What are you doing when you graduate?

Here are the 3 most common scenarios facing those about to graduate:

I’m looking for work

Your first step should be to register for the Graduating Students Employment Service (GSES). From there you can get access to On-Campus Recruitment (including job postings and information sessions), and numerous special events. Be sure to sign up early – some employers conduct their recruiting as early as September!

Use the GSES, and other Career Centre services, and by the end of your final year you should be well prepared for the job market. Below is a list of the most important things to do. Remember, any effort you put in will make for a smoother transition when you graduate!

I’m considering continuing my education

If you have decided to go to professional or graduate school, you will need to start early – many applications are due in the fall the year before you plan to attend, with grant and scholarship applications (often needed to ensure guaranteed funding) as early as October! The Career Centre has numerous services and special events to help, including the Graduate & Professional Schools Fair in the fall, as well as several sessions on applying to professional programs at U of T. Check out the Calendar of Events for details. For more help with the application process, read the Getting More Education guide.

Still not sure if more education is for you?

Given the cost of additional education in terms of time, energy and money, decisions about whether or not to pursue further studies are a serious matter. Here are some common reasons influencing decisions to pursue further studies:

• It is a requirement for the career area I wish to pursue
• I love learning and want to continue doing more of it
• I need to develop specialized skills that my degree program did not teach
• It will give me something to do since if I haven’t figured out as yet what career I want to pursue.
• Employers are not hiring and further education will give me an edge

A few minutes with an experienced career counsellor will help to address if you are on the right track with your decision – whatever your rationale! You can also read more about this topic in our Getting More Education guide.

I don’t really know what to do next!

You are not alone! MANY students find themselves in their graduating year not really knowing what career they want to pursue when they graduate. In a recent survey, 45% of student participants indicated that they didn’t know what career they wanted to pursue. So if by the time you are ready to graduate you’re still undecided, you need not panic.

The most important first step is to think about YOU and what you’re all about. To get started here are some key questions to ponder:

• What activities do I really like to do? (Performing, writing, analyzing, debating, etc.)
• What careers have I seen other people doing that I’d like to do myself?
• If I could design my own career, what would it look like?
• What makes me hesitate about making a career choice? What do I think will happen?
• What do I want to accomplish with my life?
• Do I really want a career? Why or why not?

For more advice and services check out the Choosing a Career guide or book an appointment with a career counsellor for help working through a plan.

What about AFTER I graduate?

You can continue to use the Career Centre services for up to 2 years after you graduate by registering with the Recent Graduates Employment Service (RGES). In addition to all of our regular services you will also get access to additional job postings for full-time immediate employment and special events and services just for recent grads. You can register for RGES beginning in March of your final year.