4 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
51
Questions
Updated
970 views
I have graduated! What now?
Any tips you wish you had known right after you graduated? Job hunting? Or internship hunting for those who have no experience?
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4 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
696
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
One piece of advice I wish I had known is that your first job does not have to be your dream job. You should focus on gaining experience, learning new skills, and building a strong professional network. Every role can teach you something valuable.
If you do not have much experience, you may apply for both entry-level jobs and internships. Do not wait until you meet every requirement in the job description. Many employers value a willingness to learn and a positive attitude.
While job hunting, you can continue improving your skills through online courses, certifications, or personal projects. Learning tools that are relevant to your field can make your resume more competitive.
Also, you may create a professional LinkedIn profile and connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your industry. Networking can help you discover opportunities that are not always advertised.
If you do not have much experience, you may apply for both entry-level jobs and internships. Do not wait until you meet every requirement in the job description. Many employers value a willingness to learn and a positive attitude.
While job hunting, you can continue improving your skills through online courses, certifications, or personal projects. Learning tools that are relevant to your field can make your resume more competitive.
Also, you may create a professional LinkedIn profile and connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your industry. Networking can help you discover opportunities that are not always advertised.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
674
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
You are transitioning into work, so focus on building real experience through projects, freelancing, volunteering, virtual internships, or externships while developing 1–2 job-relevant skills. Apply early with an ATS-optimized CV tailored to each role, and target entry-level positions aligned with your long-term direction rather than applying randomly. As a new graduate, prioritize learning and gaining experience over salary, even if the pay seems low, because these early roles will shape your future.
Treat the job search as a system by tracking applications, responses, and outcomes to refine your approach, relying on referrals and direct connections as key channels, and defining a clear personal positioning statement that communicates your target role and strengths. Proactively explore local organizations and submit expressions of interest (EOIs) to access hidden opportunities. Engage in job shadowing and informational interview, and build your presence on LinkedIn with a standout achievement that highlights your profile. Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Handshake, and Wellfound to access opportunities. Prepare for interviews with structured practice, like using the STAR method and mock interviews. View rejections as feedback to improve your resume, targeting, and communication. Stay consistent by applying, learning, and networking every week. By following this approach, you'll greatly increase your chances of landing your desired job over time.
Treat the job search as a system by tracking applications, responses, and outcomes to refine your approach, relying on referrals and direct connections as key channels, and defining a clear personal positioning statement that communicates your target role and strengths. Proactively explore local organizations and submit expressions of interest (EOIs) to access hidden opportunities. Engage in job shadowing and informational interview, and build your presence on LinkedIn with a standout achievement that highlights your profile. Use job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Handshake, and Wellfound to access opportunities. Prepare for interviews with structured practice, like using the STAR method and mock interviews. View rejections as feedback to improve your resume, targeting, and communication. Stay consistent by applying, learning, and networking every week. By following this approach, you'll greatly increase your chances of landing your desired job over time.
ANTHONY SYLVESTER
School counselor
1
Answer
Onitsha, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
ANTHONY’s Answer
From my perspective, one of the biggest transitions after graduation is not just finding a job,it is managing the uncertainty that comes with it. Here's advice I wish every graduate heard:
Your first job does not define your career; it simply starts it.
Many graduates become discouraged because they compare themselves to friends who seem to "have it all figured out." Everyone's journey is different, and career development is rarely a straight line.
For those with no experience, remember:
Your skills are your first experience. Highlight internships, volunteer work, academic projects, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Employers often hire for potential as much as experience.
Don't wait for the perfect job. Apply for roles where you meet about 60–70% of the requirements. Many employers expect candidates to learn on the job.
Network intentionally. Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and ask for informational interviews. Many opportunities come through relationships rather than online applications.
Keep learning. Short certifications, digital skills, communication, problem-solving, and AI literacy can make you more competitive.
Expect rejection. A rejection is feedback, not a verdict on your worth. Every application and interview builds confidence and improves your chances.
Protect your mental health. Job hunting can be emotionally exhausting. Maintain a routine, celebrate small wins, and don't let unemployment define your self-esteem.
As a counselor, I often remind graduates that career success is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal isn't to get any job quickly,it's to keep growing until opportunities align with your skills, values, and aspirations.
Final thought: "Don't let your lack of experience stop you from applying. Every experienced professional was once a beginner who chose to start before they felt fully ready."
Your first job does not define your career; it simply starts it.
Many graduates become discouraged because they compare themselves to friends who seem to "have it all figured out." Everyone's journey is different, and career development is rarely a straight line.
For those with no experience, remember:
Your skills are your first experience. Highlight internships, volunteer work, academic projects, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. Employers often hire for potential as much as experience.
Don't wait for the perfect job. Apply for roles where you meet about 60–70% of the requirements. Many employers expect candidates to learn on the job.
Network intentionally. Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and ask for informational interviews. Many opportunities come through relationships rather than online applications.
Keep learning. Short certifications, digital skills, communication, problem-solving, and AI literacy can make you more competitive.
Expect rejection. A rejection is feedback, not a verdict on your worth. Every application and interview builds confidence and improves your chances.
Protect your mental health. Job hunting can be emotionally exhausting. Maintain a routine, celebrate small wins, and don't let unemployment define your self-esteem.
As a counselor, I often remind graduates that career success is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal isn't to get any job quickly,it's to keep growing until opportunities align with your skills, values, and aspirations.
Final thought: "Don't let your lack of experience stop you from applying. Every experienced professional was once a beginner who chose to start before they felt fully ready."
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
270
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Congrats! What level did you just finish? It will help us tailor the answer to you better.
I finished my Bachelors in IT!! I have a resume already + certifications. I don't want to be really in the technical side of IT but I wanted more in the business side so product designs, ui/ux, consulting, business development, or analytics.
Shaina