuelled assignments and dreaded group work…
Only to realise you don’t actually want to pursue your chosen subject. So now what?
In a society that makes you feel like your only option is to continue down the path you chose when you were 18, starting over can be daunting. But it’s also one of the most freeing times of your life.
You’re not bound to climbing the ranks in a corporate job, nor are you faced with the pressure of figuring out the next ten years of your life immediately.
So, in honour of your new found freedom, here are 7 things you can do after graduating with a degree you no longer want to use…
1). Humanitarianism
Have you always had a passion for humanitarianism but never known where to begin?
The United Nations offer a whole host of online courses on their website specifically for people who want to make a difference in the world but don’t know where to start. From their ‘The United Nations Of The World’ course, where you can learn about how the UN responds to crisis internationally to ‘The Changing Global Order’ where the strengths and limits of international organisations during violent conflict are explored, there’s a course for everybody. Some are even recognised by UNICEF as internationally accredited courses. Check out their selection here.
2). Conversion courses
Got another profession in mind but worried you don’t have the qualifications needed?
This course might just be for you. Designed for people with a bachelor’s degree who want to make the jump into another industry entirely, conversion courses roll three years of undergraduate learning into one catch up year instead. Switch to Law with an LLC, begin your journey in Psychology, Medicine, Nursing or for the full list of conversion course options, click here.
3). Travel
One of the most popular choices for people who don’t know what to do next is to travel!
The WWOOF programme offers the ability to travel abroad by living with a host family and helping out with their daily jobs. You’ll receive a free room and board during your stay and in exchange you’ll farm the land. For more information on this programme and how to apply, click here.
4). Apprenticeships
Is there a career you think you’d enjoy but you would like hands on experience before you commit?
An apprenticeship is perfect for you. Retrain and learn on the job with people in the industry and choose from sectors such as engineering, IT, design, hair and beauty, finance and many more. Browse through the full selection of apprenticeships here.
5). Online Courses
If you’d prefer to test out a few career options before you dive in to one, online courses are a great way to do that!
With platforms like Open University and Udermy, you can take introductory classes in almost any field and find the one that interests you. And the best part? They’re free and can be done from the comfort of your own home. Have a browse through the many courses available with Open University or look through Udermy’s great selection.
6). ‘Get Into’ Scheme
If you want to launch yourself into work now, why not give the Get Into scheme a go?
Set up by the Prince’s Trust, the scheme is designed to give you the skills, experience and opportunity you need to thrive in a chosen field. Pick between industries such as retail, hospitality and health and social care to get started and work with top businesses in the sector. Not only will they train you personally, they also provide help with writing a CV and interviewing techniques, with potential for a job at the end of the programme. The scheme also provides a mentor for six months after the training to help you plan your next steps.
Find out more here.
7). Teach English Abroad
Does getting paid to travel sound like the dream?
The British Council might be able to help make it a reality. Check out their English Language Assistants Programme, where you can travel to a destination of your choice and teach English abroad for up to a year. Choose between Austria, Hong Kong, Latin America and 11 other gorgeous locations. To learn more, click here.
Whether you’re retraining, travelling, beginning an apprenticeship or still figuring it out, we hope this article has shown you that the options out there are never ending; the sky’s the limit!
If you’re still unsure of what to do next, or would like to see even more options, be sure to keep an eye out for the rest of our ‘What’s Next?’ series.