After spending over
13 years in education, thousands upon thousands on tuition fees, accommodation and
the cost of living, many people now find themselves at the end of their
University days. These people are not used to being out of education and a
large portion of graduates still won’t know what career direction they want to
go in – especially those with degrees in broader subjects such an English,
History ect. It’s a scary time with a lot of pressure on the shoulders of these
individuals, who feel that after committing maybe 3/4/5 years of extra education
to a particular subject, that they deserve a vacancy above others in that
chosen sector. However, as the competition for job placements rises and the
number of graduate’s increases this tends to become a lot more difficult.
“Last
year, almost one-in-five undergraduates – around 70,000 – finished degree
courses with first-class honours, more than triple the number in the late 90s”
Here we
take a look at the things future and past graduates can do to increase their
chances of gaining a successful career:
Don’t live in freedom for too long
That final
year at University is intense, after having been new to the independence and constant
partying throughout the first year and most of the second, the third year is
where many students realise they are in a situation that can influence the rest
of their lives. The partying somewhat ends in the final year as deadlines and
exams approach. So, when it gets to the day of that final exam people tend to
go a little wild (and rightfully so). Yet, you need to limit yourself to where
this ends. A large percentage of graduates will enjoy the first part of their
summer until the official graduation ceremony, around July, and then aim to
find a work placement alongside the tens of thousands of other graduates.
Your best bet is to aim to find work
throughout your final year at University and before the graduation ceremony to
stay ahead of the crowd. Not only will you have less competition against you
for roles at this time, but you will also look eager, motivated and dedicated
to finding employment when that company receives your CV.
It may take weeks or months to find a vacancy
that suits your needs, and yes in this time you can bathe in the freedom,
knowing that you have done everything in your power to find a role. Just
remember that once that student loan fades away, you will have no solid source
of income until a position is found.
There is more to you than your degree
Receiving your
final grade and the certificate authenticating all the hard work you’ve put in
is what you will have been working towards for all these years. Nevertheless,
your degree does not define you. You have learnt so much, both personally and
professionally over your time at University and this should be included in your
CV and Covering Letter. Getting a first in a subject will definitely get you
noticed, but this will be alongside the thousands of others also getting a
first.
What will set you apart from the crowd is the ‘Profile’
section of your CV that should include all the skills you have learnt and also
a brief outline of your work history. Whether you have worked in a restaurant,
bar or charity shop during your time at University, include these as it will
highlight your strong work ethic. The personal touch on your CV must be
included – if you are someone that tends to get along with everyone you meet,
include this! The employer is looking for someone that will fit in to their
team and add something to what they already have.
Try not to expect too much
Sometimes sacrifices
must be made in your career, and it is definitely better to make these at the
start of a career rather than once you have started developing one. Be
realistic and realise that although you have a degree in Law or Politics, you
are not going to leave your dorm and become a barrister or MP the next day.
Experience, mixed with your degree is a limitless weapon and therefore you may
very well need a Junior Office job to help build your skillset and within a
year or two you may be ready to then take on a role that will lead you directly
to your dream position.
Don’t fall out of the loop
After having
sat in lecture halls for hours on end and read countless books in your
specialist subject, the idea of exploring the subject further may seem like the
last thing on your mind. Nevertheless, you must
not lose this knowledge or lose contact with the current affairs in your
sector. Whilst looking for work/whilst in employment you should stay up to date
with all that is happening in your specialist area as a way of looking
extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic to potential/current employers.
Whether it
be in law, English Lit, Finance or Psychology, new ideas and publications are continuously
being produced and are easily accessible via the internet. Just take an hour or
two every week to have a read up on what is new and possibly even create your
own blogs or material which can then be added to your Curriculum Vitae. Specifically
for people who have studied a language, don’t let the vocabulary go unused
(even when in a job that doesn't require the use of it). Practice and further
your understanding.
Consider every option
Most people
will have started University with an aim of where they would like to be after
leaving university, which would have directly affected what degree they studied.
Somewhere throughout your first, second, final or following years you may have recognised
that this is not the direction you want to go in. Don’t threat. Although you
hold a degree in Criminal Psychology, this does not stop you from following a
career in Event Management. Overall, the degree shows a potential employer that
you are focused and a hard worker.
In addition
to this, if you don’t feel ready to leave education and wish to further your
learning then go for it. Maybe do a masters or do a part time degree in a
different area. And this does not just apply to people leaving University, this
can apply to anyone, there is no limit to what you can learn as long as you are
committed and sure that it is what you want.
The general
outline of what I am attempting to say is that you must be patient, persistent
and dedicated in being placed in your dream role. Don’t be your own enemy by
limiting yourself.
Leave
comments below, would love to hear from graduates who have experienced/are
experiencing the said situation.
James.
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