You’re about to graduate from uni into the big, wide world – it’s time for a fresh challenge, to meet new people and start earning some money, after all the hard work you’ve put into your degree.
But you’ve got hundreds of questions – should you go travelling first? Should you get a job in your hometown, or move away? Should you try a career in your degree subject, or branch out into a different field?
If you’re keeping your options open and you’re interested in hearing about roles you may not know much about – hi, nice to meet you! I’m Nicola. I’m an internal recruiter here at Evolution, which is why I’m on the lookout for grads, as we are currently recruiting for our Graduate Training Scheme. Many of our previous graduates have gone on to become successful Recruitment Consultants within the business, where all our staff make a great base salary AND commission for every placement they make. Sound good?
If you’re still uncertain, that’s not a problem. Here are our tips for graduates unsure of what to do after uni:
When you’re done with all the essays, exams and endless nights in the library, it’s time to think about what you’re most interested in and passionate about. It could be travelling, it could be volunteering, or it could be kickstarting your career. The best thing to do if you’re really unsure is to write a list of pros and cons for all your options, then go from there!
You may want to start a career in something completely new or different to what you had planned when you started university. This is absolutely fine, and not unusual at all – just make sure you ask lots of questions to help you decide if it’s the right path for you. Speak to people who work in the industry you’re interested in – LinkedIn is a good place to do this – and connect with recruitment consultants to discuss your options. You can never ask too many questions, and it shows you’re genuinely interested in developing your career.
If you’ve weighed up your options, spoken to lots of industry-relevant people and decided on a career in a particular field, it’s time to make a plan. Write a list of locations or regions you’d consider working in, then research businesses hiring in these areas and which ones you’re most intrigued by. Don’t forget, this list will change as you begin to apply for jobs or get in touch with businesses speculatively – keep an open mind, but always have a plan in place.
You may already have a CV, or you may be writing one from scratch – either way, make sure your CV is up to date, and focused towards the types of roles you’re going for. It’s also a good idea to tailor your CV and have a few different versions, in case the jobs you’re applying for are focused on different specialisms. Take a look at our CV and interview tips for graduates.
Many university students join LinkedIn whilst they’re still completing their course to build a network of fellow students and professionals in the area they are studying. However, if you haven’t got one yet, that’s not a problem – profiles are easy to make, and you can start by following businesses you included in the plan you made before updating your CV! Build a network based on your interests. For example, if you’re interested in starting a career in recruitment, connect with recruiters, follow their company pages and engage with the content they are sharing.
Selling yourself is a big part of getting a job and developing a successful career. Practice talking about your degree, your work experience, your ambitions and your goals. Businesses will be impressed by the research you’ve done into their company, as well as your understanding of the industry and your ability to sell yourself. Even if you are anxious about an interview, or unsure of if you’re the right fit for the job because you’re fresh out of uni, you still have the ability to convince the employer otherwise! Search for “how to sell yourself in a job interview” on YouTube for a few tips and tricks.
Confidence is important when it’s time to get a job, and it will help you stand out against your competition. Understandably, not everyone is naturally confident, and for some it’s easier said than done. The best thing to do is practice – for example, going through interview questions with a friend or family member will help you prepare for the unknown in an interview or new job. Also, your confidence will grow over time as you gain more experience, but for now just work on being clear on what you want and how you’re going to get it.
Positivity is key! Not everyone will get their dream job straight after graduation – it can take time and effort applying for jobs and going to different interviews until you find something that’s right. No matter what, always keep a positive mindset – if you come across setbacks, just be motivated by them to work harder and keep going. And don’t forget, if you need any career advice about the recruitment industry or want to know how brilliant it can be, just give me a call or connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d be happy to help!
We are currently recruiting for our Graduate Training Scheme. If you’re interesting in kick-starting a lucrative career in recruitment by joining the Evolution Academy, call us on 01925 283 116 or visit our Careers page for more information and to submit your CV.
