You’ve crossed the finish line! The exams, the deadlines, the caffeine-fuelled late nights, and now you’re stepping into the next chapter: finding your place in the job market. It’s an exciting moment, but it can also be a little intimidating. Suddenly, you’re expected to know what comes next. The truth? Most graduates are figuring it out as they go, and that’s completely normal.

A great starting point is to pause before rushing into the search. Think about what actually motivates you. What kind of work would make you want to get out of bed on a Monday morning? Do you see yourself in a buzzing corporation, a fast-growing start-up, the public sector, or maybe somewhere creative and unconventional? Would you be willing to relocate if the right opportunity came along? Getting clear on what matters to you will prevent you from applying to jobs that don’t align with your ambitions or your happiness.

Once you have an idea of what you’re aiming for, the next step is making sure employers can see your potential. That often starts with a CV that truly reflects your skills. Even if your experience is mostly part-time work, volunteering, or society involvement, those roles teach communication, teamwork, and initiative, exactly what hiring managers look for. A polished LinkedIn profile helps, too, since recruiters actively search the platform for new graduates. Treat it like your digital first impression.

While applications are essential, connections can be equally powerful. Reach out to alumni working in industries that interest you, join professional groups, attend events, or simply send a message on LinkedIn to someone doing your dream job. Many roles never get advertised, so sometimes knowing the right person is what brings you into the room.

When interviews come around, and they will, preparation goes a long way. Learn about the organisation, practise talking about your experiences confidently, and come armed with questions that show curiosity and initiative. Remember that interviews aren’t just for them to assess you, you’re also deciding whether this could be the right place to grow.

The job search can feel like a marathon rather than a sprint, and rejection is part of the process. Staying patient and persistent is key. Sometimes the best route into your chosen field is through a temporary contract or internship. These shorter opportunities allow you to gain experience, build relationships, and often lead to permanent roles down the line.

And while you chase your next goal, don’t forget to look after yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in comparison or feel like you’re falling behind, but careers unfold at different speeds for everyone. Establish a healthy routine, keep perspective, and celebrate the small wins along the way. This moment is not the end of your learning; it’s the beginning of your professional story.

You’ve already proven you can achieve something big by graduating. Now you get to shape what comes next, one step, one application, and one opportunity at a time.