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Posted Feb. 18, 2015
Postgrad Careers: When it Doesn't Work Out
We all have high hopes when first entering into university. In most cases, our dreams can become a reality in only a few short years. However, it is no secret that the world is far from perfect. Many postgraduate students has learned this the hard way. Your career may not be what you had imagined. Perhaps the postgraduate course is much more challenging than you expected. Or, you could find that the perceived wages offered do not provide a sustainable quality of life. Or, your chosen field may be contracting and finding a future position is all but impossible. Unfortunately, these scenarios can and do take place. What are you to do in these and other instances? Whether you believe it, the world has not come to an end. In some cases, it has only just begun. Let's look at some great advice to deal with these unpredictable times.
Putting things in perspective First, remember that Rome was not built in a day. There is a fallacy that your chosen studies will always be rewarding and fulfilling. Many postgraduates are under this misconception and in truth, some universities actually use this notion as a selling point to attract students. Keep calm and assess your situation. It is more than likely that you may have not experienced all that your career path has to offer. Take a slight breather and regroup. If you put yourself under too much pressure, sound decisions can never be made.
Remember your contacts Never forget that your university contacts can come in quite handy under these circumstances. This is particularly relevant to those who are in your chosen field of expertise. Speak with these individuals and see if they are going through the same trials and tribulations. Do they have any advice for you? Meeting a few of these contacts for a simple cup of coffee can provide you with valuable insight that you may not be able to obtain on your own. Also, such contacts are excellent at opening up new doors and job opportunities.
Reassessing your skills There is much thought given to developing your skills when you are in university. In truth, there is no reason that this learning curve has to end here. There are countless successful professionals who learned that they were better suited for a specific role only after entering into the job market. In this case, why not take a few additional courses on a part-time basis to further hone your talent? This serves two purposes. First, you will be able to further qualify yourself for a specific position. Secondly, you will be given the "breathing room" during this process to further reassess exactly what it is that you want to do.
Speak with your professors Professors are resources that can be used after you graduate. As they have a great deal of experience within their field, it is likely that they can give you valuable insight regarding your current situation. They may have even been there themselves at one time or another. Age breeds wisdom in this case. Also, they will be able to put things into perspective for you and perhaps even provide you with insight that would not have otherwise been possible.
Consider studying abroad There are countless examples of postgraduate students broadening their horizons due to feelings of stagnation or frustration. This is actually an excellent way to increase your skill set while experiencing more of what the world has to offer. Should you find that a university degree programme is lacking in some way or the domestic job market is expected to contract upon your eventual graduation, taking the international leap can be one of the best solutions possible. With such a dramatic change, it is always best to consult with your parents, peers and professors before making a final decision. Still, studying abroad is an option that should never be overlooked.
There are literally thousands of students who will doubt their chosen career path at one time or another. This can occur while in university or after entering into the world. The main point to keep in mind is that there are always possibilities. The world is indeed a very big place and the decisions that you make today will have a definite impact upon your life tomorrow.
Putting things in perspective First, remember that Rome was not built in a day. There is a fallacy that your chosen studies will always be rewarding and fulfilling. Many postgraduates are under this misconception and in truth, some universities actually use this notion as a selling point to attract students. Keep calm and assess your situation. It is more than likely that you may have not experienced all that your career path has to offer. Take a slight breather and regroup. If you put yourself under too much pressure, sound decisions can never be made.
Remember your contacts Never forget that your university contacts can come in quite handy under these circumstances. This is particularly relevant to those who are in your chosen field of expertise. Speak with these individuals and see if they are going through the same trials and tribulations. Do they have any advice for you? Meeting a few of these contacts for a simple cup of coffee can provide you with valuable insight that you may not be able to obtain on your own. Also, such contacts are excellent at opening up new doors and job opportunities.
Reassessing your skills There is much thought given to developing your skills when you are in university. In truth, there is no reason that this learning curve has to end here. There are countless successful professionals who learned that they were better suited for a specific role only after entering into the job market. In this case, why not take a few additional courses on a part-time basis to further hone your talent? This serves two purposes. First, you will be able to further qualify yourself for a specific position. Secondly, you will be given the "breathing room" during this process to further reassess exactly what it is that you want to do.
Speak with your professors Professors are resources that can be used after you graduate. As they have a great deal of experience within their field, it is likely that they can give you valuable insight regarding your current situation. They may have even been there themselves at one time or another. Age breeds wisdom in this case. Also, they will be able to put things into perspective for you and perhaps even provide you with insight that would not have otherwise been possible.
Consider studying abroad There are countless examples of postgraduate students broadening their horizons due to feelings of stagnation or frustration. This is actually an excellent way to increase your skill set while experiencing more of what the world has to offer. Should you find that a university degree programme is lacking in some way or the domestic job market is expected to contract upon your eventual graduation, taking the international leap can be one of the best solutions possible. With such a dramatic change, it is always best to consult with your parents, peers and professors before making a final decision. Still, studying abroad is an option that should never be overlooked.
There are literally thousands of students who will doubt their chosen career path at one time or another. This can occur while in university or after entering into the world. The main point to keep in mind is that there are always possibilities. The world is indeed a very big place and the decisions that you make today will have a definite impact upon your life tomorrow.
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