After College What?

Maybe you want to get straight into the workplace and earn some cash. Or, are you perhaps anticipating a challenging academic stint on campus…

“So, what are you going to do after your graduation?”

Every well-meaning aunt uncle and friend will be bombarding you with this question (not to mention your concerned parents and their friends).

Relatives and friends aside, it does make sense to have some idea of where you’re headed before you leave college. By now you should have a fair idea of the kind of work you would like to do and the level of education or professional training you will need.

In today’s highly competitive job market it’s always a good idea to go in for further education, if possible. However, many students opt for further study if only to postpone facing the job hunt.

Either way, the decision to work or study is closely woven into your interests and the sort of future you want for yourself.

Ask yourself…

• Do I know the kind of work I want to do?
• How much do I know about the industry I want to find work in?
• How do people usually enter this industry?
• Do they start at entry-level and work their way up?
• Do they tend to have an apprenticeship, traineeship or university qualifications?

There are some industries where practical experience and initiative are more highly valued than formal education. Talk to people. Read up. Ask around.

If you want to go into a specific trade for example, you’ll need to do your homework earlier. Find out when apprentice or trainee-level positions are advertised and what age and educational qualifications are preferred. Apply for positions while you are still at college.

Remember, higher education means at least two years of further study. And the better professional courses can cost quite a packet.

However, if you can’t wait to join the workforce, start talking to people and applying for work early. Just chatting to people about your interests can often open doors. It’s amazing how the chacha-mama referrals still work in India! Use these to your advantage to get your foot in the door.

But what if you really, really don’t know what you want to do?

Consider a course in computing, business administration or mass communication. These courses provide skills that are highly ‘transferable’ which might give you time to ponder your special interests. Scanning jobsites on the web and appointment pages in your newspaper will also give you an idea of the range of jobs people do. You may even find a personality description that fits you exactly!

However, one thing is for sure: Whatever career path you follow, you will find that study and work are not mutually exclusive. If you are studying you can probably do some form of part-time work to fund your studies and gain some insights into the world of work. And if you are working, you’ll have to keep pace with the new developments in your field on a continuous basis. Upgrading your skills and mastering new techniques is the only way to keep afloat in today’s fast moving scenario.

Whatever you do, keep your options open. While your core interests would remain fairly consistent, your personality and your knowledge of the world will expand in time. With more awareness comes a whole new range of possibilities.

After CBSE

As for the ones who have given your Boards and can’t wait to spread your wings and zoom into college, a word of caution:

Education has become one BIG business today. Gullible students and their equally anxious parents are lured with fancy promises, glossy brochures, free laptops, foreign trips et al.

Make sure you thoroughly check out the credentials of the institution — before you commit your precious time and money.

Don’t forget to ask these questions: Who are the promoters? What is their background and track record? Are they outstanding achievers and eminent educationists who have carved a niche in the academic arena? Or are they just a bunch of street-smart businessmen looking to make a quick buck?

Make sure you do a thorough reality check by personally visiting the institution before you seek admission.

The MHRD and UGC have sought to reign in the indiscriminate proliferation of Deemed Universities and substandard institutions – both private as well as government. Make sure the Institution/University you’re applying to, is not amongst those black-listed.

Education is a major investment of time and money. And like any investment, make sure you ask the right questions and read the fine print.
Caveat Emptor!