Rethinking your graduate career


So you’re having trouble finding your ideal job and are starting to think; what else can I do? Don’t be disillusioned by the problem. There are still many alternatives that may help you get to where you want to be.

One option open to you will to be to go into further studies. After completing your degree you should have more focus on where you would like to go with your career. Completing a Masters or Phd will let you concentrate on this. Your knowledge will become a lot more specific and advanced in the subject that you are studying. This will give you a definite edge with future job applications and help you progress with your career further on. Continuing your studies is a great idea; just be careful with your choices. Your further study can be expensive and bespoke so be certain of where you see your future.

If you have had enough of studying and want to enter the jobs market there are several avenues you can follow. You could retrain and pick up some new skills whether at evening classes or with on-the-job training. There is also the option of continuing to follow your dream career by entering at a low level position and working your way up the ladder. This will give you a good insight into how a company runs and show your motivation and drive to your managers. You can also network and build up relationships and will help you in your quest to the top.

Another option is to look at your transferable skills and see what other careers are available to you, for example somebody who has studied physics will have strong maths skills so could go into financial jobs. You may also find another career that requires similar skills to the job that you are looking for. By pursuing this and building up experience, knowledge and skills you may well be able to transfer back to your ideal job.

If there is a specific company that you would like to work for then there may be other routes available. Once again you could take on an entry level position or work in a different department and look towards moving into the positions you want. Working at a company like this will allow you to build up contacts that will open doors for you in the future.While all of this may seem too much you may want to get involved in charity work. Working on a voluntary basis can build skills that look good on your CV and help others at the same time. Also charity work can be paid and is big business so you may find a career within this industry.

Finally, if the idea of getting a job seems impossible, a gap year is always a possibility. Travelling can build great life skills where you have to be organised and get used to living on a little. During your time away you will meet many people and have opportunities to experience many things that may take your interest for a future role. Travelling can open your eyes to a career that you really want and make you become focused on what’s important to you.

Don’t despair - there are opportunities out there for you. Just ensure you consider every possibility.

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