Tips For Getting Jobs Straight Out Of University

Embarking on the journey from university to the professional world is an exhilarating yet often challenging transition. Landing jobs straight out of university can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and mindset, it’s an achievable one. 

As you step into the job market, you’ll discover that it’s not just about qualifications; it’s about presenting your unique blend of skills, experiences, and aspirations in the most compelling way possible. 

We’ll explore various avenues, from internships, networking, and tailored resumes to help you stand out from the competition.

Take up Internships

Although this sounds quite obvious, one of the best ways to get jobs straight out of university is by taking up internships while you are studying. 

This can be over the summer break, winter break or whenever you have the time to set aside for it.

You can find internships on many of the job boards like Linkedin and Indeed, or you can also directly check the company website to see any new openings.

It is important to note that most of the time, applications for summer internships usually open by January. So make sure that you are prepared so you can submit your applications on time. 

The internship that you are taking doesn’t necessarily have to be from the top companies. While it would be very beneficial, you shouldn’t limit yourself to those but rather apply to smaller companies as well. 

Most of the time, you get hands-on experience when you intern at a smaller company and you can learn a lot from the leaders directly. 

Trying out internships in different positions can also give you clarity on which field you enjoy working in which can be helpful in deciding which path you want to take after graduating.

Networking

Networking doesn’t have to be as boring or complicated as people make it out to be. It is simply making connections with people who are already in the business world. 

There are a lot of networking events that are hosted in all cities. All that you will have to do is make time to attend the events and talk to people who are already in the field that you ideally want to get into.

 You can ask any questions you might have about the work that they do, and if they seem interested in your skills, you can also ask about any openings in their company.

Another way to network with industry professionals is by attending any seminars/workshops that are hosted by the university. This could even be the guest lecturers that are invited to teach you.

You can directly ask them questions about their industry and this would be a great way to learn directly from renowned professionals who otherwise you might not have the chance to talk to. 

Make use of your University’s Career Service

Most Universities have designated career services that will help you build your resume, your LinkedIn profile and give you guidance on which role you are suited for.

Meeting with them regularly can help you get an idea of what you can do in university to help you land jobs straight out of university.

If you are applying for an internship or a new job, they can also help you create a personalized cover letter that describes your skills in the best way possible.

They usually post about any internship opportunities that they are aware of on their socials, so it is best to follow them on social media so you can keep up to date.

Volunteer Work

Volunteering can be one of the best ways to gain experience which can help you land jobs straight out of university.

You can volunteer in several different organisations in varying positions, all of which are very valuable to your resume.

Many organisations have volunteering positions that are within the business side of the company.

 By volunteering, you will not only be helping people by working for a good cause, but you can also directly learn transferable skills. 

To find out the list of volunteering opportunities for students, click here 

Attend Career Fairs

Similar to networking events, career fairs are excellent for meeting with people from top companies who are hiring. You can learn about the different positions that are open and connect with the people in the company as well. 

By attending career fairs, you will be able to find opportunities that you might have otherwise missed.

You can ask the recruiters any queries you have about the company or the roles and network with them as well. 

Plan ahead 

While all the tips we have discussed are great to help you get the experience you need and find opportunities, one of the most important tasks to get jobs straight out of university is to plan ahead. 

One of the biggest mistakes that university students tend to make is to leave the job search and planning to the last year or right before graduating.

If you want to start a job immediately after graduating, then you should start your preparation as soon as possible. Even the first year is not too early to start planning for your career, as it will give you the time to see when you want to take internships and when you want to take a break.

It is good to start applying for jobs at least 6-8 months before you graduate since this gives you the time to apply to opportunities that open early on in the year. 

It also eases the pressure of having to get it done all at once when you are likely busy with your dissertation or final project.

Preparing ahead of time, finding opportunities early, and connecting with people in the industry are just a few ways through which you can get jobs straight out of university.

But always remember that even if you dont get jobs straight out of university, you shouldn’t panic or give up since everyone has their own timeline and the time after university can also great way to relax and find yourself before you start working.