Dealing with career uncertainty

flazingo_photos on Openverse

By Tim Daglish, law student

As a final-year student, one thing has been on my mind in recent months - life after graduation.

What will it look like? What will I be doing? Where will I be based? These are all questions that have been circling in my head, often prompting more stress than clarity.

With deadlines approaching and extracurricular activities are in full swing, it can be hard to balance it all alongside job applications. The uncertainty of job-hunting can easily lead to anxiety - a recent Forbes article highlighted how 72% of applicants say the job search has harmed their mental health.

At one point, I thought it was unnatural to feel this anxious and even felt ashamed that I wasn’t where I thought I should be. Over time, I’ve realised that every student is on their own path - and that setting unreasonably high expectations can create a restrictive, rather than productive, mindset.

Here are a few pieces of advice that have helped me manage the uncertainty that comes with job-hunting:

Any opportunity is a good opportunity

If you’re still figuring out what you want to do, immersing yourself in different experiences is key.

Since my second year, I’ve taken placements in human resources, law, and the Civil Service - each one has taught me something new and helped me shape my career ambitions. Every experience counts, even if it simply helps you discover what isn’t for you. This clarification is much easier to find through tangible experience. Take advantage of the many opportunities available to you both in and outside of the university.

Comparison is the thief of joy

Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting, but they can also lead to confidence-knocking comparisons.

My top tip: stay proud of your own journey and don’t measure your progress against others. Everyone’s career unfolds differently. It’s great to share your plans and achievements, but do it in a way that feels comfortable to you. Gaining this confidence and acceptance is integral to reducing that uncertainty.

It’s okay to take a break

Sometimes we get so caught up in the hectic nature of university life that we forget to pause. Taking a break helps you reset, reprioritise and often brings back a clearer sense of direction.

Be mindful of your commitments, but remember that rest can be part of productivity. By doing this you can take time to focus on your own wellbeing, and this will reward you with the clarity you gain when you recommence your search.

Self-belief is key

As cliché as it sounds, if you don’t back yourself 100%, who will? Having confidence in your abilities helps you handle rejections and keep moving forward.

Make use of the people around you - friends, mentors, and the Careers team - to get advice and perspective. Talking about your goals can make them feel far more achievable. I recommend booking an appointment with the Careers and Employability Service to get a supportive and objective perspective.

Be optimistic!

Finally, remember that a positive mindset goes a long way. When you learn to see beyond the fear of the unknown, your potential becomes unlimited.

Seeing opportunities as challenges you can overcome helps you take control of your journey. That optimism will shine through to recruiters and interviewers - and remind you that uncertainty isn’t always a setback, it’s a sign of growth.

Remember that your future career is yours to decide. But there are also plenty of resources that can help make this decision less uncertain.

If you're looking to gaining experience, visit the work experience section on the Careers website.  Take a look at the ‘What can I do?’ page about different ways to gain experience and the What's on offer at Nottingham? for exclusive programme for UoN students.

If you're not sure about what you'll do at the end of your final year, visit the Graduating in 2026 webpage and book an appointment with one of the Careers team.