When I finished my undergraduate degree, I realized that the outside world differed significantly from the uni world. An A+ student only sometimes correlates to a great employee. I wanted to perform to the best of my capacity, and I have come to understand a few things about the corporate world that I would have loved to know as a student before becoming a fresh graduate.
From searching for jobs, finding career options, negotiating my salary, and planning my career, I wrote the essentials for every fresh graduate. Here are a few valuable things to keep in mind when starting your work life. Two things that will help you in every aspect, as you will see as you read along, are the powers of networking and setting goals for yourself. I also added a few tips on how to start networking.
What Should You Know as a Fresh Graduate?
Contents
Job Search Tips
Finding Career Options
Salary Expectations
General career tip
Job Search Tips
Job searching can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of finding a job that aligns with your skills and goals. Finding the right job is a process. Remaining adaptable and open to new opportunities is essential. Don’t feel like something is wrong if it is difficult at first. Stay positive, focus on your strengths, and continue refining your approach based on your feedback during your job search journey.
The first job does not have to be the dream job, but you should not take anything that comes your way. You need to be able to evolve in your career, and it should be coherent with your job goals.
Set Your Goals – Before your search, define your career goals to ensure you get what you want. Too many people feel pressured to accept everything they can get. However, if you do this, you will end up with a job you don’t want and won’t be closer to your career goal.
Consider the type of industry, the locations, the company size, and the company culture you want to be part of. Your job will be a big part of your life. You should also take into consideration your strengths to maximize your chances.
Researching companies and looking at their website is a great way to understand their values and work culture. Before every interview, checking the website is also great to tailor your answer to the company’s profile.
Resume and Cover Letter – You should update your resume and cover letter! Adapt them to each job application to highlight your achievements, skills, and relevant experiences that match the requirements. You should have a generic template, but adapt some of your resume for each application. The cover letter needs to be written for each different job. It should address how you are the perfect fit for the job position and how you fill the specific needs and requirements of the job offer.
Research – You can find jobs on online job boards and platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and industry-specific platforms. Nowadays, you can even set criteria in the research platforms specific to you and receive notification when there is a new opening.
Networking is the most effective way to find job opportunities. Yet, so many fresh graduates do not dare do it. You can do it with social media, at a job fair, or by personal network (if you are lucky to have contacts already). As a student attend networking events, workshops, and conferences and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You will learn about job opportunities that might not be publicly advertised.
Networking and professional development – The easy first step is to build an online presence, mainly on LinkedIn. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your skills, experiences, and career goals. You can share industry-relevant content to demonstrate your expertise and engage with professionals in your field.
With LinkedIn, you can connect with a mentor who can give you insights and guidance for your first career steps. You should message people on LinkedIn to ask them questions. People are often happy and honored to answer.
That is how I got my first internship! I messaged an employee from a firm to ask about the sectors and the job, and he talked to his boss afterward. When I got the interview, they already knew of me, which probably encouraged them to hire me. Don’t hesitate to ask mentors, supervisors, and colleagues for feedback.
Prepare for Interviews – When you get the interview, practice common interview questions and prepare concise, compelling answers showcasing your skills and experiences. As I said before, research the company’s interview process and culture on its website. Reread the job offer and make links with your profile.
If you really want the job, follow up the interview with a thank you email. You can express your continued interest in the position and add on some aspects discussed during the interview. Be careful here; it needs to be done with the right tone. That will show your enthusiasm and professionalism.
Stay Organized – An optional tip is to keep track of the jobs you’ve applied for, including application deadlines and contact information. Use spreadsheets, job search apps, or other tools to maintain organization.
Finally, stay patient and persistent, and don’t get discouraged by rejections. If it is really not working, consider developing skills. While job searching, consider improving your skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications to make yourself a more attractive candidate.
Career options
Exploring career options related to your degree is an essential step in aligning your education with your future goals. Your degree doesn’t necessarily limit you to a single career path. Many degrees offer a range of skills that can be applied to different roles and industries. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to explore various options before settling on a specific career path.
Research – You need to start by doing loads of research on different dream jobs. Begin by assessing your skills, strengths, interests, and values. Consider what aspects of your degree you enjoyed the most and what activities or subjects motivate you. Understand the specific skills and knowledge your degree program has equipped you with. Look into the courses you’ve taken and the areas of expertise you’ve developed. Your university’s career services department can be a valuable resource. They often offer guidance, workshops, and resources to help you explore career paths related to your degree.
Use job search websites, career exploration platforms, and industry-specific websites to search for job titles related to your degree. Search for professionals who have a similar degree and explore their career paths. This can give you an idea of the diverse roles your degree can open up.
Network – Reach out to alumni from your degree program or professionals in your field. Networking can provide insights into the various career paths your degree can lead to. Ask questions! Professionals are the best suited to help you understand a job. This can provide firsthand insights into those positions’ responsibilities, challenges, and advantages.
Join relevant professional organizations and associations in your field. These organizations often provide resources, events, and networking opportunities that can help you explore career options. Participate in workshops, seminars, and webinars related to your field. These events can introduce you to new career paths and help you stay updated on industry trends.
Work experiences – The best way is doing internships and volunteering. Those opportunities can provide practical experience and help you understand different roles within your field. Sometimes, we can love researching a subject or a field but hate working in it. Try to get an internship while you are studying. You’ll be further than any other students with only a theoretical approach to the subject.
Education – Continuing education can be another option. Depending on your goals, you might need additional education or certifications. Pursuing a higher degree or specific certifications can open up more opportunities.
Be careful not to continue studying because you don’t know what you want to do. In two to three years, when you will finish your degree, you will be in the same place and won’t know what you want. Be intentional in your research and decision-making. Don’t make the mistake of letting your future self deal with those questions.
It’s better to take a few months for yourself to assess what you really want by working in different positions. You’ll return to your studies with a better idea of what you want.
Salary expectations
Determining salary expectations can be challenging as a fresh graduate since you’re just starting your career. However, you can still use some effective strategies to navigate this process. The goal for your first job is not only to get the highest salary but also to gain experience, learn, and set yourself up for growth. While salary is important for a first job, it’s only one factor in building a successful career.
Research – Research the average entry-level salaries for the specific role you’re interested in and your target industry. Websites like Glassdoor, Indeed, and Payscale provide valuable salary data. Many factors must be considered: location, company size and industry, benefits, and soft skills. The cost of living in the location where you’ll be working can vary significantly from one city to another and impact the salary. New York and a small town in Vermont won’t have the same cost of living and, therefore, salaries. Different industries and company sizes offer varying salary ranges. Tech and finance companies might offer higher salaries compared to non-profit organizations. Don’t underestimate the benefits and perks being offered along with the salary. Health insurance, retirement plans, training opportunities, and other benefits can add significant value.
If you have relevant internship or co-op experience, consider how that might impact your starting salary. Experience gained during your studies can contribute to your value. Consider your level of education, the reputation of your university, and the degree you’ve earned. Some fields command higher starting salaries based on the level of education.
You can always seek advice from mentors, professors, or career advisors. They might have insights into typical starting salaries for your field.
Negotiation – With the knowledge you have built by doing research, you will be prepared for the possibility of negotiation. Employers often ask about your expected salary during an interview. A realistic number is important because it will show you fully understand the job offer. Since you will have searched for salaries for similar job titles, you will have an answer ready! Do not lower the salary to be polite. If you are more comfortable, you can give a range salary.
Remember that while advocating for yourself is crucial, you should also be realistic about your expectations. Entry-level positions typically offer a lower salary range but provide opportunities for growth and learning. As a fresh graduate, your initial focus should be gaining experience and building a solid foundation in your field. Your starting salary is just one aspect of your career journey.
General career tip
I made a quick run-down of different tips I wish I had known before starting to work.
First, people know you are new. And no one should expect you to be perfect during your first months of work. Ask questions now because people expect you to be in a learning process, and people will be less patient later. It’s normal to make mistakes, and older, more experienced colleagues are there to help you. There is a reason they are paid more. If it is really not working, there is no shame in changing jobs. Finding the right place might take time. Success may not come overnight, but consistent effort will pay off over time.
Finally, when you start working, you realize people don’t look at everything you do. Stop worrying; they barely think of you. However, this can affect your morale since people might not appreciate your successes. At school, your parents were happy when you got an A on a test, but at work, this is not always recognized. You must celebrate your achievements, big or small, as you reach your milestones and move closer to your long-term goals.