taking the road less travelled

Uni, uni, uni. Might seem like that’s all we (or anyone around you for that matter) are talking about right now is going to uni. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right answer.

There’s no one post-18 path to rule them all. Think apprenticeships, degree apprenticeships, work and jetsetting, for starters.
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We’re not saying you can blow the next three months on Netflix binges and house parties though. Put your hands in the air and step away from the aux.

If your plans don't involve uni visits and UCAS forms, there's still loads to do over the Summer to make yourself more employable and get yourself ahead of the game, no matter what you choose for your future.

If you don't have any work experience, it can be tough to get your first permanent job. But summer jobs, well, they're a whole lot easier for lots of reasons.

Usually the people advertising are looking for students in particular because not many proper fully-fledged adult folk want such a temporary role. They’re also usually pretty unsocial hours, which students are more likely to be down for.
Land yourself one of these and ta-da, you've banked some experience and some cash for later. You can check websites like Student Job for holiday work or ask around your local community for ways to earn some cash.

Delivering newspapers, barista/wait staff/bar work, baby-sitting for neighbours, shop assistance – even these “little” jobs add skills to your CV and showing you've used your own initiative looks good to an employer.

Or if you want to combine work with a bit of travel, check out places like the International Service for opportunities that are completely funded by the government.

Volunteering is also a great way to boost your CV and experience, as well as actually make a difference.
You can, of course, directly contact a charity, company or organisation and offer to help out. Try to get a named contact, otherwise your email could get lost in the admin junk box.
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If you're not sure where to start, you can also check out the Vinspired website for ideas.

Author

LUCY HARDING is the Editorial manager for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach