What’s next? Life after graduation
A time that once felt far away has suddenly arrived. The essays, exams and deadlines that once felt all-consuming are finally behind you. All that’s left to do is cross the stage and be released from the security of full-time education in St Andrews. So… what’s next?
For some, a corporate graduate scheme is a natural step after a string of summer internships and extracurricular programmes. For others, the path ahead feels fuzzy, uncertain, or completely blank.
Either way, the post-university summer can be unsettling. Technically, it’s a break that you’ve truly earned, as you’re likely so often told, yet properly relaxing and reflecting with pride can come more easily to some than others. You have left something behind, and a chapter has closed, perhaps before you have quite figured out the next one.
Wherever you’re at with graduation – you’re not alone.
Having something lined up 🌱
Whether it’s further education or a new job, having your next steps in place can feel like a huge relief. Well done on securing your next opportunity! It might mark the start of a long and fulfilling career or it might just be an experiment in a certain field. Either way, it’s exciting.
It’s easy to see the time between graduation and employment as a kind of limbo. But try to reframe it. This is your moment for curiosity and rest. Explore your interests, pick up your hobbies, and enjoy the lie-ins (guilt free).
Unsure of what’s next 🌀
If you don’t have a plan; no job offers, no pending applications, no real idea what comes next… that’s okay. It can feel like everyone else is racing ahead, but they’re not.
You’re not late, because there’s nothing to be late for.
Being in between things is scary but it’s also powerful. It’s where all possibilities lie. You get to reimagine what you want the next stage of your life to look like.
Give yourself permission to pause. You’ve likely spent most of your life in full-time education, so it’s only natural to need time to figure things out beyond it. Start reading around your interests, reach out to people in careers you’re curious about, try volunteering, travelling, or applying for part-time work.
There’s no “right” job to get after graduation. What matters is simply taking the next step.
Moving forward 🎓
Graduation is a milestone, not a finish line. However things look right now, this summer can be a space for discovery, rest, and steps forward. Whether you’re heading into your dream role or still finding your feet, trust that you’re on your way. Remember, you can still access support and resources from the Careers Centre even after graduation.
You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just keep going. You’ve got this. 💙