Career Tips for Young Adults Leaving Higher Education or College

Preparing to leave higher education or college can be a daunting and uncertain time for young adults who're often bombarded with advice from education professionals, care givers and peer groups.

After spending much of your life in environments where decisions have largely been made for you, you're finally free to stand on your own two feet and consider the different options independently.

Deciding whether to enter the world of work or continue your education needs careful thought, however.

Boost Your Skill Set

If you're looking to explore your job options, you could consider taking various skill-boosting courses, which will make your CV look attractive and make you stand out to employers. You can find multiple courses available for post-graduates and leavers, from health and safety to developing your employment and personal skills. You can even find career-specific courses; for instance, suppose that you're looking to become an electrician. Find a complete breakdown of the job description and what qualifications you'll need to become one over on Skills Training Group's website, plus many more skill-boosting courses to make you look attractive to potential employers.

Do a Masters Degree

Suppose you feel that you're not a hundred percent ready to leave higher education yet. In that case, you could consider staying at university or applying to one after college and completing a master's degree. Look at different universities online, and register for open days, so that you can get a better feel of the environment, meet tutors and potential classmates and get an insight into what your chosen course will be like. Suppose that you've just left university and don't fancy staying there? You could always apply to do your master's degree elsewhere, explore different locations and meet new friends.

Consider an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships can bridge the gap between further education and employment, offering you the opportunity to acquire new skills and qualifications, whilst earning. Several industry sectors, including the built environment offer paid apprenticeship schemes in areas as diverse as business administration, construction, catering and hospitality, and facilities management.

Start Job Hunting

Suppose you have an understanding of which employment sector you're looking to enter. In that case, you could try looking on relevant job websites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, local publications, and by asking people you know. Admittedly, it can be difficult for young adults fresh out of higher education to find work immediately. Still, you can always bolster your chances of being recognised by employers. Try various tactics such as hiring a job coach or talking to your college/universities career team, volunteering at your local charity store, or completing extra-curricular activities to increase your employability.

Become Self-Employed

Regardless of whether you have a side hustle or you're struggling to find a post-graduate job, you could consider developing your side business and becoming self-employed. You could do this by retailing your products through online market places, such as Etsy or Depop, or using social media and spreading word-of-mouth through your friends and family members. Profiting off your small business allows you to source a manageable income while looking for graduate-level jobs, and you always have the option of developing it into a business in the future if popularity increases.