Graduate tips for success in 2023
4th October 2023
If you’ve recently graduated, you’re entering an exciting yet challenging phase of your life. Don’t fret, though, as we’re here to help you navigate the transition to the workforce with less stress and more ease. In this article, we’ll share strategies to maximise your current time and ensure you shine in a complex job market.
If you haven’t already created a LinkedIn profile then we would highly recommend you make one. LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to showcase your profile and expertise as well as network with other people within the sector you’d like to work. As recruitment consultants we look at LinkedIn to find candidates for job opportunities we have available, so without a profile we can’t find you! It’s important to make your profile visible to others.
The more detail you can put on your LinkedIn page the better, think of your profile as an online CV. Build your network by connecting with your university alumni contacts such as lecturers, careers services and fellow students. Connect with recruitment consultants who operate in the sector you would like to secure employment.
Joining and taking an interest in groups raises your profile rank and grows your network. LinkedIn recommends relevant groups to your work experience and interests. Follow organisations you’d like to work for, industry bodies or news sites (relevant to your area of study). Once your profile is set up make sure you are active on it.
In our advice section on our website we have useful blog all about LinkedIn and how to make the most out of it which is a must read for any graduate.
Networking
Never underestimate the power of networking. Search through your friends and family, family friends and friends of friends. You may not have seen them for years (you may never even have met them!), but that shouldn’t matter.
Get your name out there. If you can pick up some work experience from one of your contacts or even an update when a potential position comes up, it’ll definitely be worth it.
Speaking to anyone you know in the industry can provide you with a great insight, valuable advice and opportunities. If you already know someone who can offer you advice, it’s well worth getting in touch with them and asking if you can gain a better insight into what they do, what skills they require to do their job and any industry trends they feel are influencing them and their jobs.
If you don’t already know anyone in your industry a great resource is your university alumni office, they can help you get in touch with people who’ve been in your situation and are now working in the industry.
Reading
Reading industry magazines and websites such as Nature and New Scientist is a great way to keep up to date with the industry you want to be in. Monitoring industry news and trends will keep your knowledge up to date and could act as a talking point in an interview. Asking a question at the end of an interview about the impact of latest trends or something relevant you’ve read from a science news outlet will demonstrate you keep up to date with the industry and will leave a good impression on the interviewer.
Continuous learning
Be prepared to encounter various challenges as your career takes off. Whether it’s facing rejection, project setbacks or rapidly evolving technologies, resilience can be built through continuous learning. Seek out opportunities to enhance your skill set.
Growth mindset
A mindset focused on personal growth emphasises the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time. When facing mishaps, approach them as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset shift can help you bounce back from disappointments and successfully handling change while remaining steadfast in your efforts will give you an edge over your competitors.