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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