If you are close to graduating with a college degree and are nervous about finally entering the real world and applying for graduate positions, you’re not alone as most graduates feel the same sense of anticipation. If you could benefit from a guide full of helpful tips that will increase your chances of succeeding in your new job, simply continue reading.
Ensure that you are paid a fair salary:
Many individuals who are new to the work force believe the myth that it’s acceptable or even expected for new graduates to expect low salaries. However, if you have studied for years and have a bit of work experience, there is no reason why you should not apply for open positions with companies who are willing to offer competitive, fair salaries.
Also realize that you have nothing to lose by applying for competitively paid job positions in your industry, as if you don’t get offered any of these positions, you’ll still be able to apply for positions for lower salaries. However, if you start off by applying for jobs with lower salaries and receive a job offer which you decide to accept, you’ll never know if you could of worked at a company that would’ve offered you a lot more money.
Network:
Networking is crucial, no matter what industry you are planning to work in. As even in today’s world, sometimes its who you know and not what you know that will get you a job position. So it’s well worth attending networking events in order to introduce yourself to big players in your industry. Alternatively, if any of your college professors have contacts in your industry, you may want to use these contacts in order to get your foot in the door, with some of the companies which you dream of working for. As college professors often have ties to businesses in their fields, that may be willing to give opportunities to recent graduates who have glowing references.
Aim to stay at each position for at least 6 months:
If you are not happy at the first company which you end up working for and find that there is little training or career progression offered, there is nothing wrong with planning to leave. However, it’s often a wise idea to stick it out for a minimum period of six months, in order for your experience to be seen as an asset on your CV. As if you leave in just a few months, this may ring alarm bells for the potential new employers that you may want to interview with.
Think about whether you could benefit from further training:
For example you may want to complete a post graduate diploma or certificate that is relevant to your industry, in order to help set yourself apart from other graduates. Especially if competition is tough in your chosen industry and you would like to back yourself in order to obtain the best possible graduate position.
In conclusion, while it can be scary to finally graduate from college after several years of study, if you follow the tips that are listed above, you should have no issue succeeding.
Leave a Reply