It’s completely normal to feel unsure about your future. The good news is there are ways to build your confidence, explore your interests and take small steps towards a career that works for you. This is a good place to start.
Things to keep in mind
- Choosing a career takes time – starting early helps, but starting at all is what matters most
- What you decide now doesn’t have to be forever – it's just a starting point
- You can change direction – many people take a non-linear path in their careers
- Your degree doesn’t lock you into one field or career path
- Nothing is wasted – chance connections can open doors, and skills are often transferable
- A successful career looks different for everyone – your definition of success is what counts
- You don’t need to plan it all now – just take one small step at a time
- Experimentation is key – even seemingly dead-end experiences can lead to surprising opportunities
- There will be jobs in the future that don't yet exist, thanks to changes in technology and the labour market
- Opportunities are often hidden, but discoverable by simply talking to people through networking
Questions to consider
Start by noting down your answers to the exploratory questions below. Don’t worry if you’re not sure yet — write down whatever comes to mind and remember these answers might change over time.
- When I feel focused or energised, what am I doing?
- What activities do I enjoy? What do I enjoy about them?
- What themes come up again and again in my choices – for example, creative work, helping people, solving problems, working independently?
- What does success mean to me?
- How does work fit into how I want to live?
- Is it more important to have stability, flexibility, purpose – or something else?
- What kind of work environment do I enjoy?
- Is there any place I’d especially like to live?
- Do I want to work mainly solo, as part of a team or a combination?
- Do I want to be based in an office, or in another location?
- Do I want to work from home for some or all of each week?
- Do I want more control over when and where I work — for example, by starting a business or freelancing?
- How much income do I need to support the lifestyle I want?
- What sort of work-life balance is important to me?
- Are there any other life needs I should take into account?
Actions to take
Once you’ve taken some time to reflect, you only need to take a small next step.
See the right ideas at the right time
Be ready to access the jobs and opportunities we send you by joining CareerZone, our exclusive careers platform.
Get to know yourself (and us)
Take a structured route to career discovery, starting with getting to know yourself, through the Westminster Award.
Take a quiz
Find out what careers might match your personality and preferences with a short career planning quiz on Prospects.ac.uk.
Explore options beyond employment
Learn about self-employment options like starting a business or freelancing through Start-up 101 or Freelance Essentials.
Get inspiration from others
Further down this page you will see stories from others, including former students who were once where you are now, on how they achieved their career goals.
Find your focus
Get a personalised framework that will help you turn your interests into real job ideas, with the Westminster Award.
See what types of jobs exist
- Browse through Prospects.ac.uk job profiles
- See what jobs you can do with your degree
- Explore careers by interest on BBC Bitesize
Search for your interests on a job site
You might be surprised at what’s out there – or discover new job ideas to explore. Some example sites you could search include:
Volunteer your time
If you want a great way to try things out, all while meeting new people and getting transferrable skills, find out more about volunteering.
Get some real-word advice
It can help to speak with someone who’s been where you are and has experience in your areas of interest. Consider mentorship through Future Ready Mentoring.
Try it out through an internship
Internships are work experience opportunities that can help you try out roles, hone your skills and boost your CV. Check for internships that match your interests on CareerZone.
Turn your ideas into action
Join over 10,000 students who have launched their careers by navigating opportunities through the Westminster Award.
Try a job on for size — virtually
Job simulations are a low-pressure way to explore roles and build your CV by completing real job tasks online. As a Westminster student you can access:
Ask someone who’s been there
Curious about a particular role? Talk to an experienced professional in an area you’re interested in through our Ask a Mentor Service.
Get a new perspective on the world of work
You can explore different workplace cultures by taking part in visits to cities across the UK and abroad with Westminster Working Cultures.
Need inspiration?
You can find stories and gain valuable insights on how other students and graduates launched their careers by:
- reading through our student guest blogs
- learning from recent graduates about what comes next
- hearing from former students in our What it Takes event series
- searching for #gradstories on Career Discovery in CareerZone
Want to talk it through?
Our careers advisers can help you reflect on your skills and explore options that suit your interests and priorities.