What Do You Want To Do?

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Some people who go straight into the job market without going onto university education maintain a lifelong belief that the majority of those who take a degree are in some way 'putting of' the decision of what they are going to do with the rest of their lives.

The sad fact is that in some cases this is often true, usually not exactly by design but more as a consequence of the dog eat dog employment market that graduates of the post-financial collapse find themselves looking at these days.

For those whose studies are job specific, there is the consolation that the learning years have been directly focused on an eventual outcome. For the others, the reality of finding themselves qualified to degree level in subjects they love but which a restricted job market is not particularly pleasing.

Internships

The very fact that 'internships' are now an established factor in the UK is a sad indictment of the way that trends from the USA always find their way into the cultural landscape of the UK. Being expected to do a job for essentially no pay with the vague promise of 'gaining experience' isn't something someone who has spent years studying should expect to encounter. Yet, in today’s world it is often necessary.

Whilst it may not be ideal or the situation you signed up for when accepting that student loan, it is necessary if you want to succeed in a diverse and dynamic workplace. After all, what use is knowledge if you’re unable to put it into practice?

Know what you want

Ultimately, the question that anyone who has graduated should ask themselves is "what do I WANT to do?" and everything should flow on naturally from that point. Winston Churchill had a way with words and, borrowing one of his brilliant phrases: "when you find a job you love, you’ll never work again."

The truth of this is self evident. Many people enjoy a sport as a hobby, but a sizeable number manage to make it into a lifelong career too. I don't mean high profile world record beating athletes but the local tennis coach or golfing professional who teaches others how to enjoy their sport.

Today, post banking crash, the whole financial system isn't exactly held in high regard, but what if you love the kind of work involved in investment banking jobs? Many people might look upon gardening as menial work but for those who have a love of the ways of nature there are plenty of perks – and the same can be said for working in finance.

Ultimately, a person can only be happy if they listen to their heart and follow their own path.

So, what do YOU want to do?