The difficulty many candidates find when they have left university and are searching for a new job is that they don’t feel they have the right skills, or any skills to get into their preferred field of work. 

Although there are various career advice resources around universities, there have been questions raised as to whether the advice being handed out is indeed valuable. Advice such as laying out your CV and how to prepare for you interview is a great start, however not enough. Research in recent years has suggested that too many graduates are being ‘mismatched’ with their jobs. Could this be a case of students taking the wrong courses or the courses not providing enough for students to take away from? Whatever the reasons are, there are still some vital pieces of advice candidates can take to have a successful career. 

Taking Advantage of Internships
 
An internship or apprenticeship can be a key door-opener to your new career; taking it seriously is vital. Not only will you learn the required skills to equip you in your career, but it will also give you the opportunity to find out more about your preferred industry to see what you like or don’t like. Gaining a few months to a years’ experience in an internship with hands-on experience will separate you from candidates in similar positions. 

Taking criticism and feedback 

When you’re first starting your career, you’re bound to make mistakes at any level. With mistakes will come feedback and at times, unwanted criticism. Criticism will not only help you improve in various situations in your career, but it will also help your communication skills with team members and those above you. 

Having a Mentor

When starting your career you will definitely be working with others who have been there and done it before you. Your supervisor or manager, who will be there to support you is key to succeeding. Along the way, they will provide you with advice on how to get to the top, but it will come down to you to take the advice on board and put it into practice. You could become a mentor in the future, who knows. 

Work Hard

This may seem like an obvious one, but working hard is one of the skills in which you cannot teach – it comes from you. Hard work is what is going to take you to the top, outworking others, asking questions, challenging yourself are all things in which you will need to do to succeed. Your career is in your hands, don’t let it slip away. 

Asking For Help

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. No one got to where they are today without assistance along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask, and then remember to return the favour. You won’t be expected to have all the answers during your career.

Taking Extra Courses

One of our previous blogs on the benefits of an online course could come in handy. You’ll learn more about yourself and the role of the job. However, taking a course or perhaps studying resources outside the workplace will only enhance your knowledge of the role and the industry. 

These are only a few of the points in which candidates can take advice from when beginning a new career. Getting the right advice along the way is vital in succeeding in your career; that begins today!