Careers Service

... I don't know what I want to do

You don't need to know what you want to do to take some really useful first steps in your career, including getting a good job. The big secret is that many people don't know what they want to do until they've had a go at a few different jobs.

• What careers are right for me? Some practical ways to get started on your career, even if you haven't decided what that career should be.

... I really need to focus on getting a good degree right now?

Well, if it's the week before your finals, you know where your priorities lie. Otherwise, just getting ahead of the competition by a couple of weeks could make all the difference to your chances of landing a good job soon after you graduate. You can also take a few shortcuts:

• If you're short on time, choose fewer jobs and make good tailored applications, rather than sending out the same application to lots of jobs (that rarely works).
• Talking to an employer at an event can take less time than researching that employer on the internet and give you better inside information for an application.

... I want to take time out or go travelling?

• Try to set yourself some concrete goals and make some firm plans - "taking time out" can easily turn into months of just stacking shelves.
• Get as much help as you can before you graduate. As a student, you have easy access to support and events to help you decide what you want and to find a job. When you graduate, these are harder to access, or may no longer be available to you.
• If you're planning to go travelling, plan your return. What new experiences will you be able to talk about? Will you get back just after recruiters have filled their jobs or courses for another year? Can you apply for jobs online, wherever you are in the world?

... I don't want a boss - I want to work for myself?

Use your final year to pick up as much advice, support and as many contacts as you can. Talk to other entrepreneurs. Find a mentor. Learn as much about business and finance as you can.

Not sure whether you're ready yet or you have significant gaps in skills, knowledge, experience - or funding? One strategic solution is to find a job for a year or two with the right training, potential or salary to help you plug those gaps - then go for self-employment.