Securing Success: 6 things Welsh grads should be doing to kick-start their careers

Every year, more than 30,000 students graduate from universities and colleges across Wales. With so many candidates competing for the same jobs at the same time the real challenge is: how can you stand out and secure your first job after university?

The transition from education to the professional world is inevitable, and for many, it is very daunting. Coming out of the safety of full-time education and into the world of work comes with the uncertainty of job hunting, the pressure to start earning money, and the fear of rejection - it can be an anxious time. However, the key to success lies in the preparation.

With the end of the academic year approaching, we’re offering up some of our key tips for how to kick-start your career, stand out from the crowd, and confidently navigate the shift from student life to a successful career… 

1. Network, network, network

Your network is your net worth. The number one thing that will help you both now and in the future is your network, so start building it as soon as possible. This can be as simple as creating a LinkedIn profile to start making connections and a means of staying in touch with university friends, family friends and even lecturers. Who do you already know that might be able to help you land a job? What networking events can you attend, online or in person?

GlobalWelsh has a community platform called Connect ,which offers you access to over 6,500 (and growing) Welsh business connections in over 70 countries. Alongside your LinkedIn you can build a profile to showcase your credentials and connect with business leaders in over 150 industries who are predisposed to want to support you. There’s also a Careers section and a Pathfinder membership option especially for graduates.

If you want more information on the importance of building a network and world-class tips on how to build your network, check out our partners, The Networking Institute >> 

2. Be proactive & think outside the box

Unless you are incredibly lucky, a job, sadly, isn’t going to just land on your lap. You have to be proactive and think outside the box. To stand out in a competitive job market, you need to step out of your comfort zone and take initiative. This means reaching out to companies directly, expressing your interest in working for them and making a lasting impression. 

Use your investigative skills to research potential employers, dig for key contacts (use LinkedIn or GlobalWelsh Connect), and understand a company’s mission and culture before making your approach. Why would you want to work for them? Do you think you would fit in? Does their product, mission or ethos interest or excite you?

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone, send emails, and connect with professionals. The more effort you put into this process, the more likely you are to be noticed. By being proactive, demonstrating enthusiasm, and showing that you’re willing to go the extra mile, you’ll set yourself apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

TOP TIP: Start by thinking - what do I bring to the table? What do I have to offer? Why should someone employ me? They won’t expect too much at this stage, but employers will want to see that you’ve put some thought into it. So dig deep and reflect on your natural strengths and personal qualities.

3. Get some experience - even if it’s just a bit!

The chicken and the egg situation. How can you get experience without experience? The answer is putting yourself out there and gaining work experience during the Summer or whilst studying will go a very long way. Whether through unpaid work experience, internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering, not only strengthens your skill set but also makes you stand out to employers. Employers want evidence of your work ethic, working in a team, dealing with customers and problem-solving. Key in any job.

Going back to the importance of networking, connecting with people who can help you find this experience is key. This may involve attending networking events or tapping into the services your university offers to help you find an opportunity. By engaging with the people and resources available to you, you will eventually find something and the more you immerse yourself in professional environments, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel when stepping into the workplace after graduation.

TOP TIP: People love to help young people who want to help themselves. So don’t ever be afraid to ask! The worst that can happen is a no, but you will learn from that too!

4. Work on your soft skills - they are THE most important

One of the most valuable things you can do to set yourself apart in the job market is to understand and develop your soft skills. These are the key interpersonal qualities that often come naturally to us and are absolutely essential for success in the workplace. 

Soft skills include things like the ability to communicate clearly in multiple mediums, an enthusiastic attitude, the ability to work in a team, critical thinking skills, and the ability to use your initiative and not wait to be told what to do. According to Stanford Research Institute International and the Carnegie Mellon Foundation, 75% of long-term job success depends on these skills, so it is crucial you start working on these now!

Start now by identifying your natural talents and fine-tuning these skills, so employers can immediately recognise them. Be sure to highlight these skills on your application, they demonstrate that you have the personal qualities that can make you fit for any role - something most employers look for! These qualities will not only help you stand out from a pile of CVs but also shine through in an interview and help you to excel in the workplace!

5. Take advantage of your University or College resources 

Many universities and colleges offer valuable career services, yet many students fail to fully capitalise on them, even though they provide a great advantage for gaining a head start in your postgraduate career. 

Take the time to understand the benefits of utilising university resources. Attend CV and cover letter workshops, mock interview prep sessions, and utilise the job fairs/career talks your university provides. Now is the perfect time to take full advantage of these opportunities to refine your application skills and boost your confidence. 

Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of building relationships with tutors and lecturers - they often have industry contacts and can provide invaluable career advice. Making the most of these resources not only enhances your employability but also puts you ahead of other graduates in the job market.

And finally…

6. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes

Accepting that your first job won’t be your dream job is key - you don’t need that sort of pressure. Your career won’t be linear, it’ll be a journey. It’s highly likely you will have multiple careers, and where you start will have no bearing on where you end up. When you look back at your career it will take many twists and turns, you will have opportunities to explore and try new avenues. 

The key is to get on a path and get started, try new things, discover what you're good at and what you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, change direction, adapt, and pivot. That’s how your career and experiences grow and evolve.

In today’s competitive landscape, no one expects you to have everything figured out right away but showing that you care and invest time into your personal and professional growth will set you apart from your peers. And when in doubt - network, network, network!