It may be really scary to step out into the “real” world after the triumphant culmination of your academic journey. Shortly after the initial joy of receiving your diploma, you may already be asking, “What’s next?” Despite all you’ve learned, you may not feel very prepared to go through the motions of job hunting, upskilling yourself, and planning your approach toward your finances over the next few years.
Remember, however, that you’re not alone in this journey, and that many fresh grads like you may have the same questions about how to properly transition from student life to working life. If you don’t have a clear roadmap for what to do in the months following your graduation, here are eight things you can do to start:
1) Define Your Career Goals
First, as opposed to starting your job hunt without a clear sense of direction, take some time to define your ideal career goals. What do you aspire to achieve in your professional life, and what dreams do you think you can prioritize over the dreams that can stay on the shelf for now?
Do you have a particular job role or industry in mind, or are you flexible—and if the latter, exactly how flexible do you think you are in terms of the new skills or positions you’re willing to learn?
Consider the passions, interests, and talents you cultivated during your time at school, and reflect on the experiences that have shaped your ambitions. Use these to narrow your options down and to make your job application process more focused and purposeful.
2) Prepare All the Necessary Documents for Employment
Next, you’ll want to prepare the documents that will be important to all of your job searches post-graduation. Start by writing a resume that gives potential employers enough detail about your newly acquired degree, relevant coursework you’ve finished, and any significant projects or internships you completed during your academic journey.
Try to be both concise and comprehensive when highlighting your achievements. Your resume should reflect your potential value to prospective employers, but you also wouldn’t want to come across as a braggart.
Other requisite documents that you should prepare if you want to apply to good jobs in Metro Manila or other major cities in the Philippines are the following:
- A cover letter template that you can easily edit to fit different job applications
- A set of recommendation letters from your professors, internship supervisors, club moderators, or other mentor figures who can serve as good references for your character
- A copy of your transcript
- Copies of certifications or distinctions you’ve earned alongside your diploma
- Proof of your enrollment in agencies like the Philippines Social Security System (SSS) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR)
- Clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
- Physical or digital copies of work that you want to put in your portfolio, especially if you’re applying for a job as a writer, artist, photographer, video editor, web designer, and the like
3) Work Towards Building a Strong Professional Network
You should also take the initiative to start building a professional network for yourself, as this can greatly improve your job prospects right after graduation and provide you with insights, opportunities, and mentorship that will enrich your career journey.
Start by reaching out to the people you’ve encountered in school, like professors who’ve served as a great influence to you, classmates who share your career interests, and working people you’ve met through internships or networking events.
Discern who you can have meaningful conversations with, who you can ask for advice, and who you can share things to whenever you hit a significant career milestone.
Remember that building relationships takes time, so be patient and authentic in your interactions. Little by little, your network may help you open doors to job opportunities you may not have found otherwise and be a crucial source of support when you’re navigating the early stages of your career.
4) Begin the Search for Suitable Positions
Next, figure out the practicalities of looking for a job. Explore online job bulletin boards, company websites, or even social media groups for your school alumni or people you share interests with.
Tailor your applications to positions that align with your career objectives and current skill levels.
During your initial search, consider casting a wide net for more chances of getting hired. Don’t be discouraged by rejection, as job hunting is often a numbers game. Stay persistent, refine your resume and cover letter as needed, and rehearse for interviews. Simply starting your job search early and maintaining a proactive approach will increase your chances of soon securing a position that sets you on the right career path.
5) Explore Options That Will Give You Practical Experience
Internships and entry-level roles may be necessary stepping stones to a lucrative job in your chosen field. While these positions may not always be as glamorous as you envision, they’ll offer you opportunities to apply your knowledge, learn from seasoned professionals, and build a relevant skill set. In addition, these experiences can serve as resume boosters and help you establish important connections within your industry.
Be proactive in your search for such opportunities through job portals, career fairs, or your university’s career placement services. Remember that practical experience is an investment in your future career, and it often pays off in the form of better job prospects and career mobility down the line.
6) Further Your Education as Needed
While some fresh graduates may be eager to jump straight into their careers, others may find value in pursuing advanced learning opportunities. Further education, such as a master’s degree or specialized certification, can be a strategic move for your career, especially if the highest positions require advanced qualifications.
However, you must first evaluate whether additional education is necessary to achieve your objectives, and if it’s better to pursue it now as opposed to a little later in your career. Do your research on programs that align with your career path and offer the skills or credentials you actually need.
Keep in mind, too, that further education is an investment of both time and money, and weigh the costs and benefits carefully. Some careers may require ongoing education and professional development to stay competitive and up-to-date with industry trends, while for others, practical experience may suffice.
7) Freelance and Work on Your Personal Projects
You may have your sights set on full-time employment from the get-go, but don’t underestimate the power of independent projects and freelancing as avenues for professional growth.
It may be good to take some time to work on personal projects related to your field of interest, as they allow you to apply your skills, build on your current level of expertise, and put together a portfolio.
To gain practical experience and supplement your income, consider pursuing part-time freelance work. In addition to helping you make money in the earliest stages of your career, freelance work can help you expand your current professional network and develop a strong work ethic. It’s also not uncommon for independent projects or freelance engagements to turn into stepping stones for more significant career opportunities.
8) Plan Your Finances Wisely
Most fresh graduates don’t consider how costly career building can be. Don’t make this mistake, and make sure you create a budget that accounts for your income and expenses as early as you possibly can.
If you have student loans, factor them into your financial plan and work towards immediately paying off similar debts or financial obligations. You should also consider setting up an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or financial setbacks during your job hunt.
It’s also never too late to start thinking about long-term financial goals, such as building up your retirement savings or investments. If you’re so inclined and can afford to do so, seek advice from a financial advisor and ask about the savings or investment goals that you can afford to pursue right now.
Preparing for Your Career Journey Ahead
The path ahead of you after your graduation will not always be linear, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is that you commit to walking through it with an attitude of persistence and a constant desire to improve yourself. That’s one of the most important lessons you’ll learn soon after graduation, and truly, you will carry it with you for the rest of your life.
