Five tips for university graduates moving into the workforce

University graduates need to find ways to stand out from the crowd as they move into the job market — and it can be as simple as saying “yes”.

University graduates looking for an edge as they take their first steps into the professional workforce should focus on more than their technical skillset.

EY campus recruitment lead Sarah Perrens says there are a lot of other ways they can set themselves apart.

IDENTIFY TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

“Today’s graduates don’t just need to keep pace with change, they need to pre-empt it,” Perrens says. She recommends building up transferable skills through volunteering, extracurricular activities, work experience and free online qualifications that enhance employability skills.

Gaining a university degree is only one part of making yourself a standout candidate. Picture: iStock

MINDSET OVER SKILLSET

Perrens says technology is changing so rapidly that skills learnt today may be irrelevant in the not-so-distant future, making a global mindset increasingly important. “The more you can flex your style, experience the world, travel, learn a new culture or language, the better you will be at serving (the global) marketplace,” she says.

FIND YOUR NETWORK AND BE VISIBLE

Networking creates connections to people who are further along in their career, having already muddled their way through all the ups and downs that a graduate is only just embarking on. “Find these people and learn everything that you can from them,” Perrens says. “Hold on to relationships with university peers, old colleagues, and others around you.”

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DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Perrens says the best way to blow a potential employer away is to show a genuine interest in the company. “Qualifications will only get you so far, demonstrating motivation is critical at the graduate level,” she says.

SAY YES

“Sometimes a task, meeting, or training can seem irrelevant and boring, or even too challenging, but you never know what can come out of something until you try it. Be open and flexible, try to see the development opportunity in the tasks and engagements that are presented to you,” Perrens says.

Originally published as Five tips for university graduates moving into the workforce