8 Top Tips for Job Hunting in Final Year...from a graduate who's been there!

POV: University has been a breeze so far. The first two years? Well, they turned out to be what I now fondly call 'challengeful bliss' – packed with those 2500-word assignments, one too many late nights, and the belief that 10am qualifies as an early start. 

Then, if you decide to take the plunge into a placement year, you've tasted full-time working life, made fantastic connections, and developed skills to take with you along the way. Blink, and suddenly, you're in the last lap of your academic journey – hello, final year! 

So, I won't sugar coat it – final year hits you hard, a whirlwind of intensity and emotions. But what they don't prepare you for is the dawning realisation that the next stage of your life is just around the corner and you may not have the first clue what it is actually going to involve! If you completed a placement and managed to secure a future spot at your placement company – great. But like me and plenty of others, life throws curveballs, plans change, and suddenly, you're not as lucky, or maybe you're dreaming of a different career path. 

Now, let's talk about this final-year limbo – a funky period of time that balances finishing off your degree and diving into the post-university world. It's that time where you've got to figure out what you're going to do and, more importantly, how on earth you're going to do it. Although it can be challenging, with a bit of strategic planning and a positive mindset, you can turn this period into a catapult for your career. Here are 8 tips on how to navigate through the challenges of searching and securing a job as a final year student/graduate: 

1. Reflect on Your Experience. Take a second to look back on your placement journey or any other work-related experience you might have acquired over the course of your degree, if this is something you had the opportunity to undertake. What did you love? What challenged you? Identifying these aspects will help guide you towards roles that align with your strengths and passions. For me, my placement was a mix of sweet and bitter. I really didn't want to say goodbye – the brand I worked with felt like home, and I made some amazing connections. But life had other plans. Due to the nature of my role and the distance involved, they had to fill my spot when I had to head back for my final year, leaving me feeling a little frustrated, to be honest. However, after some reflection, I left with an open mind and no burned bridges, allowing me to confidently focus solely on securing that first job, exploring other avenues, and turning professional relationships into great friendships. After stepping back, a realization hit me: the role I had really didn't fit with my long-term career goals. While I was knee-deep in social media, my heart was set on branding. So, this fuelled my determination to aim for a position in branding in the times ahead.
2. Set Clear(ish) Career Goals. While an exact roadmap is elusive, sketch out (in metaphorical pencil) the direction you want to head. Define your short-term and outline rough long-term goals to give your job search some needed focus. Because I had a clear idea towards exploring branding at this point, I had a defined end goal – which was great. Yet, the idea of securing my dream branding role straight out of university seemed ambitious, a little unrealistic, and to be honest, extremely overwhelming. Here's a bit of advice – once you've pinpointed your end goal, shift your focus to the short term. Think about tomorrow or the week ahead; maybe write 1000 words of your dissertation and apply to one job a day. I decided to break down my job search, specifically highlighting roles with branding elements or growth opportunities. This approach really eased the overwhelming feelings for me. Being naturally eager, wanting everything right now, breaking it down and shifting focus to the shorter term made me feel like I was on a personal journey. It reassured me that it's okay for things to take time, and I started celebrating the smaller goals I set along the way.
3. Start Researching Companies and Professionals. After setting your goals, it’s time to dive into the rabbit hole of company research. I found this task can get pretty boring, so consider exploring companies that genuinely interest you, regardless of whether they're currently hiring or not. Dive deep into their inner workings, understand their cultures, and take in their vibes. Tip – connect with professionals in your field, whether they're currently in a similar position or already at the pinnacle of where you aspire to be. The insights from those who've been through it or are currently experiencing it are pure gold and will help you strategically plan the next steps in your professional career. I found that this proactive approach is great, especially if you're not quite ready to kick off the active application process.
4. Build an Online Presence. Polish that LinkedIn profile and make it shine with your experiences, skills, and aspirations. In this digitally dominated world, there are mines of opportunities, and you want to be easy to find. Really dive deep into those details, filling every corner of your profile. Don't be afraid to reach out to your former bosses for some well-deserved recommendations and make sure to add an #opentowork frame on your profile picture for that extra sprinkle of professionalism. And, despite the cringe, share your academic and professional milestones – these updates are not only gentle reminders for your connections but also act as valuable markers of your own growth and achievements.
5. Network. Now, I cannot stress this enough - network, network, NETWORK! This really isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your VIP pass to hidden job opportunities and industry insights. Join groups, attend events and connect with other professionals in any way you can. Personally, the majority of my career breakthroughs have stemmed from these kinds of networking connections. Building genuine relationships with professionals in various industries, especially those in higher positions, has been nothing short of invaluable. These connections have evolved into more than just professional acquaintances – they've become my mentors who've generously shared their expertise, wisdom, and experiences. Their mentorship has played a pivotal role in pushing me toward my goals. So, when they say, "It's all about who you know, not what you know” they aren’t lying. Networking isn't just a formality; it's the root of so many opportunities and a catalyst for professional growth.
6. Utilise University Support Networks. Don't underestimate the power of your university's support systems. Career support and alumni networks – they're there to help, so seek advice and leverage every resource available. I have had a fantastic experience with the careers service at university and this is a prime motivator behind sharing my insights in this blog. If you’re in any doubt about your professional future, considering working abroad, require guidance for interview preparations, or genuinely just feel a little lost in the final-year limbo, remember that these support systems are ready to back you up. Book. that. appointment (even if you don’t think you need it). The guidance and resources they offer can make a huge difference in navigating your career journey.
7. Be Open to Other Opportunities. While it’s great to have your goals set out in front of you, be flexible. Expand your job search and explore unexpected opportunities that align with your skills. Sometimes, the best career moves come from unexpected places, and having tunnel vision can lead to disappointment and will drain the motivation from you – I learned this the hard way. Additionally, be prepared for a bit of give and take. You might secure a position in your dream company, but it might not be in the exact role you wanted. And you know what? That's perfectly fine. Sometimes, a slight detour is exactly what you need to reach your destination.
8. Stay Positive and Be Persistent. Job hunting has its highs and lows, so embrace the journey, learn from the rejections, and overall stay positive. Through my experiences, I've discovered that persistence is key; it's the force that bumped me into the interview pile and kept my applications under consideration. Don't just submit applications – go the extra mile. Reach out to recruiters or the hiring manager, expressing your enthusiasm and genuine interest. If your dream company isn't actively recruiting, shoot them an email expressing your eagerness to work with them. Let them know that if an opportunity arises, you'll be the first in line. The trick is to balance persistence with tact and passion, without tipping into the realm of becoming a pest. Know when to pause, be persistent, but don’t be annoying. 

So, final years, as you navigate this limbo, remember: your journey is unique and you’re running your race, the right opportunity is out there waiting for you - I'm still finding mine. Take a deep breath, apply these tips if you like, and set out on the exciting adventure that lies beyond graduation. Your future self will thank you for it!