You finished your program, congrats! What’s next?
Finishing school is a huge deal; it’s an accomplishment and could be the key to your future. There are many opportunities and career paths out there for everyone. To some, this could be their first post-secondary education opportunity, for others it could have been their second, third, fourth, etc. You’ve already made it this far and there is something out there for you.
There are many opportunities and career paths out there for everyone.
For some, they could have lots to choose from and for others, maybe they aren’t really sure where to start. However, the important part is that you made it. No matter what program you came from or what field you studied, everybody has one thing in common, which is that you all worked hard and now want a job in your field of course.
It’s important to have an open mind and stay positive.
Feeling inexperienced is normal because you are ‘new’ compared to the people who have been practicing longer than you have. Don’t let that discourage you though because everyone starts off new! You’re credible and have the education you need to practice in your field, which is really exciting to think about. Finishing school may feel like the end of something, but it’s actually just the beginning of your career which is even more exciting.
Get yourself out there.
A tool that often young or beginning career professionals use to get themselves know in their industry is networking. If you’re not familiar with networking, there are many ways to practice it such as through social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, when used properly. You can use these platforms to keep up with what is happening in your industry globally and locally.
- Connect with people and follow people in your industry.
- Follow accounts that are relevant to your industry
- Reach out to connections and don’t be afraid to talk to them.
- Keep an eye out for networking events and attend them.
- Meet with the people you connect with and take some pointers. This is literal in-person networking which is even better.
Even if not everyone makes time to talk to you, communicate with you, engage with you, do not give up. Some professionals are busier than others but that doesn’t mean at least some of them won’t give you the time of day to talk to you.
If your brain wasn’t in sponge mode before, you are definitely going to want to turn it into sponge mode now.
You might have your diploma now, but that definitely doesn’t mean there isn’t more room for learning. This type of learning is calling gaining insights. Hopefully as you start to practice networking, you will want to take this information and make use of it.
- Listen to other people’s stories.
- See what they did to get them where they are now, what mistakes they made along the way, and maybe try avoiding that.
- Learn what worked for them and what did not.
- Ask questions!
Connecting with people and networking gets you the inside look of what a day in the life is like or how a person in your industry thinks and is very beneficial. You have insight for what to expect AND you have connections for future opportunities.
Start to act the role of what you’re going to be.
If you are familiar with what a day in the life of what your job role entails, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start practicing the good habits. If it includes waking up early maybe start practicing sleeping habits or buying specific tools so you can have your own. Maybe it includes wearing a specific wardrobe/a uniform, you could buy your own. Being prepared will not only lead to more success, but give you something to look forward to and give you even more motivation to get yourself out there.
At the end of the day, the power is in your hands and we are always a phone call/e-mail away. We have absolutely no doubt that our graduated students from Trillium College will reach all of their goals, dreams and success! If you want to learn more about Employment Services at Trillium College, click here.
