In the last few years, the idea of a graduate working in a coffee shop or behind a bar seems to have been circulated across the media as one of the most disastrous consequences of the recession. This has led to widespread fear amongst current students that, after working extremely hard to secure themselves a top class degree from a leading university, they may find themselves washing mugs and sweeping floors for a living.
So is this a justified fear?
Ambition and confidence are admirable qualities for a graduate but they can soon start to ebb away if you haven’t secured that dream job within a few months of leaving university. If you have to spend time working behind a bar before you get your break, this should not dent your ambition. In all likelihood, working in these surroundings will make you a more rounded individual, and therefore more employable, as long as you can show you have made the most of your time in this type of job, and keep pushing for that graduate role.
Here are some ways you can do this:
- Take the job. It is an often repeated myth amongst students that ‘working in a bar or shop is worse than doing nothing’. Thinking this way is a big mistake. It is important when applying for positions to show that there are no gaps on your CV, even if you haven’t been working directly in the appropriate sector.
- Aim for the top of the ladder, even if it is the wrong ladder. A similar misconception is that, if you’re not in the right sector, there is no point in trying to progress. The reality is that your CV will look better if you can show you have been successful in a role. If you have managed a bar or shop for example, you can show that you have leadership and communication skills, which will be useful in any future job.
- But don’t get too comfortable. Although it may seem hard to focus on applications and updating your CV after an eight hour shift, it will certainly reap rewards later in your career. If you work part-time or flexible hours, this should make it easier for you to attend interviews or look for work.
- Use your time wisely. If you find yourself in the wrong sector, see if you can use this as an opportunity to look at other qualifications or courses which might help your CV. This will show potential employers that, not only are you hardworking, but you are also an ambitious candidate who is determined to go further in life.
Having a stop gap job is obviously no graduate’s first choice. However it is vital that, if this is what you are offered, you maintain your confidence and keep striving for your dream role. As a degree-holder your time will come. Until then however, it is crucial to learn as much as you can, so that once you start your graduate career, you are fully prepared.
By David Press, CEO of Proceed UK
About Proceed UK:
Proceed is a new online recruitment tool which matches professionals with fewer than three months practical experience with employers looking for fresh talent within the Company Secretarial, Legal, Compliance and Risk sectors. Proceed is supported by high-profile organisations such as Eversheds and Axa and is fully endorsed by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). For further information visit www.proceeduk.com
