Whether you are going to be graduating in 2021 or you have already done so, it is an odd time to say the least.
Knowing what to do or even what to consider doing isn’t easy and a global pandemic doesn’t make things any easier.
So here are a few things that are worth thinking about from jobs and skills to goals and even mental health.
#1: Develop your skills
Yes, even though you have just got your degree you can still sharpen your CV ready for when job hunting kicks off. It is not to say you are under qualified it is more about:
- Keeping your mind in tune whilst searching for graduate jobs
- Gaining a competitive edge over other graduates
- Developing your employability skills
How to develop your skills during the pandemic
The world is at your fingertips. Without leaving the house, you can develop your skills from the comfort of your own home. You can do this by completing online courses or doing virtual internships.
Take online courses
For example, if you are a student in the UK from another country and you are looking to start your career in an English speaking company or country then you may want to look at improving your business English with a course online.
But it might be something more technical that will help you get the edge in a specific industry. You may well be looking to move into a sector where things move very fast like digital marketing.
Often the fundamental concepts in a degree a valid for a lifetime but where software and tools change on a monthly basis sometimes it can be worth looking to get some fresh skills like Google Ads course.
You may need present to clients or the board in a new role so a presentation course might be useful.
Do Virtual internships
If you are currently struggling to find a graduate job during the pandemic, apply for virtual internships. Completing these will give you the opportunity to develop valuable skills that employers look for.
Upskilling is something we should all do when we can and after graduating is a great time to look at niche and specific skills you can add to your CV in a relatively short period of time rather than moving back into another academic qualification.
#2: Discover your career path
To say the concept of finding a job can be overwhelming after graduation is an understatement. In some sectors, it can be easier than others where there is only a finite number of job types, but other broader degrees can mean the choice is vast.
If you are anxious about finding a graduate job during the pandemic, invest time into working out what career path is right for you. Don’t just apply for any job, apply for opportunities that are aligned with your skills and interests.
Important considerations:
- Keep an open mind when it comes to jobs, there could be something great you haven’t thought of.
- Consider the role you had always planned but create a list of other options too.
- Create a list of business types – start-up, SME or large corporates and consider the different benefits.
- If you are struggling to work out what career is right for you, consider getting a Graduate Coach.
Consider roles you had always thought about but also read around and try and get a list of more leftfield options. For a lot of graduates these days the idea of a start-up is very appealing. In a world where tech startups are the rock stars of the business world, it is easy to see why.
Choosing the start-up route is certainly a risky one, but it doesn’t have to be as risky as it once was. Gone are the days of having to have an office, shop, staff etc. You really can start a business from your bedroom. It is, however, important to have an honest look at your personality type and the kinds of skills needed to start a business. Some people are more geared towards the edgy environment of a start-up and others are more productive without the financial, sales and economic pressures starting a business brings.
As a graduate, it is critical to be open to new suggestions and to be able to stick to your guns if that is what you know you want.
There are lots you can do to learn about different roles:
- Reading lots of graduate advice blogs and getting help from companies like GC can be very positive.
- Talking to other graduates is very helpful in getting a view on different options.
- Join Facebook groups, find podcasts and even get into some biographies of people in your sector…it all helps build a broad picture.
#3: Look after yourself
Thankfully, we are all a lot more comfortable around talking about mental health but that doesn’t mean the issues go away. Being a graduate bring a unique set of pressures that can cause a number of issues. Many people feel a great deal of pressure to begin a big career.
If they need some time out this can be met with negativity and cause stress. But not finding that “killer” job can also cause anxiety and depression problems. On top of that many people are living back at home, away from Uni friends, they may be apart from a partner they met at university and that loneliness is compounded by Covid-19 restrictions.
Be aware of your mental health after graduating:
- It is OK to feel negative, it’s a massive change and a period of intense pressure of a very different kind.
- Seeking help is a positive thing and it may even help you move into the career you are anxious about not getting!
It is important to also think about mental health as just that and not just a negative thing. Being mentally healthy can and will help you build your future.
- Being aware and getting help for mental health issues is a great step for those who suffer, and there are many that do.
- Taking time to be mindful, to get exercise, to reward your hard work with time, fun, hobbies and more is so important.
- Mental health is not just about NOT being depressed or suffering panic attacks it’s about being mentally healthy. The confidence, positivity and self-assurance that can come from being in a good place can and will help as you move forward into the job market, post-grad study or the start-up world.
Good luck
Graduating is a big deal, and it can be a big mix of positive and negative things. You are not alone, there is lots of support and you will reach your goals so good luck!
This guest post was written by Ade Holder
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