As you approach the end of your university journey, it’s a time of mixed emotions. You’ll want to savour every last moment of student life while simultaneously preparing to launch your career. The key is to be proactive, strategic, and to hit the ground running the moment you graduate.
The great news is that your degree has significantly boosted your earning potential. Data published by the Department for Education highlighted that working-age graduates earned a median salary of £34,000 in 2018. This was a substantial £10,000 more than their non-graduate peers, whose median salary stood at £24,000. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. A report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed a challenging statistic: nearly 28 per cent of graduates in England find themselves in jobs that do not require a degree. This reality underscores the importance of a well-planned strategy. So, how can you ensure your first role out of university is a genuine graduate-level position that sets you on the right career path?
Strategize Your Work Experience for Maximum Impact
In today’s competitive job market, a degree alone is often not enough. Employers are looking for candidates who can contribute from day one. As Matt Sigelman, CEO of analytics software firm Burning Glass Technologies, warns, ‘Employers are surprisingly specific of the work-ready skills you’re supposed to bring in.’ This places the responsibility squarely on you to begin building your professional profile long before you toss your graduation cap in the air.
While still at university, you need to think like a recruiter. Every course you choose, every part-time job you take, and every internship you secure should be a deliberate step towards your desired career. Look for opportunities that will equip you with tangible, in-demand skills. This could mean enrolling in a coding bootcamp alongside your humanities degree, taking on a treasurer role in a university society to gain financial experience, or finding a marketing internship to complement your business studies. Each of these experiences sends a powerful signal to future employers: you are proactive, capable, and ready for the professional world.
Broaden Your Horizons to Uncover Hidden Opportunities
It’s perfectly normal to have a general career direction in mind rather than a single, specific job title. In fact, this can be a significant advantage. Keeping your options open prevents a common pitfall many graduates face: aiming too narrowly or unrealistically high for their very first role. The world of work is vast, and the perfect entry point might be in an industry or role you hadn’t previously considered.
For instance, if your ultimate dream is to become a high-fashion buyer, the competition for entry-level positions at luxury brands will be immense. Instead of exclusively targeting these few roles, consider broadening your search. A position as a procurement assistant at a large tech company or a junior merchandiser for a major supermarket chain could provide you with the core skills in supply chain management, negotiation, and trend analysis that are directly transferable. This approach allows you to get your foot in the door, build a solid foundation of experience, and then pivot towards your dream sector from a position of strength.
The Power of a Big Name on Your CV
Another compelling reason to cast a wide net in your job search is the chance to work for a large, well-respected company, even if the role isn’t your “dream job.” Having a prestigious brand on your CV acts as a powerful signal to future employers. It implies that you have successfully navigated a competitive hiring process and have been trained to a high standard. As Jodi Glickman, CEO of Great on the Job, discusses in her Harvard Business Review article, an early spell at a company like Goldman Sachs can open doors for years to come. This “gold standard” can make your CV stand out in a crowded field, serving as a stepping stone to more specialised roles later in your career.
Master the Interview: It’s a Two-Way Street
Once you’ve secured an interview, your preparation is paramount. It’s crucial to remember that an interview is not just about the company assessing you; it’s also your opportunity to assess them. You need to dig deeper than the job description to understand what the role truly entails on a daily basis and whether the company is the right place for you to grow.
Understanding the Role Beyond the Job Description
Failing to ask insightful questions is a common mistake that can lead to accepting a job that isn’t a good fit. In a piece for The Muse, non-profit marketer Melinda Price advises preparing a thoughtful list of questions. Go beyond generic queries and ask things that reveal the reality of the job. Consider asking:
- What does a typical day or week look like for someone in this position?
- What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing, and how would this role contribute to overcoming them?
- How is success measured in this role, both in the first three months and in the first year?
- What are the opportunities for professional development, training, and career progression?
- What do you personally enjoy most about working for this company?
The answers to these questions will provide a much clearer picture of your potential responsibilities, challenges, and growth trajectory within the organization.
Assessing Company Culture for the Right Fit
Company culture is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in job satisfaction. It encompasses the company’s values, work environment, communication styles, and overall atmosphere. A mismatch in culture can lead to unhappiness, even if the job itself is interesting. In the age of remote interviews via platforms like Zoom or Skype, it can be challenging to get a genuine feel for the office environment. Therefore, you must be deliberate in your investigation.
Ask direct questions about the culture. “How would you describe the team’s working style?” or “What are some ways the company fosters collaboration and a sense of community?” are excellent starting points. Do your own research as well. Read employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor, check out the company’s social media feeds, and look at the LinkedIn profiles of current employees to see their career paths and tenure. You need to determine whether you would thrive in a small, quiet, and focused team or a large, bustling, and highly social community. Choosing an environment that aligns with your personality and work style is essential for long-term success.
Considering Entrepreneurship? Your University Can Help
For some graduates, the traditional career path holds less appeal than the prospect of building something of their own. An increasing number of students are launching their own businesses immediately after university. If you have an innovative idea and an entrepreneurial spirit, there is a wealth of support available to you.
Your first port of call should be your university’s entrepreneurship society. These groups provide a supportive, low-risk environment where you can test your business concepts, connect with like-minded peers, and hone your entrepreneurial skills through workshops and competitions. Many universities also have dedicated incubator or accelerator programs that offer mentorship, resources, and even seed funding for promising student start-ups. You might even be able to get your company off the ground before you graduate.
As your venture grows, you’ll need a professional base of operations. Graduating from a shared campus space to your own dedicated workspace is a major milestone. Having a professional address and a dedicated environment can boost productivity and credibility. Companies like BE London offer flexible serviced offices in London, providing the perfect solution for fledgling businesses. This allows you to create a working environment that can scale with your company, whether you need a small, intimate office for a core team or a larger, bustling space as you expand.
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