Tomorrow never comes start planning your career today

Tomorrow never comes start planning your career today Many of you have taken on board the message that early career planning is a good thing but then get stuck trying to decide what to do and do nothing or consider options that arent the best fit.  Students often comment: “my flatmates are applying to do law and  banking maybe that’s what I should do?” and this is sometimes accompanied by wistfulness or envy.how come other students seem so sure and so confident about their choices!? Plenty of you feel panicked into applying for graduate jobs, as it feels better to do something than sit and procrastinate.  However, this can often prove to be counter-productive. Recruiters can spot a lack of focus or clear motivation a mile off  and typically these applications find end up on the reject pile. One rejection is hard to swallow but multiple rejections can be pretty demotivating. Why is it difficult to make career plans? Often its because nothing really stands out. Maybe youre a good all-rounder with no strong preferences. Perhaps youre fearful of making the wrong decision? Or maybe youre so busy enjoying life as a student, that youre putting career decision-making on the back burner for a while? Youre not alone Many, many students are unsure what they want to do beyond university, so you are not alone and it is quite normal  to feel pretty clueless about your career path. But the good news is you can move from a position  of anxiety and uncertainty to one of greater clarity and confidence. Heres how: Find out what makes you tick Ask yourself the following: what motivates/energises you;  what are you good at; what do you enjoy; what are your priorities; what are your non-negotiables; what matters most to you?   It may have to complete some of our online self-evaluation  activities and if youre looking to take it a step further why not try TARGETjobs Careers Report or Prospects Planner. See a careers consultant Many people mistakenly feel they must have an idea before they can come and discuss this. Not so. Careers consultants are trained to work in partnership with you to explore ideas and options. Sometimes you need a nudge to get you started talking to someone might just help.  Dont forget careers consultants are impartial and are not invested in any particular outcome, beyond helping you discover whats best for YOU. We can also help you to narrow down the possibilities if youre feeling overwhelmed. Follow your curiosity Sometimes the things which absorb us in our spare time  can provide clues as to where we are most fulfilled. This doesnt always translate well into a career, but some lucky folk are able to combine  both.  Dont worry if you decide on something that doesnt relate to your degree discipline. The skills and experience youve gained through your degree will never be wasted. You might become one of those individuals who unearth a job by chance conversations with interesting people. Read up on Planned Happenstance to see if this approach could work for you. Interview 6 people Find six people you don’t know well and ask them to share their career stories. It’s fascinating to hear how other people get to their current position. You might be surprised at their routes and could learn something that might apply to your own job search. Start tapping your networks: why not ask one of your primary connections on LinkedIn to introduce you to other people. Pretty soon, youll have more than six to choose from! Its also worth tapping icould   and CareerPlayer for video inspiration. Don’t make assumptions Remember that most recruiters arent looking for a specific degree unless theyre recruiting for technical or scientific roles. This gives you a vast array of careers and job functions to choose from.  Its also wise to consider the SME (small to medium-sized recruiters)  route, as this can be good way to gain a breadth of experience early on. Not to mention early responsibility.  SMEs need graduates who are willing to get stuck in and apply their problem solving skills across the business, not just a niche area.  Local SMEs have a strong showing at the Summer Careers Fair this year so come along and find out more! Do something Sometimes we can be frozen into inaction through indecision. The only way to approach this: do something.    Why not try out a short work experience placement just to see how you feel about it. If youre lucky you might enjoy it and decide its the right area for you but if not, well what have you lost? Nothing. In fact, youve got something to put on your CV and have eliminated a career sector its just as important to know what you dont want to do. Remember experience is never wasted and in time youll start to become clearer about your likes and dislikes. Accept there is no magic wand If youve ever attend careers or alumni events, youll be struck by how many grads have taken a more meandering path to career success.  A good number will tell you they didn’t plan to do the job theyre  currently in.  Most careers are not a vertical take -off with predictable progression. Most are  like crazy paving!  Just make sure to keep building your network, making contacts and trying to  â€˜stand in the path of opportunity’. Be flexible Maybe there are opportunities which are not a perfect fit’ but might be a good starting point. Given the fluctuating nature of the jobs market, consider taking something from which you may be able to gain valuable experience and move sideways from later on. And finally. Dont forget that our summer workshop programme the Finalist Career Success Toolkit is now open for bookings.  Its never too late to start thinking about your career. Just dont leave it so late that time and opportunity pass you by. Make the most of us while youre still on campus. Wed love to see you!