Looking at the unemployment rate in several countries all over the world, the job market has gotten increasingly tough for fresh graduates to stand out and get their dream job.
For those graduates who think outside the box, there are still ways to get ahead of the majority and land your dream job with the following strategies.
1. Secure internships
Even though summer jobs are common, undergraduates still need to invest their holidays more into internships that align with their dream job. The experience not only looks great on your resume, it also gives you practical knowledge that you can leverage on when you are applying for graduate jobs. Internships are also a great way for you to connect with people that can help you in your career journey. People who have experience and contacts in your industry, or simply people who can teach you some tricks of the trade.
2. Attend job fairs
Many graduates actually secure their first post-degree employment from job fairs held while they were in the university. When a company comes to the school grounds to scout for fresh talent, use this as an opportunity to show them how you fit into their company, and how your contribution will be invaluable. Job fairs can be quite competitive. Companies are looking to recruit the best talents, and you can only make the cut when they see your potential. Go to the job fair well prepared, ask questions about companies that you are interested in, and contribute to the discourse.
3. Freelance
Freelancing has grown in popularity in the last couple of years, and I believe that it is a great opportunity for undergraduates to get some much-needed experience under their belt. It also gives you an introduction into the world of employment, even though it is not the same as having a formal employment in an office establishment. A lot of freelancers testify to freelancing opening doors of partnership for them in ways that they didn’t think possible. For someone still in school, this is the right platform to connect with stakeholders in your industry. Asides from the experience it provides, freelancing also introduces you to the world of entrepreneurship. In the end, a graduate may even find that they enjoy running their own business, instead of searching for employment.
More than anything, the job market calls for proactivity these days. It is no longer enough to work towards a high GPA, graduates also need to start proactively pursuing employment while still in school. Even though it is still possible to get employed right out of university, it is good to get a head start so that you can have an edge in a sea of other fresh graduates.
