Congratulations, you’ve just graduated. After years of early morning classes, late night study sessions and countless tests, you have a degree and are ready to go out and change the world. Landing that first postgraduate job is the next step, but it’s not always as easy at it seems. You may be worried that you don’t have the perfect job lined up, you don’t have much relevant experience, or you are unsure of what job you should be looking for. Don’t panic, celebrate your achievement, and read these 5 tips on navigating what comes next. 

1. Network

Network, Network, Network. It seems repetitive and no doubt something you have heard a number of times, but any list of postgraduate career tips will have this on it. Leverage the network of people you already have (your professors, your friends, your family, your friends’ family, your family’s friends) and cultivate new connections. Informational interviews are a great way to get insight into career paths and meet new people to add to your existing network. Let everyone know you are looking for a job and let your network help you find one.  

Don't just look inside your current network; meet new people too.  Net Impact Professional Chapters and the Net Impact Conference are great places to make connections.

2. Know that your first job won’t feel like college

You’re schedule, assignments, and assessments will not feel the same. Adaptability is a key skill to understand and flaunt from the interview process through to starting the job. At university you are surrounded by ways to connect and make new friends; clubs, new classes, and college events. At the workplace these opportunities are less, so start off by making connections and learn ways to maintain them. 

3. Do your homework 

Whoa, more homework, but it’s important to learn as much as you can about the industry you want to work in, the prominent companies in your area, the day-to-day work, and the types of roles you would be most interested in. This will help you narrow your search and prioritize your opportunities.

4. Learn how to ace interviews 

Interviews are stressful for everyone, so don’t worry if the thought of them makes your stomach turn. There are many tips out there to teach you interview skills; websites such as Forbes, Monster, and CollegeGrad provide guidance. Practice what you learn, dress for the part, and know that each interview you go on, whether you get the job or not, will help increase your interview skills. 

5. Be open to different opportunities 

You might have a clear idea of what job role you are looking for, but understanding that you may have to work up to the job you want will help you in the long run. Internships or fellowships are great ways to gain experiences, or a great opportunity may arise in an unexpected field. There may be more than one pathway to your long term goal so be open to whatever opportunity comes your way.

For some, landing that first job happens quickly, while it make take longer for others. Stay positive during every stage of your job search and be confident in what you have to offer a company. Good luck!