Well done, you've finished university and now have a degree. What next...
1. Don't panic
I know that it may seem bleak thinking about life after university. The news can portray pretty dark times for graduates with less jobs and opportunities available. But it's not all doom and gloom. Concentrate on what you want to achieve, and establish smaller targets in order to reach your main goal. It works out for everyone in the end, and it will for you!
No idea where to start, begin with exploring industries you may consider working in or knowing which industries you definitely do not want to work in. Do lots of research and speak to as many people as you can because a sector you may have not considered might be perfect for you.
Already have an idea of what to do next, brilliant you are one step ahead of the game. Now start to research and understand what the next best step to move forward is.
2. Your CV
This is an essential part of your application process, so make sure it is amazing. It can be advisable to create a main CV and then tailor it to each application. This may seem laborious and tedious but that extra 30 minutes spent tweaking your CV could be the factor that ensures you progress to the next stage of the process.
Try to steer away from adding achievements that may seem irrelevant to bulk out your CV and make sure to add in the modules you did at university and what you learned from them, if it is relevant to the job role.
3. How to ace Linkedin
As many students you may have created a profile a while ago and never finished your profile. Now is a good time to have a completed profile, finish all the sections thoroughly to show yourself off in the best light.
Like Facebook, you are able to share posts that you are interested in. Always ensuring that its professional and avoiding sharing things that are too personal. Consider sharing an article you think is relevant to show you are an active user.. The best time to share things are during Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm as that are the normal working hours.
4. Stay in contact with your University Lecturers
They can be a great reference on your job application and possibly an industry connection and so stay in contact before they forget you! Send them a polite email stating your career goals and ask them to keep you in mind if they hear of any relevant opportunities.
5. Start applying for jobs and schemes
It may seem daunting and you may keep putting it off. But start applying for jobs, schemes and internships. There is no time like the present and what's the worst that can happen, they say no but you will gain you tonnes of experience. Try and take a strategic approach and consider the location of the opportunity. Will you have somewhere to live if they ask you to start immediately? Read the job description carefully, is that something you see yourself doing/ willing to learn?
6. Don't dismiss anything
Try not to be picky, obviously don't go mad and apply for everything. Don't turn an opportunity because it is only 2 months. All experience can be helpful and it can be about getting your foot in the door. Sometimes it might be better to get some experience in that field and apply for role after a couple of months. This shows the employer that you have been proactive.
An internship can be a great way to get experience, it will increase your skill set and give you real life work experience. Which will looking amazing on your CV and allows you to take examples from it at your interview. Also, a great way to make a bit of cash as we all know that straight after students can be a little low on money.
Just because university is now ending, doesn't mean it's not all doom and gloom. There are hundreds of amazing graduate opportunities - let's find yours now!