I’m sure we finalists distinctly remember our first week; moving in, awkward encounters, first lectures; it feels as if it was only yesterday but simultaneously an eternity away. We’ve constantly evolved as individuals and that moment when your finalist self looks back at your fresher self, you truly acknowledge just how many changes you’ve experienced. Inevitably, these personal changes have affected your career goals, shaking them up slightly, entirely or not at all. Here are some categories which represent common first to final year career aim transitions.
The ones who have it figured out
Usually Economics, Law, Maths or Medicine students. They’re doing degrees that set you up for a particular career. You’re one of them if you’ve spent Christmas applying for specific summer internships whilst everyone else rush applies in Easter with no set aims. Sometimes, Arts students who come in with a career aim and after much confusion come full circle. These guys could write a book detailing their experience in the field of their choice and leave ready to pursue their ambition.
They’ve also secured post-graduation jobs or internships.
The ones who come out more confused than they came in
This unlucky lot have come in with a sense of direction but everything has turned on its head. They’re ridiculously indecisive and have gone from wanting to be journalists to lawyers to vets and have gained little bits of experience in most fields of interest but nothing is much clearer.
Their career choices are heavily dependent on their personal values, which are constantly changing. These types want their careers to act as a means to provide them with what they want out of life itself. They’ve realised that that not everyone has that one thing they’re meant to do leaving ten doors open instead of one, all of which they are equally passionate about.
The indecisive group who have it pretty much decided
These guys fit the confused category, but from the small amounts of experience gained in each field, one path has taken precedence. Chances are they’re rushing to fill their final year with as much experience in that field as humanly possible to be CV ready!
Those who haven’t even begun to think about what they’ll do after
These students fit the confused category. They’ve jumped from idea to idea but haven’t gained experience in these potential fields of interest. They are focused primarily on their studies and will gain experience post-graduation.
It’s important to remember that most of us are only 21; there’s no rush. If you have financial security (meaning a home to return to) there’s no harm in securing that 2.1/1st before securing work experience placements, when you truly are in a position to give your all.
Career stress included, final year is known for difficulty with good reason. Whilst studying becomes harder, following countless years of education, you must study hardest. Whilst socialising must be reduced, you learn to appreciate your friends more than ever; it’s your last year together. The pressure increases but by now you’ll have nailed university life, or at least as best as you ever will. You’ll feel unsettled when it’s time to leave but that’s beneficial when you acknowledge that growth and achievement occurs only outside of comfort zones.
Do you have any tips on how to have finalist fun, and what it’s really like? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo: Flazingo Photos / Flickr
Leave a Reply