OXFORD

A
THE YEAR AHEAD
WHAT’S NEXT? WHAT’S FIRST?
Masters candidates, and penultimate year undergraduates
as Michaelmas Term begins. It is written for everyone who
their time at Oxford. It’s a summary of our core advice and
guidance and points you towards the world of resources and
opportunities available to you as you consider what to do
after completing your current degree – and how to make that
happen.
“Would you tell me, please, which
way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good
deal on where you want to
get to,” said the cat.
Alice talking to the Cheshire Cat,
from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
WHERE AND HOW DO I START?
It is never too late to start thinking about your career. If you
haven’t really got started yet, you are not alone - but do
bear in mind how Alice’s conversation with the Cheshire Cat’s
continues.
“I don’t much care where – “.
“Then it doesn’t matter
which way you go.”
The Cat’s reply is not helpful, but it is hard to argue against.
See the next chapter, Developing Your Career Ideas (pp.12-
29), for advice and tools to get started. Book a meeting with
a Careers Adviser to talk through your thoughts.
Some students arrive at Oxford having chosen their degree
with a clear idea about their post-Oxford career in mind,
whilst others come focused on securing a good academic
result without pausing to think about what comes next. Most
fall somewhere in between.
for as a summer intern, although some may have completed
the process from scratch having applied during the summer.
Well done and congratulations! Enjoy the freedom this
brings, remember to get the degree you require, and
consider if you can help others in their search.
If you are not already lined up with the next step, take a
moment to think about how you currently look at the options
you face on completing your current studies. Are you clear
and focused about your next step? You may even be making
good progress and applying already. Perhaps you are still
exploring a broad range of options or you are still wondering
where and how to start. Place yourself on the diagram
opposite and see the advice that follows.
I am
not sure
what I
want to
do.
I am exploring my interests
and developing skills in
different ways and contexts.
I have ideas
but I'm not
sure what's
right for me?
Where and
how do I start?
I am well
organised and
clear about my
next steps.
I have a clear
focus that I
am working
towards.
I am very focused on getting
my degree and I am not
looking beyond this at present.
I have
a clear
focus or
goal.
6
www.careers.ox.ac.uk