How to plan your career after graduation?

Job hunting and career planning for graduates today have changed considerably compared to their parent’s generation. Young professionals now start their career planning far earlier than before and seem to be a lot more committed to the job-hunting process.

A comparably study shows that millennials are more career-motivated than Gen Z or Boomers. They are constantly seeking ways to move up the corporate ladder faster than older generations in the workforce.

Today’s young graduates also seem to switch jobs or career domains more frequently than past generations. LinkedIn data show that an average millennial graduate changes their job three times in the first 10 years of their work life.

So, what can we infer from these insights? It might be a good idea to see career planning as a life-long strategy instead of a one-time thing.

How to plan your career as a fresh graduate

As a recent graduate, your career path planning should start with thinking about what you want from your future career. Here are four great tips that can help with your career plan after graduation.

1. Create long-term career goals: Setting clear goals for your career can help you work out what your expectations are from your future career. Long-term career goals can also help you create a pathway for achieving your professional aspirations. Write down a detailed list of professional goals and use the SMART (your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) technique to get a clear idea of what you’re really aiming for.  

2. Reach out to people in your dream job: Once you have defined your career goals, talk to people who are working in those particular roles or domains. Try to get an idea of what it is like to work in that specific field. Often, the reality of the job might not match your expectation and, in such a case, knowing the challenges of the job before-hand can help you mentally prepare yourself or change your goals.

3. Revisit your career goals: While your career goals should be as specific as possible, you should maintain some flexibility by having a list of back-up options. Revisiting your goals from time to time can reduce the frustration of not having enough options at hand. It can also help you maintain a more positive attitude towards your work life and allow you to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.

4. Research the job prospects in your field: Apart from talking to senior management in your preferred work domain, it is essential to do your own research as well. Sign up to recruitment portals and professional platforms to look at the types of jobs for fresh graduates that might interest you. Doing this market research can help you understand your current position and decide whether you need to opt for higher qualifications to get the job you want.

5. Explore additional education or training opportunities: A willingness to learn new things and a positive attitude towards continuing education can help you grow throughout your career. It is especially important to explore different courses and certifications as a young graduate as you can pick up new things relatively quickly. Additional qualifications like a postgraduate degree can only improve your knowledge and skills and make you equipped for more senior roles in a workspace.

6. Create an impressive resume: An updated resume acts as your professional portfolio and lets you apply for your preferred jobs as soon as they are posted. A concise well-written resume can impress employers irrespective of your industry or career level. Some college programmes also offer resume writing services to their students. If your college doesn’t provide such a service, there are scores of free resume templates on the internet to get you started.

Following all the steps listed above can help you set definite goals for your career while keeping an open mind for unexpected opportunities. You must also make a real effort to talk to industry professionals to get useful insights as well as your professors for recommendations about things to do after graduation.

Considering a postgraduate course in trending domains like logistics or international business management to boost your prospects? Check out the courses offered by the London School of Business and Finance in Singapore.

LSBF in Singapore offers these degrees in association with the University of Greenwich and the Grenoble Ecole de Management. The courses will help you develop critical analysis and decision-making skills, which can come handy for outlining an effective career strategy.

Check out the full list of the postgraduate courses at LSBF in Singapore.