So confused about whether to wait till next year or apply now

Basically I have no idea what I want to do with the rest of my life.

I'm currently in my final year of a BSc Geography degree, aiming and on track for a 1st, but will probably end up with a 2:1, because I'm finding 3rd year difficult. I also have good A-Level and GCSE results, as well as plenty of evidence that I have got involved at university, both undertaking voluntary and paid positions.

At first I was dead set on just finding a job, until I realised that NOW is the time to be applying for all these graduate schemes that keep popping up, and I simply don't feel like I have the energy or time to research and undertake tests to apply for jobs alongside my studies. I have found numerous positions that I would want to apply for, but I simply don't feel as though I have the time. I really just want a break for 6 months after I graduate.

I thought about doing a postgraduate course, but now I feel like I've had enough of education (for now anyway) and I just want to get out, get some experience and earn some money. Plus I have no idea where I would specialise in, whether it would actually benefit my career in the long run, or whether I even have the motivation to complete more independent study (which I have struggled with throughout university in terms of time management and prioritizing tasks).

Therefore I am seriously considering waiting until next autumn/winter (2014) to apply for graduate jobs/schemes, and for the time being concentrate on my studies, get my 1st, and undertake some conservation volunteering over the spring and summer after I graduate. I feel like this experience would benefit me as a person and enhance my career prospects.

What does everyone else think? Does this seems like a sensible option? I just want to come out of uni thinking that I really have put my best into 3rd year, and just concentrate on what I'm doing now, rather than worrying about the future.

Reply 1

Zoombini

Yes do exactly that, and wait. You sounds exactly like me last year. I was doing BA Geography, worrying about what to do next, all these dealines for grad schemes kept approaching and I was a bit scared because i didnt know what i wanted to do and felt like I should be appling for things in third year. I stopped worrying decided to focus on enjoying and doing well in 3rd year and then took a year out after uni. There's all the time in the world to decide what you want to do after uni once you've finished so worry about it then.

The dealines for grad schemes are now, but there will be lots of other graduate jobs advertised when they come up (the ones that are just entry level jobs and not structured grad schemes so dont feel like there will be no jobs to apply for once you've finished). Taking 6 months out sounds like a great idea (its what i did and after that i felt in the right frame of mind to start appling for jobs and deciding what i want to do).
Also doing a conservation programme may also help you think whether that may be something you're interested in going into.

Reply 2

InterviewAdvice

EX graduate recruiter here: It depends a bit how you sell it to an employer. You don't want it to look as though you lack drive or as though you can't multi-task and complete your degree at the same time like others are. It's great though that you have lots of experience extra-curricularly, so you can show you have managed conflicting demands that way. Just be careful how you refer to it at interview.

Reply 3

greenfly125

Original post by InterviewAdvice

This is the thing that I worried about. However during my first year I didn't do all that much outside my studies, and this has gradually increased with study, and now I do so much outside my studies, possibly showing that even with increasing workload, I can still increase my extra curricular activities and still hold positions of responsibility even though this is the year that counts the most.

During interviews if this comes up, I'm happy to say that I didn't apply during my third year because I wanted to gain more work experience after I had graduated, and get a feel of what I wanted to go into was right before leaping into roles that I wasn't sure of.

Reply 4

InterviewAdvice

What are you doing outside your studies? Are you able to show leadership, team-skills etc through that, or is it a society or something you attend?

Reply 5

greenfly125

Original post by InterviewAdvice

What are you doing outside your studies? Are you able to show leadership, team-skills etc through that, or is it a society or something you attend?

I have a paid role within the marketing and communications department at my university (about 4 hours a week), and as a student ambassador undertake clerical work and work on open days. Voluntary positions are that I am on student academic committee who voice student opinions to my academic school. I'm expecting to accept the chair position for this as I am a senior figure within this committee. That involves more heavy involvement in the running of meetings and organising people.

Most of this has come to fruition since I began 3rd year. My roles have shown I have skills such as team-work, leadership, organisation, etc.

Reply 6

Smack

Volunteer Team

Original post by greenfly125

What does everyone else think? Does this seems like a sensible option? I just want to come out of uni thinking that I really have put my best into 3rd year, and just concentrate on what I'm doing now, rather than worrying about the future.

Seems sensible to me. Doing so won't reduce your career prospects and final year is definitely stressful as it is without having to worry about getting a job as well.

Having a break after graduation is undoubtedly a good thing, as it means you'll go into your new job with a fresh mind and eager to learn new things. Some people on my course started their grad schemes almost right after we finished our final exams and they felt ... tired. If you're going to do something worthwhile then a break is definitely worth it.

Reply 7

Le Nombre

If you want it take it. Unless you're considering a sector that's known to recruit a long way in advance, eg. law or banking, then I don't see any issue with taking a break after uni.

I know people who started off the bat and they said it's pretty knackering.