Tips And Career Advice For Graduates

By Estelle Larsen


Many a graduate does not feel quite ready to enter the workplace. They have been focusing on theory for most of their student life and now they are required to put this theory into practice. Career advice for graduates is essential to help them approach the prospect with the right attitude. This is particularly important today due to the fact that the workplace has changed so much and continues to do so at a rapid rate.

Recruiters always look at experience and at what the individual can bring to the company in terms of increasing revenue or reducing costs. A graduate should not just dismiss a job that may offer less cash but great opportunities for learning. An internship or even doing volunteer work may be necessary for a short time to open doors that would otherwise remain closed.

At the start of a career it is often necessary to put in long hours. Individuals will battle to do this if they have no interest at all in the job they are expected to do. A job should rather be selected for what it can add to a resume than what is paid. This gives the incentive to work those long hours and learn the skills because this paves the way for future success.

Once employed, the graduate needs to demonstrate his or her assets and show a willingness to learn. The more projects completed successfully, the more responsibility will be given. Soon the individual becomes valuable to the company and this provides an opportunity to ask for a pay raise.

The workplace today is very different to what it was in the past and it keeps changing. In the process of developing a career, individuals very often do not stay with one particular company or in one position. They may not even stay in one country. Competition is fierce and it is necessary to have the competitive edge in the workplace. Those who are pursuing their aspirations and making use of their assets also need to be very aware of market realities. Helping a company to fulfill needs and address problems is one of the best ways to become invaluable.

One of the ways to have a competitive edge is to build up a relationship network. Such a network offers access to new opportunities as well as a means of sharing resources and information. The importance of developing soft skills is often underestimated by graduates. Having mentors who are already successful can also be extremely helpful. They can help provide guidance on their journey towards success.

Having an online profile is another way to have an edge. This provides a place where future employers can access education, skills and examples of work done. It can be updated whenever a new skill has been acquired or a new project completed.

In our changing world, playing it safe is probably one of the most risky strategies for graduates. They should never just dismiss a particular career because other people consider it too risky or only make safe decisions. When taking risks it is possible to fail but this is all part of the learning process. Taking intelligent risks offers more opportunity of becoming successful and continuing to grow.




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