5 TIPS IN DEVELOPING YOUR CAREER AS A FRESH GRADUATE
Every year, the competition in the job market continues to get more and more challenging; this problem is especially applicable to fresh graduates. Companies’ requirements for entry-level jobs continue to increase, despite the lack of experience from students’ who have just stepped into the professional world. This has led to many fresh graduates struggling to find the experience they need and walk towards the path they want. For students who are anxious or are still struggling to decide where they want to go or what they want to do after graduating from university, here are some tips for you to begin your career.
- Explore
After graduating, you don’t have to go straight into a particular career; it’s normal to be confused or unsure. It’s important to take your time and explore different paths, take opportunities, and get varying experiences. These experiences can be acquired through internships in different industries, freelancing, or doing a personal project. The experience can help you gain experience and new insights into what you’re good at and which direction you want to go.
- Don’t Stop Learning
Just because you already have a stable job or position, that doesn’t mean you stop learning new things. Just doing your daily tasks at your job may not be enough to reach your personal goal. Continuously learning and expanding your skills is also crucial; it provides you with new perspectives and expands your opportunities. Every industry continues to grow and innovate new things, if you don’t stay up-to-date with your industry’s latest trends and developments, you’re going to get left behind. Expanding your skillset will increase your professional value and keep you competitive in the industry you’re in.
- Set Small Goals
It’s important to have a goal, but solely focusing on that one goal in a distant future can be demotivating and overwhelming. To maintain your drive and motivation, it is important to layout your checkpoints (short-term goals) towards that one big goal. Setting these short-term goals will help you keep track of your progress and where you’re currently in your career. Fulfilling these small goals will help you get motivated and continue to strive for that big goal in your career.
- Find a Mentor
Mentors are people who are experienced in their respective fields. Having a mentor can help you figure things out when you start your career. They can provide valuable professional guidance and support. Their insights and experience will serve as a guideline for you in your career and help you get through challenges you’re unprepared for.
- Networking
Connecting with people in any industry is important for career development. Networking helps you stay up-to-date with industry trends and opportunities; it also opens you up to potential career advancements and referrals. Networking can be done by joining industry events, professional associations, and more. It may be your turn to help someone in the future!
Choosing your career may not be easy, but the tips above can help as a foundation for you to start. Explore your choices and experience new things; it will lead you to a fulfilling career and your goal in life. Stay persistent and work hard, but don’t forget to take care of yourself!
“The Way To Get Started Is To Quit Talking and Begin Doing.”
- Walt Disney
References :
- J. S. Writer, “Fresh Graduate: 5 Tips to Kickstart Your Career,” Jobberman Nigeria, Jul. 2022, [Online]. Available: https://www.jobberman.com/discover/kickstart-your-career
- A. Augustine, “6 Ways to Rock Your First Entry-Level Job After Graduation,” TopResume, Apr. 2022, [Online]. Available: https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/recent-college-graduate-jobs-entry-level-jobs
- F. H. R. Council, “18 Tips For New Graduates Ready For The Job Market,” Forbes, Jun. 07, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2018/06/07/18-tips-for-new-graduates-ready-for-the-job-market/?sh=1b5b4c3c4338