Graduating from university can be an overwhelming experience as you try to transition from student life to the working world. Figuring out what to do next can be confusing, especially when you don’t know where to begin. If you’re a recent graduate or you’re looking to kickstart your career we have put together some tips on how to land your first graduate role and succeed in building your career.
Consider applying for a graduate scheme
Graduate schemes are a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience in a range of industries. Generally, a graduate scheme will allow you to try out a few different roles within one organisation regardless of your degree subject, so they’re great for graduates who don’t have specific career goals in mind. A graduate scheme gives graduates with on-the-job training by providing them with entry level roles within an organisation. These fully paid schemes last for a minimum of one year, and most employers will offer a permanent role upon completion. Not only do these schemes offer fully paid training, they provide graduates with valuable experience and the opportunity to quickly progress onto senior roles within an organisation.
If you’d like to know more about graduate schemes, internships or apprenticeships, read our blog post here.
Make the most of your university career advice services
The vast majority of UK universities offer career support services to university alumni for one to three years after graduation. If you’re feeling unsure about your next steps or you think you may not be on the right path, contact your university’s alumni services office. The team here will be experienced in providing graduates with career support and will be able to provide you with some valuable advice.
You can find out more about Ulster University’s graduate career support services here and Queen’s University Belfast support services here.
Attend graduate career fairs
A career fair can be a fantastic way to get a feel for what jobs or graduate schemes are available on the market, and to gain an insight into the companies who are currently hiring. Generally, a career fair is an event that allows graduates to meet with representatives from different organisations and receive information about current job offers, or even arrange interviews on the spot. There are a range of careers fairs within the UK, some are open to the general public but more commonly they are facilitated by universities and therefore aimed at graduates and final year students. These fairs are a great way to network with potential employers and they’re typically free, too!
Emphasise your graduate skills on your CV
Depending on the subject of your course, there’s a chance that your degree may not have any direct link to the positions you’re applying for. In this situation it’s important to look past the title of your degree and consider the transferable skills you picked up along the way. Think of your ability to carry out research, to analyse data, or soft skills such as interpersonal skills, problem solving or time management skills. While some advertised positions may have specific work experience requirements, many employers will also be on the look out for transferable skills that are useful for a range of tasks. Take some time to consider the skills you picked up during your studies and include these in your CV and cover letters.
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