Graduate Career Prospects: How to Get ahead of the Game

The percentage of graduates in the UK population is going up every year according to the Office for National Statistics. A record 38% of people in the UK possessed a degree in 2013 compared to 17% in 1992. The recession has had an obvious effect on the job market and an increasing number of graduates are entering jobs in Scotland and throughout the rest of the UK that don't require a degree. There are still plenty of graduate opportunities out there, though, and a number of ways that you can get ahead of the game when job hunting. Here are some tips to help you on your way.

Work Experience Pays Off

Since so many people now have degrees, employers are often looking for people who have practical as well as academic experience. While you're still at university, search for work experience within a relevant sector. If you're undecided between two different career paths it won't hurt to gain experience in both. Not only will it look great on your CV, but the work will help you decide whether that career path really is for you.

Consider an internship

Many companies now offer internships, both paid and unpaid. They can be a great way of getting your foot in the door and gaining practical skills. If the internship is unpaid then ensure that you're clear on exactly what it will offer you before you commit. If you're going to work for free then you need guarantees that the experience will boost your chances of getting a job afterwards and provide you with new and valuable skills.

Keep your CV updated

Every time you do something new that's relevant to your desired career path add it to your CV. That way you won't miss anything off and it will be up-to-date and ready to go whenever you need it. If you have work of any form published online then also consider creating a portfolio website. This can help you stand out from the crowd and present your work in a professional way.

Sign up for job alerts

It's a really good idea to keep your finger on the pulse of relevant industries. Sign up for job alerts on recruitment sites and on the websites of individual companies that you'd like to work for. This way you'll stay in-the-know when there are job openings and won't miss out on opportunities. Start doing this whilst still at university to give yourself a head start. You can also read through job descriptions and identify gaps in your set of skills so that you know what you need to learn when on a work experience placement.

Use social media

Social media is another effective way to find out about jobs and network with potential employers. Build yourself a professional LinkedIn profile and connect with individuals who work in the relevant part of a company. You can also follow potential employers on Twitter.

The job market for graduates may be fairly competitive at the moment but by building up your skills you can stay ahead of the game. If you can gain practical experience and staying in-the-know about new opportunities you can put yourself way out in front of other graduates.

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