If you’re a recent graduate who’s hesitant to jump into the “real” working world, consider doing something else with your time, like interning, volunteering, or traveling. Whatever you choose to do, consider how these roles may impact your future career options, if that’s a concern for you. Here are 15 options for what to do after college. There are opportunities both within the United States and internationally. Many companies look to hire eager, English-speaking guides due to the popularity of these activities among college students abroad. Long-term nannying, like working with the same family for a year, can also be an excellent way to develop strong personal references you can provide to other employers down the road. Just like with most jobs, there may be some potential downsides. Those who work as nannies may have limited personal time and may work long hours for low pay. There are generally many opportunities for students who hold a bachelor’s degree. If you’re a recent graduate, you can tap into your connections with your past professors and other faculty and staff you may have gotten to know while you were at school. If you’re a recent graduate, there’s a good chance you can find a position that works for you, especially if you are available on a full-time basis. Not only do internships offer valuable work experience, but they are also an excellent way to make connections with potential employers. An internship will also give you solid experience to list on your resume. For example, you could take a yoga teacher training course, become a certified ski or rock climbing instructor, or become an art teacher at your local community center. Some activities can even be taught online. Whatever you love to do, look into how you can make a job out of it. Not only will you have a blast at work, but you’ll also gain the experience and skills you need to turn your hobby into a job that you can always fall back on. Whether it’s developing an app, selling crafts online, selling used clothes or furniture online, starting a pet-sitting business, or something else, the skills you learn from your business will certainly be valuable throughout the rest of your career. For example, if you were a biology major but want to pursue a different field, like computer programming or graphic design, taking classes gives you a foundation to begin looking for entry-level jobs in that field. Moreover, these classes are relatively inexpensive, compared to credited courses at four-year colleges, but they still offer valuable, real-life skills. For example, a recent college graduate who was very interested in yoga obtained a position working as a receptionist at a small, local yoga studio. That part-time job eventually led to her career as a manager and marketing specialist for a larger studio. Gap-year programs like Americorps and Teach for America are one way to volunteer. You can also find day-to-day opportunities within your hometown, or reach out to a non-profit organization and ask whether they could use your assistance. Your volunteer experiences can be included on your resume. Worried about money? Consider a side gig to boost your income. Popular options include programs through international embassies, such as the JET Program with Japan, as well as jobs at international schools and through service organizations. There are also programs where you can teach English online. If you want to travel while still earning a paycheck, another option is to pursue a “working holiday” visa. Certain countries, including Australia and New Zealand, offer “working holiday” visas in which U.S. citizens are permitted to stay in the country and work temporary jobs. If you decide to travel, make the most of it, and take photos or blog about it. You can then share whatever you come up with as an example of your multimedia, writing, or web design skills. Keep in mind that traveling can be expensive, but there are ways you can keep costs down, like staying in hostels rather than hotels. These types of jobs can also lead to further opportunities, like the funding of graduate courses or even a degree, as many universities will allow their employees to take classes for free. Although the duration of the experience depends on where and when you work, as the details of the agreement are between the farmer and the volunteer, most situations tend to be a few months long. Many include room and board.
