Now I’m not going to lie to you and say it’s a really easy process to go through, deep down it is very daunting. The graduate arena is heavily saturated with people just like you, or even better…. But don’t panic, there are many things you can start to prepare in your final months to increase your value and employability.
Think of your career route
Now don’t worry, you don’t need your whole career mapped out, but by setting some time aside to think about your ultimate professional goals it will give you a clearer view of the type of graduate roles to set your sights on.
Industries have so much more depth to them than your academic modules do. You may want to enter the world of Digital Marketing, but have you thought whether you want to specialise in PPC, SEO, Social media, Web design…. The list goes on. Therefore, having some indication of the potential journey you want to take will give you an efficient kickstart to your search!
Connect with industry leaders
Along with becoming a networking expert, connecting with industry leaders will provide you with an insight of the route you’re planning to enter, along with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
Furthermore, you never know what you can give back to your connections that could also benefit you professionally. Don’t believe me? Read here how building relationships first and giving back to his network worked for Jordan Harbinger, a leading influencer, host and entrepreneur.
Experience, experience, experience
Personally, I learnt this the hard way and spent most of my time in university focusing on my results, rather than gaining a substantial amount of hands on experience. From internships, work experience opportunities or even a part-time weekend role, any type of useful experience will fill the gaps on your CV and provide you with practical skill and knowledge to take forward with you.
I cannot recommend this enough and hope that my honesty will influence you to get out there and work – it will make the transition from a student to a fully fledged working adult much easier too!
Volunteer
Additionally, giving your time and effort to a company could lead to future employment opportunities post-graduation as you’ve shown your loyalty and commitment. Not only that, it will give you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you are giving something back whilst building on your future.
Click here to read how incorporating a little bit of voluntary work into your diary can benefit you further.
Build on your skill
Furthermore, getting to know the latest software/resources used in the industry will set you ahead. For example, if you’re looking at becoming a copywriter, start up your own personal WordPress blog and use it to develop your writing ability…. And if you want to go an even bigger step ahead, enrol in some courses outside of university to spruce up on your specialised knowledge. You can find all sorts of free learning resources online!
By applying the above you’ll be able to build up a portfolio of practical work to show off online and in an interview setting.
Grow your online platforms
There’s no point in completing all the above steps unless you increase your online visibility, especially as technology is now a significant factor in the sourcing process for recruitment. If you’re looking for some ideas on how to utilise your social media effectively, click here…..
While you work on your social, do not forget about LinkedIn. Many students fail to grasp the concept of the platform, however when used correctly, it can help you do all the above…. Network, find new opportunities and market yourself!
Don’t worry if you’ve already graduated and are still struggling to find your feet. All the above still applies to you and will help you get noticed!
If you do need any support regarding graduate roles, feel free to contact @Searchability on [email protected]