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I'm deciding on a plan

Oxford students often have potential to succeed in many different roles and fields and, yes, it can be difficult to choose. Here are some resources to help you find out what's right for you.

On the Careers Readiness Grid, you are on:

Quadrant 3: I have ideas but I'm not sure what's right for me

I enjoy lots of different things – how can I choose between them?

​​​​​If you are already exploring options and taking on different roles to build skills and experiences, see our Developing Career Ideas webpages for guidance and tools to help you identify your pattern of interests and motivations, including How to make a career decision. 

Reflect on your experiences and try to identify any themes that are important to you: Why do you choose to do these activities? Which skills do you use? What do you enjoy doing most and why? How important to you are the people, relationships and outcomes? Once you understand what kind of work and outcomes offer you intrinsic satisfaction, further online and in-person research into industries, roles and organisations will help you to create focus and make decisions. 

You can also gain first-hand experience of different sectors through internships with organisations, helping you explore what it's like to work in a particular field.

If you are struggling to narrow your focus, a confidential chat with a careers adviser can help you gain clarity.

Collage of University of Oxford students undertaking summer internships in a variety of organisations and countries.

Internships for Oxford students

Gain valuable work experience and develop your employability through internship programmes, designed exclusively for University of Oxford students.

Careers adviser in careers advice appointment with student in person

Career advice appointments

University of Oxford students and recent alumni can access impartial one-to-one advice on any careers-related topic, including applying for jobs, further study, and developing their skills.