#countlesschoices

'Time To Say Goodbye' from Linette, Vanessa, Reiner & Yannick. Our blog project is over - check out the “About Us” page to receive more information about the project, Duffy Agency and Lund University. We had a really great time posting for you guys. :-) Click here for: Countless Choices, Story Pool and Image Pool.

Chatting to a friend the other day, we came across a topic I had never given a thought before: He told me that he was planning to do another Master's degree after finishing his current one! Why? 'Well' he said, 'Because I don't feel that the current Master is matching my interests to a hundred percent - and I came across another interesting programme that gives me the possibility to broaden my horizon in a completely new field'.

I must admit that doing a second Master's degree never came to my mind when thinking about what to do after graduation. When talking to some more people about this however, I realized that quite a few of them actually did another Master's degree before or gave the option of doing a second one a thought.

The reasons were mainly:

- To be more competitive when it comes to applying for jobs: The world outside university is tough. Another degree means an additional qualification, which might help you to stand out from the crowd of job applicants.

- To switch to another field of studies: If you feel like your current direction is not the right one, and that working in this specific field would not make you happy, a second degree in a different field of studies might be a good idea to switch directions.

- To do it for self-fulfillment: Is there something you always wanted to study, not only necessarily to work in this field, but simply for self-fulfillment? Philosophy? Art? Then now is probably a good time to just do it!

- To do it for fun: Do you think that you are not yet ready to start working as student life is much more fun? Well then. Decide on another interesting programme and procrastinate a little more.

What about you? Would you consider doing a second Master's degree as an option?

Happy decision-making!

Yours,

The time has come. Your studies are coming to an end and you are graduating. And now? For previous generations it was clear: starting to work. But not for us. We are facing various different ways to start working for a company. Today, concepts like trainee programs, gap years or internships offer young professionals attractive alternatives to a classic direct entry. But what is the best way to start your professional career after complementing your degree? In the following, we will show you some very useful information on each entry possibility as well as give some personal experience within each concept.

Internship. It is almost a classic - the internship. Asking recruiters how to start a professional career at their company they often answer that an internship would be a good entry possibility. After having done several internships and a Master, I often think that I am definitely overqualified for another internship. However, many companies argue that this is the best way to be able to evaluate the company’s potential as future employee and to figure out if the company suits you.

In general an internship has the following top 3 benefits:

1. Gather (additional) working experience

2. Gain confidence

3. Expand your network of professionals

Traineeship. It is often said that ‘traineeships’ are a phenomenon of our generation – a buzzword. Many graduates intend to apply for a traineeship after their graduation in order to gain managerial skills and to improve their leadership potential. But what is a ‘traineeship’ exactly and how does it differ from an internship? Generally speaking, a traineeship is a trainee position that enables a graduate to get trained for a specific job – often for manager positions. In contrast to an internship, this program often takes between 12 and 18 months in average. During your trainee program you normally work in different departments and get additional workshops to improve your professional skills.

Here are our top 3 benefits of a traineeship:

1. As you work in different departments, it is easier to decide for which one you would like to work afterwards

2. Traineeships are often well paid (at least in bigger companies…)

3. It enhance your leadership potential

  Direct Entry. For those of you who are tired of learning theoretically a direct entry is possibly the best way to start a professional career. Instead of having many off-the-job workshops (like in the case of a traineeship), you are learning ‘on-the-job’ and are soon part of the daily business. However, I would say that with a direct entry the serious side of life starts a bit earlier…you need to decide for a specific department and have less workshops to enhance your managerial skills.

But here are our top 3 benefits of a direct entry:

1. A direct entry position is normally better paid than a traineeship

2. You earlier take over responsibility

3. In contrast to a trainee position, you often get a contract of employment of indefinite duration

All entry possibilities have their benefits but also disadvantages. In the end, it really depends on your previous experience, field of study and 'patience'. Some of us cannot await to finally earn money, while others are happy to go for another internship abroad having less responsibility. Somehow each of you will find his or her way into a company…#nothingbutchoices

Best,

Recent graduates,

That's it. You just have finished university! You still don't now what to do next? Or you have started something but don't feel really comfortable with it? You have some weird ideas in your head but you are not very sure if you should realize them? Don't worry!

Why don't you watch some movies about recent graduates that are in the same situation? We have prepared a small recommendation list of what you should watch after your graduation! Get some inspiration!

1. Tiny Furniture

2. The Graduate

3. Into The Wild

4. Reality Bites

5. Adventureland

List adapted from:

After graduation I am pretty sure everyone needs a break. Some time to recover from the stress and pressure of the past months and years. It does not matter whether we are talking about an entire year, a few months or a couple of weeks - the most important thing is to clear your mind and get some new energy for the next step you're going to take.

So why not just grabbing your backpack and explore some of the most beautiful places the world has to offer?

Check out this LINK and have a look at the world's top 10 backpacker destinations. The choices reach from tracking the Inca Trail in the Peruvian Andes to exploring the breath-taking nature of Vietnam to surfing in the beautiful Portuguese ocean to... well I suggest you just read it yourself.

We are young and free and energetic. Now is the time, so be sure you make the most of it!

Happy decision-making, soon-to-be graduates!

Yours,

It is the question that many girls cannot await after their graduation. For others it is the sheer horror: 'Will you marry me?

Sure, for every girl the moment when your boyfriend surprises you with a ring is special. But it needs to be the right moment -  the right time. Not everyone is ready to get married after graduating. 

After graduation, getting the first job or renting the first flat seem to be more important  than getting engaged. For many couples it is simply not the right time for this decision - other decisions need to be made first. For other couples the graduation is exactly the right moment to begin their 'new' life together.

But how to know if you and your partner are ready for this lifetime decision?

Before you get engaged, you should consider the following 4 things (at least):

1. Know each other's career plans 2. Know the spending style of your partner 3. Know if your partner wants children 4. Know his or her family

Still not sure if the graduation is the right time to get engaged? Then take this TEST on 'Are you really ready to get married?' to be sure!

Is your result positive? Congratulations! Then have a look at these romantic marriage proposals and get inspired!

Congratulations!!! You have finished your studies and are the lucky lad chosen to give a speech at your graduation ceremony. Great!!! Usually you have not attended any graduation ceremony before and you have absolutely  no idea what to talk about in your graduation speech.

A review of the last years of your university era might include lots of different feelings and emotions, such as frustration, stress, fun, excitement, hope or ambition. And of course there are those special persons and moments you will never forget.The graduation speech gives you the opportunity to adress some of these topics and appeal to the emotions of your fellow students, professors or family membres within the audience.

It should be a good mix of humour, enthusiasm, emotions and showing commitment to the future. Otherwise you might end up with a long boring speech that nobody will remember.

We found the most hilarious graduation speeches four you. Get some inspiration and become a member of the club of the most remarkable graduation speeches ever.

Click here.