Step 2 Find out what's out there

Take some time to research a wide range of jobs and careers options. Most students start with a very narrow view of the choices they have, based on what their friends do, or what degree subject they've studied. It's important, at this stage, to expand your horizons.

You don't have to do a job related to your degree - employers often choose candidates based on their key employability skills rather than the title of their degrees.

There are various ways of finding possible occupations including Prospects Planner (a computer aided guidance programme); statistics on what other graduates have done with your degree; and lists of careers which are related to your degree subject. You may also want to consider setting up your own business.

Its also a really good idea to regularly read the jobs sections of the national newspapers, looking at a variety of sectors. The Guardian has different sections daily, such as Arts & media on Mondays. Dont restrict your reading to any particular sector or level or location of job, just read what kinds of skills are required and whether the organisation attracts you. These pages contain a wide variety of jobs that you may never have thought of or even heard of. Cut out anything that you like the sound of, even if it isnt at your level, you will be able to think about how you might get there and what, if any, training or experience might be required. This type of research is particularly recommended to discuss with a professional Careers Counsellor.

For comprehensive information on graduate occupations look at Prospects Occupation and for job sectors look at Prospect Job Sectors.