Q: After graduation, what next?

A: Whatever you plan to do after graduation, it is important to be as clear as possible about your ambitions and expectations –  and to plan.

While you will have been quite naturally focused on yourself over the past few weeks, now is the time to think seriously about others – potential employers, postgraduate admissions tutors, volunteer organizations. What do they expect of a recent graduate? What do they want you to do?

Whether you plan on getting a job, doing further study or volunteering for a while, what you do immediately after graduation will not be for the rest of your life. It is estimated that over the course of your working life you will have many different jobs in a number of different types of work.

It is not unusual to be no more than vague about what career path you wish to follow. You may have a general idea – ‘I want to work in the media’; ‘I like PR’. Statistics show us that ten years after graduation, a large number of graduates are not working directly in the discipline area they either studied or started off working in.

It is also worth bearing in mind that every field has many diverse employment and study options, most of which you might not know about right now. The possibilities are almost endless, and are probably increasing year by year.

So, if you can’t predict with any confidence where you will be in ten years or less, and there is no logical career development which is immediately evident, what should you be paying attention to?

1: is probably the presentation of yourself. How do you look on paper (that application) or in person (the interview)? Make the best of yourself. The way you order your c.v. conveys messages about yourself. What you put at the top signifies importance. Start with what you want to emphasise – and tailor your c.v. for each application. Dress appropriately for interviews.

2: be briefed about the organization you have applied to. Go over the web site, particularly the About Us pages. Know the product(s), the personnel, the client list, the readership profile, and so on. Where will you fit in?

3: have ideas. You may well be asked, ‘If you were running this organization, what would you do about … ?’ But don’t be negative. Always start with a positive.

4: know why you have applied. Another standard question is, ‘Why do you want this position?’ An appointment is a trade-off: you want something, but you also have to give something.

5: respond positively to obstacles. You could be told that you don’t have enough experience, you are not mature enough, your studies aren’t in the right area, or your grades aren’t good enough. Don’t take it personally. If you think the objection has some basis, acknowledge it by saying, ‘You could be right. I can see why you would want someone with more experience/more maturity/better grades/a different degree. You want someone who can hit the ground running. Well, I can do that, too.’ And provide examples. Stress your strengths and achievements. Ask for examples: what kind of experience, etc.? Don’t be defensive. And don’t blab on endlessly. Say what you have to say and shut up.

6: be realistic. Don’t expect to be promoted to ceo in your first week. Equally, don’t set your sights too low. Do some research: what is the appropriate starting-point for someone of your age with your experience and background in that particular field?

7: remember, for the most part the advantage lies with the employer particularly in times of economic uncertainty. You should always be prepared to demonstrate what contribution you can make to their organization.

8: use evidence. Don’t just assert that you are a high achiever – prove it. Answer appointment criteria directly providing evidence to back up your statements. In an interview you will probably be asked supplementary questions about your application. So, don’t ‘spin’ a story on paper which you cannot back up under questioning.

9: particularly in the broad area of media, communications and journalism, you will need to be persistent. Jobs don’t come easily. Don’t be disheartened if you meet initial failure. Try some freelancing. Keep in trying, and stay cool.

10: be flexible in your thinking – the first job you score may not be on your chosen career path, but it may well lead to it.

11: network. Get to know people. Stay in touch with the School (join the alumni group).

Good Luck.
Michael Bromley & SJC 

On this site