There’s a certain script people expect you to follow after university. Graduate, apply for a grad scheme, move to a big city, and start climbing some invisible ladder.
But what if that’s not your plan? What if the idea of diving into a corporate job fills you with dread? What if you’re not ready, or just want something different?
Here’s the truth: not everyone wants a graduate scheme — and that’s perfectly okay. There are other paths, other timelines, and other definitions of success. This is your reminder that you don’t have to follow the crowd to build a life you’re proud of.
Graduate Schemes: Great for Some, Not for All
Graduate schemes are structured programmes offered by big employers. They often include training, a fixed salary, mentoring, and a clear path forward. For some people, they’re ideal — a solid, safe route into a long-term career.
But they’re not right for everyone. They’re highly competitive, often quite rigid, and sometimes more about ticking boxes than finding real passion. If that structure doesn’t suit you, it’s not a failure — it just means you’re wired a bit differently. And that’s something to embrace, not hide.
Reasons You Might Feel Unsure
You might be feeling the pressure to apply, even if you’re not sure what for. That’s normal. There’s so much noise about “making the most of your degree” or “getting ahead early” that it’s easy to forget you have choices.
Maybe the roles you’ve seen don’t interest you. Maybe you want a creative or flexible career that doesn’t fit into a corporate box. Maybe you just need more time. None of these things make you unmotivated — they make you honest.
So... What Else Can You Do?
If a grad scheme isn’t for you, don’t panic. There are plenty of other ways to start your career or figure out what you want.
You could look for entry-level jobs at smaller companies, where the atmosphere might be more relaxed and personal. These roles often let you take on more responsibility quickly and give you a better feel for what actually interests you.
You could freelance or pick up gig-based work. If you’re creative or have tech skills, this might be a more natural path. Managing your own time, setting your own rates, and choosing your projects might suit you better than a rigid 9–5.
Or you could start a side hustle — selling art, running workshops, tutoring, offering social media help to small businesses. There’s no rule that says you have to wait until you’re hired to start building experience.
Taking Time Isn’t Wasting Time
If you’re not sure what you want to do, it’s okay to take a beat. Travel, volunteer, work part-time — anything that gives you space to breathe and think. You don’t have to launch straight into a career the moment your final grade is released.
This can be a time to figure out what actually matters to you — not what your degree or parents or social media says you should be doing.
A year spent exploring, reflecting, or experimenting is never wasted. It’s still life. It’s still learning. And in many ways, it can be the best preparation for your future — even if it looks messy from the outside.
Your Job Doesn’t Define You (At Least Not Yet)
It’s easy to think that your first job will set the tone for the rest of your career. But that’s not true. Most people change direction, industries, and priorities several times in their lives.
You’re not locking yourself into anything by not doing a grad scheme. And you’re not ruining your future by starting somewhere unexpected.
What matters more than titles or companies is what you learn, who you meet, and how you grow. Some of the most interesting careers start in the most random places.
Facing the “So What Do You Do?” Question
One of the hardest parts of not following the typical path is dealing with other people’s expectations.
You might dread family gatherings or nights out where people ask what you’re doing now. You might feel embarrassed not to have a neat answer. That’s understandable — but try not to let it get to you.
The people who care about you will support your decisions, even if they don’t fully understand them. And the ones who don’t? Their opinions aren’t your responsibility.
You don’t owe anyone a LinkedIn-worthy job title to prove your worth.
Keep Moving, Even If It’s Sideways
If you’re not following a traditional path, you still need to keep some momentum. That might mean updating your CV, learning a new skill, building a portfolio, or connecting with people in industries you’re curious about.
Even if it doesn’t look like a straight line, you’re still moving. You’re still developing. And that counts.
You’re building a career on your own terms — and that takes guts, creativity, and patience.
Final Thought
Graduate schemes work for some people. But they’re not the only way to build a career — and they’re definitely not the only sign of ambition.
If you’re freelancing, working in retail, figuring things out, or taking a break, you’re still doing the work. You’re still growing. You’re still valid.
So if you don’t want a grad scheme? That’s totally fine. You’re not behind. You’re just choosing your own adventure — and that’s something to be proud of.