You’ve Completed University! Now What?

Five things to consider after graduation.

You did it! You’ve completed your university degree! It feels pretty good, doesn’t it? You should definitely feel proud of all you have achieved. But you might also be wondering…. what’s next?

You might have a job lined up already, which is great! If you don’t, or if you’re not sure what your next step is, here are some things to consider.

Think about where you want to work

When you think about where you want to work, don’t only think about the company or industry you want to work in. Think about the city or country as well. Would you like to stay in Canada, or would you like to move back home? Or maybe you’re considering moving to a different country? Talking with your family and friends can help and be sure to be honest with yourself about where you really want to live.

If you do plan to stay in Canada to work after graduation, be sure to review the requirements for a post-graduation work permit to ensure you’re eligible.

Begin (or continue) your job search

This may seem obvious, but searching for your dream job can feel daunting. If you’re not sure where to start, check with the career services offered at your university. They will have great advice on your next steps.

And at Wilfrid Laurier University, our career services are available to you for life. No matter where you are in your career, we are here to help you!

Consider further education

Sometimes getting a graduate degree or professional certification is just the thing you need to reach your academic and career goals. You could even work for a few years before returning to university for a graduate degree that will help you reach the next level of your career.

At Laurier, there are over 50 graduate programs available in business, science, arts, and more.

Seek out networking opportunities

Networking is a great way to meet new people and discover new opportunities that you may not have known about. It’s also a good thing to do whether you have a job, are looking for a job or are considering further education.

Check with your university’s alumni association to see what options exist for networking. At Laurier, you can get involved with Ten Thousand Coffees, a networking and mentorship platform where you can connect with Laurier alumni to build professional connections and share ideas.

Feel proud of yourself

Whatever you choose to do after graduation, make sure to feel proud of your hard work and all you have accomplished. University is a challenging and rewarding experience, and earning your university degree is a great achievement. It’s something worth celebrating!