It’s completely normal to feel anxious about career planning or future job prospects. We’re here to help!
We understand the importance of seeking support and know that everyone’s needs are different. We’re here to help you navigate a sometimes daunting path, and help you build confidence in your own decision-making.
Sometimes just talking through your worries can be useful but we can also recommend some practical tips and suggest some next steps, which can make all the difference.
First things first – feeling anxious at times is perfectly normal! For many students and graduates, there can be a feeling of being lost. If you are finding things hard at university, whether it’s with your studies, personal circumstances or anything else, you can book an appointment with a Wellbeing Adviser to work out a way forward. This is free and open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Below are some common concerns we encounter that can create career anxiety and helpful strategies to overcome them.
‘My friends all have a plan and I have no idea!’
Many students express feelings of inadequacy when they compare themselves to their peers. Conversations with others who have secured graduate positions or who describe a detailed five-year plan can intensify these feelings of falling behind.
Being proactive can help. Online reading can help trigger ideas, and starting your process of exploration can help create a feeling of control.
As a first step, you could take a look at Careers Service resources on exploring career options.
Early career exploration does not need to be rushed. You are more likely to settle on something that is a good fit for you if you take the time to reflect on your priorities and do some research. Managing your expectations and setting small goals can be helpful.
‘I must make the perfect, ‘forever’ choice’
There can be pressure for graduates to be in their ‘forever’ jobs a few months after graduation. This is not the case for many, and it is perfectly normal to try out some different jobs initially.
The world of work is constantly changing. These days, career paths tend to meander rather than follow a straight line from A to B. Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis describe the changing shape of work in their best-selling book, The Squiggly Career (available to loan from the Careers Service at 5 Tyndall Avenue), and TEDx Talk on why squiggly careers are better for everyone.
Varied experiences can be enriching as they can allow you to develop different skills and a better understanding of what you enjoy at work. Your circumstances, values, or priorities may change over time. Therefore, it might actually be unhelpful to be too rigid in your career decision-making, and it is OK to change your ideas or direction.
“What if I make the wrong decision?”
Many students are concerned that they might make the wrong decision. Decision-making can be difficult because it involves risk.
People make decisions in different ways. Consider how you have made decisions in the past, and whether you could adopt a similar approach to decision-making for your career. For example, when choosing a university and degree to study, did you have a list of “must haves” and “nice to haves” when comparing your options? Did you go with gut feeling? Did your circumstances influence your decision? Did you write out a pros and cons list? See further advice on making choices and taking action to support your decision making.
Perhaps you are struggling to decide because you have questions or concerns about some of the options you are considering. It can help to identify the questions you have. This will allow you to make a plan for gathering relevant insights, which may then help you make an informed decision.
Use researching sectors and employers resource to support this. Talking through your decision with a careers adviser can help.
‘I should do what my family/friends expect’
Managing others’ expectations can be challenging. Sometimes it can feel like other people are putting pressure on you to know what to do. Or people might make assumptions about what you should or will do. It’s natural for others to want to give advice or support but ultimately, it’s your life, and your choice. It’s important for you to take the time and space you need to discover what you want to do.
Being proactive in the process of your career planning will reassure others as well as yourself..
‘I have no relevant experience’
You may feel like you don’t have enough experience to get the ‘right experience’, which can feel frustrating. However, it’s rare that a university student will lack any relevant experience for a role.
Have you reflected on your transferable skills? You may have developed these through part-time work, volunteering, your studies, or extra-curricular activities. Remember, employers are keen to hear about any opportunities you have taken to develop your skill set. How you have done that is what makes you unique, interesting, and employable. You can reflect on and record your skills using My Skills.
If you are looking to build your skills and experience, the good news is that there are several ways to do this beyond competitive internships. Our work experience resources outline different types of experience you can get and strategies for finding opportunities.
“I’m confused, and I want to talk it through”
That is what the Careers Service is here for. It is important not to isolate yourself and your concerns.
It can be helpful to share your thoughts with other students who feel the same way as you. You can do that in a group session on exploring your career in term time. We highly recommend our small, supportive Get clear on your career workshop, which aims to give you a starting point and help you identify what you are looking for in a career.
Alternatively, you may prefer to talk things through on a one-to-one basis with a friendly, impartial and non-judgemental careers adviser.
The Careers Service offers a safe place to discuss your concerns and worries about the future, during a thirty-minute guidance appointment, either in person or online.
During the appointment, you will be guided through some self-reflection, consider options, and identify practical steps to move towards a more positive mindset.
If you think this would help, get in touch and we’ll help you arrange the best type of appointment at a time to suit you.
Further support
- Develop your skills and experience alongside your studies by completing the Bristol PLUS Award.
- Talk to us at the Careers Service if you are feeling concerned about your career, are feeling stuck, or don’t know where to start.
- Read Overcoming imposter syndrome during your graduate job search (Careers Service blog)