Started second year and feeling lost? Let Me Help!

By Eliana M

Ahh.. Second year of university.

If you’re studying a course that gives you a wide range of career options like mine (I study Medical Science) it can be quite daunting to figure out what you want to do post-graduation.

Although I am planning on studying Medicine after I graduate, I also wanted to make sure that I can pursue another career path if I do not get in the first time. Therefore, I have been spending my second year of university preparing for my Plan A application and ensuring my Plan B is secured.

I am writing this blog post as I navigate second year myself, to give you some insight as to what you could be doing to ensure your future after you graduate aligns with your long-term goals.

Tip 1 - Always have a plan.

It is quite the romance to have one and only dream- I can relate to that!. However, I also am a strong believer that, for the most part, rejection is indeed redirection. 

It is good to have a plan B in place in case things do not go the way you wanted with plan A. Furthermore, plan B may even lead you to places you never imagined!

I strongly encourage every student to do their own research regarding career options with their degree, and the website Prospects UK is a great one for this.

Remember that your degree is not the only thing necessary to land a job. Work experience is also a big factor as to how employers perceive you – which leads me to my second point…

Tip 2 – Networking will be your best friend.

If you do not have a plan, do not panic! It is normal not to know what to do. I still haven’t figured out my plan B either! The only thing I know is that networking, meeting the right people at the right time has been a lifesaver! This can be done through attending events, doing internships, engaging on professional platforms such as LinkedIn or even Instagram!

How networking has led me to meeting the Chelmsford MP!

Universities will have platforms (ARU offers Handshake) which promote events and work experience opportunities that are the perfect for networking. Furthermore, your university’s Employability Service may offer programmes which guide you throughout your journey – ARU offers Career Mentors, which I have heard to be very useful! [Edit: Founder Chloe was on the programme which was a very enriching and worthwhile experience!]

Finally, if you have a part-time job (which I believe almost every student does), I strongly recommend that you seek out career enhancing opportunities within your workplace – for example, mine offers a First Aid course which I plan on undertaking!

Ultimately...

Be curious and start now! Allowing yourself to engage in curiosity will open multiple doors you don’t know exist. I don’t know where all these new experiences will take me, but I can only hope it is for something good – for instance, you are reading this post!