What to Do After University- Tips for A Fresh Graduate

You don’t have to figure it all out as soon as you graduate from university. Unlike mainstream films and TV shows, the life of a fresh graduate after university is not as easy as getting accepted into your dream job. Mostly, it requires not just an intensive job search but fully discovering yourself and what you want to do for the rest of your life.

Your life should not be dictated by the piece of paper that the university dean hands over to you. Do not be confined by the expectations others have set for a fresh graduate. Decide on who you want to be, what your lifelong passion is and take it from there; one step at a time.

You Don’t Need to Fully Support Yourself Straightaway

You don’t need to emancipate yourself. Moving out of your family home with barely enough savings would not make you independent; it makes you careless. The first thing to ensure is that you live a good life not struggling to make ends meet. As much as you may want to enjoy a European getaway, think about how much it will affect you financially.

Being a full-fledged adult is not about seeming as if you’ve got your life together – but figuring it out along the way with the support of your family and friends. So, there really is no need to rush packing your bags. Enjoy your childhood room and spend time with your family – it may even help you discover something about yourself!

Don’t Compete With Classmates

Don’t allow yourself to feel pressure from classmates. Some people may already have secured employment from internships they did while still in university and some may be given hefty allowances by their parents unlike you so don’t feel like you have to be doing as well as them in as little time as them; go at your own pace and know that everyone’s life path is different.

You shouldn’t walk into an interview for your first job and demand high pay just because a classmate who already has experience (while you don’t) told you that that’s how much they earn. Don’t try to live a lifestyle you see on social media as that’s people just “flexin’ for the ‘gram”. Don’t be in a hurry to get experience or promotions, take your time.

Be Easy to Reach

Explore your options and make sure that you can be contactable. When you send in a job application, HR personnel would typically get back to you within a week either via email or phone call. Therefore, to ensure that you do not miss a possible interview, frequently check your contact email and phone.

Also, know that unknown numbers will be calling you a lot so in the time you are job hunting, don’t be one of those ‘I don’t answer calls from unknown numbers’ type of people otherwise countless opportunities will be slipping through your fingers. Don’t keep your phone on silent all day especially when you’re expecting calls, keep your phone close and make sure you have enough airtime to make calls when necessary.

Live Within Your Means

After you graduate, if you decide to join the workforce straightaway – the full-time salary will definitely attract you to live life precariously. Travelling, buying branded goods and even eating in Michelin-rated restaurants. However, here at The New Savvy, we believe indefinitely on saving and budgeting.

Don’t try to live like the people you follow on social media – be it influencers or old classmates. Live a life you can afford – don’t let anyone make you feel broke or poor. Stay within your means; and if anybody convinces you otherwise, do not hesitate to cut them out. (Stay away from negativity!)

Consider Volunteering and Internship

This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and get more industry knowledge as you have a lot of free time on your hands. This is also a chance to meet new people and gain a lot of experience which will look great on your CV. Don’t be in a rush to make money as important as it is. Don’t let income be your only priority but let it be one of your main priorities.

There’s a lot of little tips you can learn during this time from where you are interning and you may even meet someone who’ll offer you employment.  In this time, you can also do small weekend jobs or part-time assignments if you really need a little money to keep you going.

Make sure your Resume and Cover Letter is impressive

Learn how to make your Curriculum Vitae/ Resume and Cover Letter as impressive as impossible. Instead of concentrating on making it look aesthetically pleasing – make sure that your content is arranged and maximised to its potential. 

Avoid spamming out your CV to every firm and every employer even when they are not searching for any new employers. This is annoying and they’ll talk about you and tell each other not to employ you.

Build Your Network

Any already employed person in any industry will tell you that the most important thing is to have connections. Building your network not only increases your social circle but also your social skills and awareness.

Even though you might be an introvert or prefer to socialise in smaller circles, it would not hurt to attend a few networking events and find people who can help you build yourself professionally and personally.

Finding the right people to network with is important as it can lead to good opportunities and also a few people you can grab a drink with during the weekend!

Take your Time and Never Give Up

It doesn’t come naturally. Landing a job or figuring out what you want to do after graduation takes a lot of time. It is important for you not to rush into anything, just because you are pressured by those around you. There are so many things you can do as a fresh graduate. Keep your mind and your phone line open; because opportunities are always just ’round the corner!