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2ND DEC 2008
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 So you’ve passed you’re A-Levels and you are about to begin the adventure that is University. You are prepared for the debt in the knowledge that when you graduate, you will find a nice graduate job and earn more than your non-graduate colleagues. But will your 3+ years of higher education really help you get the career of your dreams?
The answer is, in a few cases, yes, but generally only a small percentage of students do enough to stand out and make themselves attractive to top employers.
For many, University offers the opportunity to socialise with new people, attend a few lectures and exams and get a glossy certificate at the end of it. Some may even join societies, play sports and do charity work.
For some, however, University offers the perfect opportunity to develop their career before it’s even begun by reaching out to industry and building up a solid network that will enhance their employment prospects on graduation.
This is something that more students must do if they want to walk the career path they desire, and not simply fall into any job that pays the bills.
A survey in December 2006 by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development found that one third of graduates (graduating 2000-2005) regretted their choice of degree, while two-thirds felt their university could have offered better career advice.
Although it is true that anyone looking to get into a role such as engineering would need an engineering qualification, there is no reason why graduates of any discipline cannot get into the career and industry they want, simply by building relationships with people in their chosen field at the earliest opportunity.
Despite programmes such as the Apprentice portraying a dog-eat-dog business world where backstabbing is the company sport, the reality is that nobody gets anywhere in business without the help of others.
Keith Ferrazzi, an American marketer and author of ‘Never Eat Alone’, referred to by Fortune Magazine as one of the world’s most connected individuals, is a strong advocate of reaching out to others. "You build your network before you need it," says Ferrazzi in an interview on Inc.com. "When someone comes to me for advice on how to build a network because they need a job now, I tell them it's useless.
People can tell the difference between desperation and an earnest attempt to create a relationship."
Nepotism truly pays. If students use their time at University to build relationships with key players in their chosen industry then it won’t be long before they are becoming the key players themselves.
It is true what they say, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
Top Tips for Students:
Create a mission statement – what do you want to be/do/achieve?
Research the industry – as well as key companies in that area.
Key People – Find out who they are, research their background/expertise and how to contact them.
Find your USP (Unique Selling Point)- What is the next big thing in that industry? Follow the experts, write your own articles, become an expert yourself, teach others.
Approach your target – Be generous, compliment them on their career/research/future plans, offer your own views on the industry/next big thing/their competitor (constructively). Business men and women are often flattered and keen to pass on their advice to willing students. Be that willing student!
Written by Emily Bristow
Related Links
Student News
University News
College News
Provided by The Student Zone (United Kingdom) |
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