What Do I Do After University?

By DARYLL TAN

Life after University can be daunting yet exciting. It’s a time to consolidate all your years and finally explore the world in a new light.

Take intentional time to ponder the past, the present and the possibilities ahead.

You’ve finally earned your degree; this is thrilling! But as many may argue, this certificate is just a piece of paper.

What counts are the years of experience in University and the person you become after graduation.

A degree certificate, generally, qualifies you for a job of choice. But it does not reflect who you really are or can become.

Life is simple. We tend to make it complex.

So, as a University graduate, take time to enjoy life. Make life your life-long “University”.

Explore, stay focused, stretch your opportunities and expand your talents. Most importantly, be open to growth and always nurturing your character.

This is one of your best seasons in life. Here are five things you can immediately do after University.

1) Explore

Take this chance to discover your purest passions, the world, relationships, faith, and career opportunities.

Don’t be lazy, get out there and discover life and its many offerings.

This is your greatest season to be responsible of your growth, especially in your experience and mindset. Breathe in new cultures, societies, politics, science of things; basically anything that make the world go round.

However, while exploring, remember to keep your principles in check.

Your moral compass will allow you to view life and the world in a deeper manner.

As Apostle Paul says: “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful/expedient.”

2) Set goals in life

Don’t leave life to chance. There is a fine line between those who truly take life seriously and those who just don’t care about life at all.

If you want to be victorious, make an impact (in any area), be relevant and competent, you will need to set a favourable amount of goals in life.

Set S.M.A.R.T goals. Specific. Measurable. Attainable. Relevant. Time-bound.

Aim just that tad bit higher. Be intentional in your goal setting so that you are clear of your plans.

Don’t shoot a blind arrow and hope to hit a bullseye!

3) Take calculated risks and try things

Do your due diligence and take risks, with all your might.

You will never experience everything in life, but you have the opportunity to create something that means everything to you.

Be observant, keep a look out for opportunities. Look at problems in a positive way and find solutions for them.

There are many things around you that could use some improvement.

You can be that person to try it out; who knows, you may be a change maker. “Better an oops than a what if”.

4) Find a mentor

A mentor can be confusing to many. The idea is that qualified mentors are like gold mines.

They have years of experience in life and/or in their given vertical (i.e. business, finance, spiritual, general life).

As you explore life, be humble and allow others to guide you in your life, to advise you.

It is paramount that you have a cornerstone to be a point of reference in your life.

A mentor is not a person that takes over the wheel of your life, but rather to direct/suggest your path. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

The mentor will still journey with you, to pick you up when things go south and to celebrate with you in momentous occasions.

These mentors are the pillars to your structure. Choose them wisely.

5) Have fun, Chill!

More often than not, we tend to view life as a super complex and difficult chore.

Life itself is bigger than all of us; while you’re at it, make the best of it and have fun!

Having fun in life can be a natural antidote to all our problems.

As long as you find the sparks of joy in-between every challenge that life throws at you, your mindset will change to accommodate.

Life is too short to be overly rigid. Do all things with enjoyment, including work.

Find fulfilment in the fruit of your labour; don’t feel bad.

BONUS: BE CONTENTED YET AMBITIOUS

Challenges in life are unavoidable but necessary for your growth.

As a young graduate stepping out into a brand new chapter of life, remember to always be grateful that your challenges will eventually lead to you learning a valuable lesson.

Be contented that you are able to progress into your next phase of life; advancing towards a better future.

While it is important to remain contented, never miss out on being ambitious.

Being ambitious gives you an extra boost towards fulfilling your purpose in life.

Be contented with your current state; be ambitious for a better future.

Go the extra mile and find fulfilment and purpose in life and at work.