Things Nobody Tells You Before Entering the Job Market
A few things you must know before graduating.
During their university years, students grow wings. Their newfound freedom gives them ample confidence to ignore everything and do whatever they want. They attend classes, study to pass, spend time with friends, fall in love, get their hearts broken, try new things, and feel the excitement that only an undergrad student can feel. But surprisingly, most of them have no idea about the upcoming trouble they will confront after completing their study.
They think life will be this good — friends, freedom, love, and happiness — all the time. But as soon as they become graduates, they come to realize that their life is full of unwanted and shocking surprises.
That’s why in this article, I will share a few hard truths that probably nobody told you before. If you are still studying, I hope this will help you rethink your present actions.
No One Is Waiting for You With A Job
Admit it — you are just another graduate. Unless your father has a company of his own, no one is waiting for you with a job when you finish your study.
You may think you are studying a demanding subject and companies will kill each other (if necessary) to hire you. But that’s not the case. The reality is entirely different. There are thousands of job seekers more qualified than you, and they are well-equipped to kick you out from the competition.
So, don’t live in the illusion that you will have no difficulty finding the job you love. Instead, prepare yourself for the upcoming battle — read more, sharpen your skills, learn a new language, get some additional certifications, and practice things that can take you a few steps ahead of your potential competitors.
Find Your Mentor. It Helps.
Almost nobody tells you that you need a mentor in your younger years. This mentor must be more experienced and knowledgeable than you. You can choose your mentor from your favorite teachers, university big brothers, industry leaders, or anyone who is already there where you want to see yourself in the next ten years.
A good mentor is a lifelong blessing. He/she can guide you towards your goals and gives you insights that you may not find anywhere else. Your mentor can also help you pass through difficult times and motivate you to never give up.
Having a mentor is like having a career coach. Trust me — it helps. If you want to know how to find a great mentor, check out this article titled “Where to Find Your Secret Mentors.”
Your Need to Develop Some Human Skills
Before entering into the world of competition, develop your human skills, aka soft skills. What are they? They are creative thinking, communication, positivity, teamwork, critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, and more. And sorry, you cannot learn them only by reading self-help books.
The best way to develop these skills in your university life is to volunteer in social activities or doing extracurricular things. You can join an NGO or a nonprofit that works for the deprived community or speaks for the environment. You can also enroll yourself in debate competitions, educational workshops, leadership seminars, theatre group, and so on.
In my university years, I joined a theatre group that helped me develop my human skills. Before that, I was an extremely introverted person who feared any gathering. But my nearly two years in the theatre group changed many things in me. It helped me develop my public speaking ability, acting, critical thinking, creative thinking, teamwork, etc. During my undergrad years, I also participated in so many workshops and seminars and, therefore, learned how to lead a team.
Focus On Expanding Your Network
Networking helps you discover so many invisible doors of opportunity around you. It can also resolve many of your problems, helping you in every sphere of life. But most of the students just fail to understand the power of networking.
You know, I got my first job because of networking. I had a good relationship with one of my university big brothers, and he helped me get a job in his friend’s company (without even asking). And I got my first job right after completing my graduation, while many of my friends struggled for years to find a job.
But how do you expand your network, right? In another article, I discussed a few steps that may help you. I am repeating here again for your convenience—
- Search for the people who studied in the same institution you are in right now — and are already in a great position in reputed companies.
- Approach them (through LinkedIn, email, or call) by appreciating their achievements and let them know that you are on the same journey and will appreciate it if they have any advice for you.
- Communicate frequently and keep them updated about your gradual improvement and seek more advice.
- Be curious about their life and work. And never be shy to ask good questions.
Your Hobby Can Turn Into Your Career
This is so true. You will find many great singers who studied engineering, artists who had no fine arts background, writers with no degree in literature, and so on. But nobody tells you in your younger years that your passion or hobby can be an excellent career choice.
If you are studying electrical engineering but loves your guitar, keep practicing. If you are in economics yet passionate about photography, keep clicking. Who knows! The world may know you by your hobby (not by your degrees).
Many of my friends who studied literature at the university are now full-time video editors, animators, or singers. So, don’t give up on things that make your time fly.
Happiness Is Not Always Associated With Money
In the learning years, many of us think that when we get a good job, we will live happily ever after, and all our problems will just vanish away like magic. But remember, happiness has very little to do with high-paying jobs, power, influence, or worldwide fame.
Instead, happiness is a state of mind. And you can be happier if you spend more time with your family and friends, keep in touch with the knowledge world, travel to unknown places, appreciate nature, practice gratitude, help needy people, and raise your voice to bring positive changes.
More money surely can give you more purchasing power and solve many of your problems for sure, but it’s not all that brings peace and happiness in life. I know people who have great business and money yet spend sleepless, stressful, and unhappy life.
To Conclude
Life is not always what you see in front of you. There are uncertainties in every phase of life. And as we cannot predict the future, the best way is to prepare ourselves for any unprecedented situation.
So, to recap the whole thing -
- Develop the skills that can put you ahead of others.
- Find a mentor and seek advice.
- Do volunteer works to develop human skills.
- Expand your network.
- Never give up on your passion or hobbies.
- Connect yourself to your surroundings and be happy.
Thank you for reading!
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If you want to read more of my writings, don’t forget to check out the following articles.