Masters student Emily gives us some advice on how to not panic.....
Preparing for life after graduation takes thought and planning. If you’re like me you have a vague idea of the sort of career that might interest you, but without having experienced it you can never be sure.
Last year – my final year of undergraduate – I decided not to apply to graduate schemes and instead focus on getting the best marks I could. My intention was to start applying for jobs in April or May, just before I finished university, and that would be that. Then coronavirus hit and somewhat scuppered my plans. Whilst I had considered returning to Bath for an MSc on a number of occasions, the events of the last few months cemented the idea, so now I’m back for my fifth year.
Some people might scoff at the idea of a ‘panic masters’ but everyone is different, and there’s no right or wrong reason to pursue further study. If you’re considering it – whether at Bath or elsewhere – don’t feel like you have to make a decision now. Many late applicants I have spoken to were worried about finding housing in Bath so late in the day, but nobody had any trouble. In fact, one of my friends secured their house just a week before they moved in!
This year I feel much more prepared to hit the ground running, having spent the back end of the summer researching and collating a list of the graduate schemes I intend to apply for. My placement was in marketing but I’m considering a broad range of roles that match my skills and experience, from consulting to communications. Balancing the demands of my masters with job applications hasn’t been easy but focusing on quality over quantity of applications has stopped me rushing the process. MyFuture has been an invaluable resource, not just for finding opportunities but everything from advice on psychometric testing to using social media for job hunting. Definitely check it out if you haven’t already.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to approach your next steps, just make the most of the support provided by the university and ask for help if you need it.
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