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Start with you
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Before diving into job titles and sectors, take time to reflect on who you are and what matters to you. Consider:
- What do I enjoy doing?
- What am I good at?
- What values are important to me in a workplace?
- Where do I want to live and work?
- Do I want to pursue further study, start working, travel, or try something else?
Understanding yourself can help guide your choices. You might find it helpful to book a 1:1 appointment with a Careers Adviser via MyCareerHub to talk things through.
Our mini course on Developing Career Plans introduces you to a wide range of tools that can be helpful at every stage of the career planning journey, whether you have a set career path in mind or are just starting to think about your options.
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Explore your options
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Your degree opens up more opportunities than you might think. You don’t have to work in a field directly related to your subject—many employers value the skills you’ve developed, regardless of discipline.
Here are just a few directions you might consider:
- Graduate Jobs: Many graduate roles are open to students from any discipline. Employers often look for transferable skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
- Further Study: Postgraduate courses can help you specialise or qualify for certain professions.
- Work Experience: Internships, volunteering and part-time jobs can all help you gain experience, try out sectors, and build your CV.
- Self-Employment: Do you have a business idea or freelance skill? Enterprise can be an exciting path for some graduates.
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Generating career ideas
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Not sure what kinds of roles are out there, or which ones might suit you? Start by exploring what's out there using a few helpful tools:
Use Career Matching Tools
The Prospects Career Planner generates ideas based on your skills, interests and motivations.
Browse by Sector or Degree Subject
Learn more about different job areas and how your degree fits into them:
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Research your career ideas
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Once you have identified some roles or sectors that interest you, the next step is to learn more about them. Research helps you make informed decisions, tailor your applications, and feel more confident about your choices.
Here are some ways to explore career paths in more depth:
Read Job Profiles
Understand typical responsibilities, required skills, salary expectations, and entry routes:
Watch Career Stories
Hearing directly from professionals can give you a realistic sense of different careers.
- ICould Videos: Watch short video interviews with people talking about their jobs.
- Graduate Stories: Read what life science graduates from the University of Aberdeen are doing now.
Use LinkedIn for Insights
- Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool lets you search by subject, job title or location to see what Aberdeen graduates are doing now.
- You can also follow employers and professionals in your area of interest.
Speak to people
Talking to someone in the job you are considering can be one of the most useful ways to gain insight.
- Attend careers events and fairs to speak with employers directly.
- Use LinkedIn or university alumni networks to connect with people in your chosen field.
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Take action
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Once you have explored your options and done some research, the next step is to gain experience and begin applying. Here’s how you can move forward:
- Book a 1:1 appointment: Chat to a Careers Adviser to discuss your options. There are various ways you can interact with our team.
- Attend events and fairs: Keep an eye on our events calendar for employer presentations, skills sessions, and career fairs.
- Get experience: Volunteering, internships, and part-time jobs all build your CV and help you try things out. Learn more about jobs and work experience and find opportunities through MyCareerHub.
- Update Your CV: Tailor your CV to match the roles and industries you are interested in. Visit our CV advice page for tips and examples.
