Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Top Tips for Life after University
Moneymagpie Team
8th Aug 2024
Congratulations! You have completed your degree and made it to the end of university. Although these are said to be the best years of your life, what you do next is equally as exciting.
Life after uni can seem a bit scary and unknown as you work your way into your dream job and start growing as an adult. Here are some tips to help you navigate it and make the most of your newfound skills.
- Build a strong professional network
- Create a financial plan
- Enhance your skillset
- Find the right work-life balance
- Set personal goals
Build a strong professional network
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that you will land your dream job the second after you throw your black cap in the air. Although this can happen, most graduates find themselves in different industries whilst they continue their job search.
Take the time you have to build a professional network. This could be by mingling at industry events, attending job fairs and even connecting to people on LinkedIn with a quick message. This will help you stand out and increase your chances of landing a role you want.
Create a financial plan
Personal financial planning is a skill that is invaluable. Keep track of your spending against your income and make sure you have some spare cash at the end of the month.
If your credit score is a little ropey, choose a credit card that can help you build it back up. Showing you are responsible by making repayments on time can be a big green flag to lenders.
Enhance your skillset
The job market is incredibly tough for job seekers at the moment. If you aren’t in your ideal industry yet, utilise your spare time well.
There are so many free courses that you can take to upskill yourself, as well as paid courses that are solely online. By showing your commitment to learning, you are making yourself more attractive to prospective employers.
Find the right work-life balance
A full-time job can be quite a shock when you compare it to the schedule you had at university. You might be tempted to prove yourself and work all hours of the day to impress your new colleagues. Whilst this is admirable, you are opening yourself up to burnout.
Try to keep work within your contracted hours. Sometimes there may be exceptions, but keeping evenings and weekends free for a social life and to relax is imperative for your mental and physical health.
Set personal goals
Life after university can feel muddled and confusing, so it is important to get some clarity. You could begin by setting both personal and professional goals.
It could be something like being able to run 10K or being promoted within a certain timeframe. By having things to work towards, you can keep focused and apply your skills.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.
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