Five Things Every Graduate Should Know

Naturally, you're thrilled about graduating from university, but perhaps you're nervous about life after the hats are thrown and the speeches are said. Will you discover your true passion? What about failure and success? How will you say good-bye to the people you're leaving behind? Here are five things the class of 2013 really needs to know.

1. Don't Be Fooled By the Headlines 

There are still jobs out there. Let's be honest, only doom and gloom make headlines. In truth, there is a shortage of upbeat, bright, employable grads. Many university leavers assume the big graduate schemes are like the Holy Grail. But are they really all that? Or are graduates just seduced by the structure that feels so familiar after years of full-time education? What about the slightly smaller companies offering positions? Don't just go for the most obvious places and don't dismiss small to medium-sized companies. According to recruiters, major blue chip companies, consulting firms, media businesses and more are looking for the talent they need to grow their business.

2. Unpaid Internships are Against the Law 

Surprisingly, today's biggest issue for graduates is unpaid internships rather than joblessness. Shockingly, a quarter of interns have done three or more placements, and one in four internships last more than six months. More and more, it's a myth that unpaid internships lead to paid jobs – a new intern, also unpaid, just replaces you. The law states anybody who qualifies as a worker (aged 21 years and above) must be paid at least £6.19 unless their employer is a charity. If an intern's role has set hours and responsibilities and is contributing work that's of value to the employer, it's possible the company is breaking the law.

3. Temping is a Tempting Option 

Why work as an unpaid intern or sign up to do expensive second degrees that may be of little interest to employers when you can temp and earn money while gaining experience as well as making contacts? You're more likely to get a permanent job. Many employers are happy with an undergraduate degree – few job adverts stipulate a postgraduate qualification. In fact, the more educated someone is, the less they'll get paid. And don't just take a post-grad course to "wait out" the recession – who says it'll be better 12 months down the line? All you'll be doing is competing with a new bunch of graduates – plus those who didn't find work this year. Eek!

4. The Perfect CV? What's that?

 Obsessed about creating the perfect CV? News flash: there's no such thing! If yours is clear and concise, stop tampering with it. If your application's really good, it'll get noticed. So don't bother with trying to stand out. Instead, use the extra time to check your online footprint. Google yourself. What comes up? How does it make you look? Potential employers will do this – so make sure you do it first. Next, set up a LinkedIn profile. It's a fab place for hearing about jobs on the grapevine.

5. Give Your Chosen Industry a Checkup 

Thanks to the digital revolution, many industries have been turned upside down, namely the music industry, book publishing and print journalism. But they aren't the only industries in distress. Ultimately, this means the dream job you've set your heart on may not even exist in a few years – and, if it does, it could be poorly paid and unstable. Often, graduates assume that if they want their goal badly enough, they'll make it. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Open your eyes. If people in your chosen industry are fleeing, what does that tell you? Your career spans a whole 40 years – don't pick an industry that'll be dead in four. Take your skills to another growing sector instead.

Brought to you by micah udoh
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