Exams are over and the results are out. After years of long nights and hard work, it is now time to embark on a new and exciting path; but there are many paths to choose from with different appeals. Deciding on which path is right for you is a very personal decision that must be considered carefully with a career advisor and your family, however, the below is a guide to help you through your decision-making process with insights from Sanjay Modi, Monster.com, Managing Director- APAC and Middle East.

Taking a gap year
Many students decide that after dedicating so much time and effort during university, a long break is in order to travel, self-reflect and discover. A gap year is a good time to explore interests and identify what you want to do in your life. In a very competitive workforce, travel experience can differentiate you among peers with an enhanced cultural understanding and interesting stories to share. If you choose to volunteer during your gap year, you will also demonstrate desirable skills including teamwork, social responsibility and dedication.

However, a gap year may not be the best option for everyone. Travelling can be very expensive especially when you consider the money you are not earning in a job. If not used wisely, a gap year can make you look like you are not serious about your career and can set you back a year from your peers who would have a solid year of experience by the time you are back. Finally, many families might not be accepting of the idea so it is important to understand their views on this before considering it.

Further education
Continuing education after a Bachelor course is a large debate among academics and employers. You are still young and the knowledge you have acquired in your undergraduate programme is still fresh in your mind which will make a postgraduate course easier. You are also likely to be free from the responsibilities that come with married life, children, work and financial commitments which may be barriers to furthering your education later in life. Furthermore, many careers will benefit from postgraduate courses immediately after earning your undergraduate degree including academic positions and industries where specialization is required.

For most recent graduates, however, it would be best to delay further education until after you have gained a few years of work experience. Through experience, you will discover which career path you really want to pursue and can then tailor your postgraduate course to focus on your discovered interests. Many may find that their interests have actually swayed in a different direction – to a completely new area, and it is often possible to make such a shift through continuing education. Going back to school a few years after earning your undergraduate degree will also mean you are more mature and can make the most out of the courses. You will also be able to offer more value to the course with your practical experience. Finally, furthering your education too early can lead some employers to find that you are overqualified with academic skills but lack important practical skills which could hinder your job application process.

Joining the workforce
The most common goal of fresh graduates is landing a job. Many graduates are eager to join the workforce and earn a salary, however, it is important to carefully evaluate opportunities as they could have a large impact on long-term career goals.

If you are one of the lucky graduates offered a full-time position with a decent salary, think about what doors this opportunity will open for you. Is it a career path you want to embark on in the long-term? Will it help you to achieve your career objectives? If you have doubts in answering these questions, it may be wise to politely reject and keep looking. Being idle for too long is not good either as it could suggest a lack of employable skills. If by approximately six months you do not secure an opportunity, its time you either change your application tactics or adjust your expectations.

With little to no experience after graduating, it can be a challenge to appeal to employers. This is where internships add value. Fresh graduates should be open to taking up internships or training programmes that build employable skills and should select those programmes that will take you closer to your dream job.

The right choice?
The difficult reality is that there is no correct answer. What’s best for one graduate may not be right for another. The most important thing to keep in mind when considering all options after graduation is that what you do now can greatly impact where you end up. However, this is not to say that a decision you make now will permanently mark your professional life. Your career path is made up of decisions you make as you progress and opportunities that come your way. Most times, no amount of careful planning will lead you to your dream job but then you might end up in a completely unexpected role that better fits your skills and passion.

This article first appeared on The National.