I've Graduated now What!

At this time of year all over the world students are graduating from primary school, secondary schools, and universities both undergraduate and postgraduate and entering into a new experience that could be either frightening or exhilarating. Graduation ceremonies will highlight successes and reminisce about what was learnt and look forward to the future trying to inspire and challenge the ex-students to preserve and strive for greatness. The next steps they take influence their future whether it is for the next nine months or years into the future.

Unfortunately when the flash of cameras, well wishes and pats on the backs have finished these students young or mature face a world that many times they are not totally prepared for. A world of disappointment as letters of rejections are recieved or CV’s are sent off into an unknown voids, where experience is needed and sharks promising guaranteed jobs if you just purchase a book, CD or go to a seminar. Now it is not all dark a number of graduates receive genuine offers quickly out of university and move into the world of work with relatively little hiccups. However, even these still have the hurdles of office politics, and highly competitive jobs and co-workers willing to do anything to get ahead to deal with. At this time, graduates need to draw on their resilience, excitement, and love of their field and persistence in order to get into the job market, and tap into genuine advice centres and hotlines that are available to them. Additionally in this new global village, a very important tool in getting a job is networking.

Going to seminars held by companies is very important and get connected to people already working in the industry. It is vital that a graduate understand the skills, personality type and day-to-day lifestyle of their job choice. The first step is perfecting your CV with you school’s career advisor or with a professional (someone is the HR field is the best choice but an older relative or professional neighbour is good too). Using online recruitment agencies like Reed, Milkround, Monster and Jobsite is very good for keeping a daily check on available jobs. It also helps to go out in person to agencies to hand in CVs, this gives them an opportunity to see you in person, it is important to present yourself as professional and smile. Once you register with an agency keep calling them once a week, in order that you are fresh in the mind of the consultant. Research companies you may be interested in and definitely research those you are going to an interview for. If you are becoming down take some time out, relax, enjoy time with family or friends, and then get back at it. Additionally now is the time to start projects that you may have put off when you were studying – reading, starting a blog, learning to swim, do charity work in your community or within a charity or learn a new language. These all build new skills that will help you in your future job life and may even influence your career choice. Have fun with the time you have now, because when you start working it will be a like the beginning of school all over again. You would be on a new learning curve!


Some hotlines that offer advice

http://www.connexions-direct.com/

http://www.ucas.co.uk/students/nextsteps/advice

http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk/