As graduates embark on their professional journeys, the choices they make in their initial work experiences can have a significant impact on their long-term career trajectory. Investing time and effort in selecting the right Graduate Program, Cadetship or Work Experience (or similar) that aligns with your career goals and provides valuable growth opportunities will lay a solid foundation for your future success.
So, how do you choose the right one for you?
Put yourself out there to determine your career goals and build your network early
Some of the best ways to identify your career goals and build connections are to attend University Career days, reach out to your tutors and mentors/people in the industry to build your network, visit the Career Hub or chat to past Graduates. You will gain clarity by putting yourself out there, which will make it easier to be able to determine exactly what you are looking for.
Building relationships and connections early in your career can open doors to future opportunities, mentorship, and a broader understanding of the industry.
Consider your specific industry interests(ie. project type)
Through defining your goals, you’ll likely figure out your specific interests within your field of study and this may include what kinds of projects you want to work on. Do you want to gain experience in a Tier 2 or 3 business prior to considering Tier 1, or vice versa? Do your research on what different sized organisations offer and consider your approach on applying for programs based on this.
Have a back up plan!
It is likely you’ll already have certain companies in mind that you’re wanting to reach out to. Whichever approach you take, it’s important to have a back up plan, just in case, so you have the chance to keep moving forward.