Event overview and panellists
Transitioning from university to securing your first graduate job is an exciting yet sometimes daunting experience. Alumni recently spoke at a panel event, sharing their career journeys, job market tips, and practical advice.
Each panellist offered unique insights, discussed common challenges, and answered participant questions. This blog summarises some key advice to help you land your first graduate job and kickstart your career.
The panel featured alumni from various sectors:
- Emma Ansell, Campaigns Executive at The Quarto Group, English Literature
- Paige Taylor, Programme Manager at GAIN (Girls Are Investors), Theatre and Performance
- Samantha Belcher-Tyson, Technology Product Manager at Morrisons, Experimental Psychology
Overcoming job search challenges
What were some of the main challenges you faced when starting your career, and how did you overcome them?
The panellists discussed the common challenge of feeling overwhelmed during the transition from university to professional life, particularly when understanding the various industries and career paths.
Sam described her main challenges as “not knowing really where to go, what to do, and just the breadth of all of the different options out there“, emphasising the importance of taking the time to explore and reflect before making decisions.
Our step-by-step guide for exploring career options can help generate ideas and make informed choices.
Panellists also shared that breaking down the job search into smaller, manageable tasks was a helpful strategy to stay organised and focused. Panellists also emphasised the importance of self-compassion, advising you to keep moving forward after setbacks:
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you don’t get a job, it’s very disheartening, but try to move on to the next one. And definitely take breaks!”- Emma.
Effective job search strategies
What strategies did you find most effective in your job search? Did you use any non-traditional methods to secure your first role?
The panellists highlighted the importance of tailoring CVs and cover letters for every role you apply. Emma recommends that you “Keep altering your CV and cover letter each time”.
Paige also stressed the value of aligning your application with the specific skills each job requires:
“Don’t send the same CV around everywhere. Look at a job advert, what skills they want, and demonstrate those skills in your degree, part-time work, or society work.”
For those struggling to gain experience, what steps can they take to build their skills and make themselves more marketable?
For those who have limited work experience, the panellists offered practical tips. Sam suggested leveraging transferable skills from part-time jobs or university projects and highlighted the value of transferable skills:
“People skills, presentation skills, teamwork, [etc.] are what an employer is looking for, even if not [gained] in the industry.”
Panellists encouraged gaining experience through internships or volunteering to build a solid foundation of skills and discover networking opportunities.
For more information, you can explore the guide to finding work experience, internships, and placements and the guide to enhancing sector-specific skills.
Application tips
What advice would you give if people were applying for a job at your company?
Sam, now on the hiring side, emphasised the value of enthusiasm:
“The other parts of a job, you can probably teach to a person, but that pure ‘I want to be here, I want to be part of this company, I want this job’ is what stands out”.
Applicants can demonstrate their eagerness through thoughtful questions and showing they’ve researched the company: “You can get that across in applications and interviews by asking questions that maybe nobody else is going to or showing you’ve done the research” – Sam.
Paige advises you, “Make the person reading your CV or interviewing you feel special by showing that you’ve researched their company” and to “Always ask a question at the end of the interview. Have a really good question to ask”.
Balancing ambition and flexibility
What advice would you give graduates who are holding out for their perfect role?
The panellists encouraged balancing ambition with flexibility. While aiming for the perfect role is admirable, they recommended staying open to positions that provide valuable skills and experience. They suggested viewing the first job as a stepping stone, noting that the perfect role may evolve as experience is gained.
Even if not perfect, every role teaches something useful and contributes to career growth. It’s okay to pivot if a role isn’t the right fit, as each step helps build experience and clarify your path.
As Paige said, “Your perfect job may be somewhere for you, and you’ll find it eventually. But just take the opportunities you can.”
For further advice, please refer to our Navigating your next steps: making pragmatic career choices article.
Building resilience in the workplace
What tips do you have for building resilience to cope with the demands of graduate-level work?
The panellists shared strategies for building resilience in a new job. Sam emphasised the importance of setting clear boundaries, such as not checking emails outside of office hours.
Emma highlighted the need for open communication, encouraging graduates to seek help proactively if struggling with their workload.
Paige recommended incorporating downtime into your routine, suggesting activities like journaling, running, or listening to podcasts to help maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Please check out our article on Navigating the job search: wellbeing and resilience for recent graduates for further insights and tips.
Support beyond graduation
What support does the careers service offer to graduates?
The Careers Service is here to support you even after graduation. We offer free, impartial, and expert advice for up to three years following your studies. Whether you need help with job searching, career planning, or navigating your early career path, we are here to assist you throughout your career journey.
Access essential resources and guidance as you transition from university to the workforce in our Support for graduates guide.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading, and we look forward to seeing you at similar events in the future.
Many thanks once again to the panellists for their insightful and candid contributions.
Caitlin Price, Careers Support and Graduate Engagement Intern