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For most students, university offers the perfect preparation for working life. It helps to develop knowledge and understanding, while also honing the social skills, which are integral to career success. But, student life can also foster bad habits, and some will find it difficult to shake these off. One thing’s for sure, the quicker a graduate starts focusing on their career, the sooner it will get off the ground.
Maintaining balance

University is an enriching experience for so many reasons. It’s most certainly a fun time, but it’s also worth remembering that it’s all about preparation for life. For most, that means the world of work, whether punctuated by a bout of travelling or not. So, although university can be a high-pressure environment – in itself good preparation for work – students should resist the temptation to ‘let off steam’ too often in the latter stages. It’s all about balance, and the same goes for work. The fun doesn’t stop when university is over, but the world of work certainly does begin.

To secure the right role, graduates must make a fundamental shift in attitude. They need to get smart in lots of ways. It’s about focus as much as anything.

Practically though, it’s important to start living like a worker. It’s difficult to maintain student habits and come across as a serious professional. So, late-night drinking, sleeping in, irregular eating and daytime TV should all be regulated. The ideal career springboard rarely comes to those who aren’t prepared to put some effort in. This means reading around the chosen industry, learning about the big players and acquiring the knowledge and skills most in demand.

Playing the game
The next stage of getting smart is a literal and perhaps controversial one. Consciously or not, employers will judge candidates on their appearance. This doesn’t mean they can’t express themselves or make a statement. It means using common sense and looking the part. There is no law against rejecting someone based on scruffiness. This is not racist, sexist or anti-anything else in the eyes of the law. Ultimately, if candidates can’t be bothered to make an effort, what does that say about them?
Consider it from a company’s point of view. They aren’t trying to stifle individuality but their employees are paid to reflect company values and culture.

Potentially this could influence other businesses, looking to buy their services. That’s why some employers are quite particular about personal appearance. Before expressing too much individuality it’s safest to get a feel for the corporate culture, to understand what’s appropriate and where the boundaries are. Ultimately, if graduates want to get on, it’s important to play the game.

Graduates need to keep developing once university is over. Even without interviews on the horizon, graduates should keep pace with their chosen industry. Experience is obviously valuable too. While some might have been gained at university, there’s no reason to stop there, particularly if a job offer isn’t forthcoming. Most companies will give unpaid work to graduates with enthusiasm and aptitude. Far better on your CV than a rather conspicuous time gap! Plus, it may also lead to a job offer!
Most graduates leave university full of enthusiasm and optimism. The key is to stay motivated. Sure, this isn’t the best time to be looking for work, but the right roles are still out there and companies are still investing in securing future talent.

Inertia can also occur on the first rung of the career ladder. The reality is rarely as glamorous as the dream, at least not initially, but it’s really important to stick with it, and instead see it as a new and important period in your life. Promotion can come quickly for those who show initiative, provided they listen, absorb and act on advice from trusted mentors.

As mentioned, the fun doesn’t stop once the work starts; it’s all about balance. A vital part of getting on at work is about ‘getting on’. Whether during work or after hours, it’s important to be sociable and have fun with your colleagues. However, it won’t always be three-legged pub crawls in fancy dress on a Wednesday evening!

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