For those of you set to graduate this year, ‘What’s next?’ is a pretty understandable query that may be nagging at you.

We hold the Curtin Careers Fair in March because it’s a much better time to start thinking about ‘what’s next’ than say…. November, during your final exams.

You don’t need all the answers now, but your time at uni is the perfect time to explore options and prepare yourself for whatever future you’re working towards. You can’t make a decision if you’re not at least aware of your options.

It’s fairly obvious, but there are essentially two places to look when thinking about your plans – in and out.

In – Get to Know Yourself

What do you enjoy? What do you value? What motivates you? What excites you? What are your strengths? What are your goals? Where do you want to be in the world?

Out – Understand Your Options

Who’s employing? Which employers echo your values? What skills are in demand? What are the entry level incomes? How do markets vary geographically? What experience level is expected?

Ideally, you need to narrow the gap between everything that is ‘you’ and the opportunities you identify… Remember, neither are necessarily fixed variables. For example, do you need to look at certain industries to meet the income you need? Or, do you need to work on your French so you can relocate?

The process of building your plan isn’t always simple and it’s fine if you don’t have the answers.

Over the coming week or so, we’ll be covering topics such as Grad Roles vs Grad Programs, Preparing for the Workplace, Starting Your Own Business and Working Abroad in addition to first hand advice from recruiters. You can also get started on your self discovery mission by completing ‘Who Am I?’ via Curtin Challenge.

If you want to chat it out with a Career Development Consultant, get in touch via careers@curtin.edu.au and of course, chat with employers at the Curtin Stadium event on 5 March or online via Discussion Boards.