May 7, 2019, by Katy Johnson
Nothing Lined Up? No Stress.
By Caroline Nolan, Employability Officer
If you’re quickly closing in on graduation with no plans yet, rest assured that your future is not over, in fact, it has only just begun.
It’s totally okay to not have a great job lined up right after you graduate. In fact, I think there are a lot of positive things to be said for it. Here are just a few of them.
1. Nottingham graduates
As a graduate of the University of Nottingham, you’ll be in a great position to make an impression in the working world. It is no secret that the University of Nottingham is ranked in the world top 70 universities for employability by the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019. As a Nottingham graduate, you can continue to use our services to help you build your career.
2. Opportunities
You may feel a little burnt out by the time that you graduate. Having a couple of months after the whirlwind of university to switch gears and most importantly take time to decide what you want out of your career is a good thing. When you do you finally get that offer you will start with a fresh mindset and recharged batteries.
The speed at which you’re able to secure a job really has no impact on your future success. So, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that your friend, who already has a position lined up, is destined for a future as a CEO – while you’ll never secure your first job. It’s equally crucial that you don’t let this pressure get to you too much. Otherwise, not only could this damage your wellbeing, but you might end up taking the first role you are offered – even if it’s not suitable. Read our blog to hear from recent graduates.
You might not realise it but lots of students don’t know what they want to do after they graduate. Work towards an answer identifying what matters to you, what you have got to offer and explore your options. Have you thought about internships or voluntary work, even travelling for a short time? All these activities add experience to your CV and broaden your horizons.
3. Expert advice
Planning your future can be confusing. That’s why your Careers team are here to support you. From online questionnaires like ‘Prospects Career Planner’ and ‘Profiling for Success’ that are designed to help you figure out which jobs would suit you, to lists of job types that help you explore different sectors. There are so many resources available to help you figure out what you want to do. You can also come in for an appointment with one of our expert careers advisers who will support you in your job search. Even after you graduate, you can talk to a careers adviser wherever you are in the world by telephone, Skype, email – or face-to-face if you still live locally.
Remember that this is just the start of your career, and chances are high that you will switch jobs multiple times over the course of your working life. Your graduate job search isn’t a race or a competition. It’s a journey that is unique to you. If you go at your pace, focus on your goals, and look after your wellbeing at the same time, you will find success in the near future.
Take a look at our resources for creating an outstanding CV, an effective application form and our top tips to succeed in an interview.
No comments yet, fill out a comment to be the first
Leave a Reply