Career advice

[SSD]

Number one priority is always trying to find an area you're interested in first, doesn't have to be specific. Then worry about the financial aspects afterwards. I have friends who earn a lot more money than myself but cannot stand their job. You're better off having a job which gives you more enjoyment than looking purely at a salary. 

In general, many large American companies much prefer a fresh out of uni graduate, regardless of their degree, over someone with work expertise. I've worked for a couple of them over the years and the grads always seem to progress quicker and in turn have better careers in these places as a result. A degree is like a golden ticket to the big US corporations and graduate schemes do pay well in the UK as a first big job. If you want to get a general good amount of work experience I'd recommend a graduate job. You'll gain a couple of years of on the job experience which will then bulk up that CV. 

 

[Mostyn6]

not read all responses, but surely doing Middle Eastern Studies would point to an English speaking role in the Middle East?

Envoy? Assistant in the Embassy?

Think of the Ferrero Rocher!