Postgraduate programmes can look like the ultimate prize, though they’re quite challenging to secure and may not suit everyone. So if you missed one or it doesn’t pique your interest, what other avenues can you explore?
University of Galway’s career advancement manager Aisling Conroy pointed out that loads of students hustle extra hours to afford their education due to the escalating cost of living. This can sometimes lead them to overlook their career progression during the academic year due to lack of time.
A considerable number of contemporary tertiary level curriculums now involve a semester of professional training. Upon successful completion, Conroy pointed out that students sometimes receive job offers immediately following university. Besides that pathway, other students broaden their expertise by proceeding to a postgraduate course or pursuing professional qualifications in fields such as law or accounting.
Sinéad Brady, a career psychologist working with graduates and corporations, stresses that it’s perfectly okay not to desire the immense postgraduate programmes. She says smaller firms can sometimes match one’s skills more closely as their operations aren’t as rigid and there’s a lot of cross-functional teamwork. For new graduates, these companies provide a comprehensive understanding of business operations despite potentially having international scope.
For their part, Conroy confirms most University of Galway students are likely to be employed in smaller firms or SMEs, rather than large corporations. In their job hunt, it’s essential for them to explore widely rather than merely replying to jobs that are formally advertised.
Numerous job opportunities are listed on platforms like the career office, LinkedIn, job recruitment sites or gradireland.com. Graduates can sign up for alerts about jobs they’re interested in.
However, they must also access the unadvertised job market, which involves making a list of preferred companies and reaching out to them. Speculative applications serve well here, especially in sectors like NGOs and charities, which may not be regularly advertised.
Graduates are often encouraged to contact individuals who operate within their chosen field, a suggestion that might be overwhelming for first-generation students, students from lesser privileged backgrounds and students of immigrant or non-Irish origins, who may not have readily available professional contacts.
According to Conroy, some students may struggle with networking. This group might especially benefit from our assistance, although those with connections might sometimes be hesitant to utilise them.
On a brighter note, modern technologies, LinkedIn especially, have made it simpler to network with professionals from industries of interest. Conroy advises to reach out to individuals whose work you respect, alumni in particular. Rather than making a direct request like for employment, he encourages initiating a conversation about their profession and professional journey.
Although graduates might be hesistant to take this step, the majority of people will give their time as it prompts them to reflect on the current state of their industry, serving as a beneficial exercise.
Furthermore, seasoned professionals might be interested in guiding newcomers in their field, enabling them to revisit their own skills. However, overentitlement or aggressiveness should be avoided.
Conroy underlines that each career-driven discussion is valuable, whether it’s with a friend’s neighbour or a LinkedIn contact, who might hint towards a referral scheme at their workplace.
He adds that an impeccable and carefully constructed CV tailored to the desired role is paramount. An error-laden CV may reflect negligence, causing it to be summarily dismissed. On the other hand, crafting a strong CV could aid candidates in honing their objectives and emphasising their capabilities.
Due to the prolonged impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, many fresh graduates could have missed the part-time jobs and college activities that usually strengthen a CV.
However, Conroy reassures that employers are not expecting recruits to possess CEO-level skills and competencies. He acknowledges that the class of 2024 might have been unable to gain work experience, suggesting that highlighting group assignments, teamwork, participation in clubs, societies, and voluntary work, might be helpful.
The career service at your college is an invaluable asset. These entities usually offer ongoing, no-fee assistance for a couple of years post-graduation. They play a key role in connecting graduates with potential employers, providing guidance on interviews and CV-building techniques, running CV assessment sessions, sharing information about the career paths of your programme’s alumni, and guiding graduates to beneficial AI tools and surveys.
These services are staffed by trained and knowledgeable professionals who offer their help and advice to graduates free of charge. It is crucial to take advantage of this resource while it’s accessible because similar services will come with a cost in the future.
What options are there for you after college?
For continuous learning:
Depending on your field of study, further Education might be an option for you. If you are a graduate of certain technical degrees like health science, architecture or social care, you might have the skills to directly transition into a job. On the other hand, if you’re a graduate of broader degrees like humanities, business or science, additional specialised training could be essential.
Graduate recruitment programmes come in handy here, as they are designed to equip graduates with the skills they lack. Otherwise, postgraduate education is on the rise in terms of flexibility, permitting learners to gather their requisite credits on a module-by-module basis, often on a timetable that suits their needs and lifestyle, and frequently remotely.
The apprenticeship alternative:
Career psychologist Sinéad Brady highlights that a growing number of undergraduates, particularly those at levels six, seven and eight, are opting for apprenticeships post-graduation which offers the dual benefit of earning and learning simultaneously. Historically, apprenticeships were embarked on before higher education but this option is gaining popularity.
Traineeships:
This model provides a different approach, supplying specific skills for specific job roles. Vocational training is often rendered over a span of six to 20 months.
Consider a sabbatical:
No interest in a graduate programme or further studying? It may be the perfect time to take a year off and explore other countries. Programmes available in countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand offer the opportunity to live and work there for a year. Opportunities may also arise to work in EU countries.
We bring attention to these nations as they generally showcase a welcoming disposition towards graduates from Ireland, whilst often presenting a higher remuneration. Graduates, for example, could opt to seek employment in Australia, accumulate some funds, and then utilise that to explore regions such as Southeast Asia and Indonesia. This could be done before they finally commit to a full-time vocation.