Advice and suggestions on how you can make the most of your later university years and planning for your future after graduation, whatever you want to do.

Take charge of your future

Now you’re in third or fourth year, it’s time to start planning ahead. Whether you’re interested in employment, taking time out or further study after you graduate from Edinburgh, you should start drawing up a plan of action so that you make the most of the year and balance your academic work with applications for jobs or postgraduate courses. Many jobs and postgraduate courses have early applications deadlines in the first semester of your final year, so it’s important to be organised.

Careers advice for third and fourth years

Things to do in third and fourth year

1. Look at what's out there and apply for opportunities

Start looking at what's out there so you can build up a picture of the opportunities you could apply for in final year, including graduate jobs and postgraduate opportunities. Many internships, graduate jobs and courses are advertised early in the academic year and have early deadlines, so be organised and you won't miss out.

Check job vacancies on MyCareerHub regularly, go along to careers events to meet employers and search for postgraduate courses online.

When you're searching for opportunities, think about:

2. Build on your experience

Take time to build on your experience; do you have any gaps in your experience and skills that you need to fill before you start applying for graduate opportunities? Part-time jobs, volunteering and work experience during the semester are all great options, and the summer between your penultimate and final year is a great time to do internships or organise your own work experience. Here are a few starting points for building your experience:

Edinburgh Award

Take part in the Edinburgh Award for Effective and Responsible Leadership.

When you progress into your 3rd or 4th year you will have the chance to complete the Edinburgh Award for Effective and Responsible Leadership. This is a great opportunity to work with other students and an alumni mentor as you develop your skills and abilities needed to succeed in the world of work.

Want to know more?

3. Get set for the recruitment process

Now’s the time to get yourself ready for the recruitment process. Make sure you understand what the recruitment process will be for the jobs or courses you’re applying for and give yourself time to prepare. Polish up your CV, get set for applications, assessment centres and interviews and prepare for online tests if you need to.

Start by using the Careers Service Quick Guides which cover the basics of CVs, covering letters, application forms and interviews and take a look at our practice test resources to help you prepare. Keep an eye on events in MyCareerHub too, as we regularly run workshops on recruitment.

4. Put together a plan of action for the year

Searching and applying for graduate jobs and postgraduate courses is time-consuming. For some roles you might face a lengthy application process including online applications, tests, assessment centres and interviews. You’ll also be busy with academic work and any other commitments that you have. Be organised and put together a timetable or plan of action so that you have time to fit everything in and to make sure you don’t miss out on any great opportunities.

Still unsure what you want to do?

It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do when you graduate and there’s still time to look at all the options and start making plans. The Careers Service has a wide range of information and resources to help you plan your future:

  • Understand yourself (your skills, strengths, interests)
  • Build experience (or continue to build experience)
  • Discover what's out there (such as graduate jobs or further study)
  • Make it happen (help with applications, interviews, employer tests, and so on)

Careers Service: Undergraduates