Fit for the job?

Written by: Sarah Evans

Entering the graduate market can mean making some lifestyle changes. Sarah Evans discusses ways to make a smooth transition from the student campus to the world of work.

For most students, university offers the perfect preparation for working life. It helps to develop knowledge and understanding, while also honing the social skills, which are integral to career success. But, student life can also foster bad habits, and some will find it difficult to shake these off. One thing’s for sure, the quicker a graduate starts focusing on their career, the sooner it will get off the ground. 

So, late-night drinking, sleeping in, irregular eating and daytime TV should all be regulated

Maintaining balance

University is an enriching experience for so many reasons. It’s most certainly a fun time, but it’s also worth remembering that it’s all about preparation for life. For most, that means the world of work, whether punctuated by a bout of travelling or not. So, although university can be a high- pressure environment – in itself good preparation for work – students should resist the temptation to ‘let off steam’ too often in the latter stages. It’s all about balance, and the same goes for work. The fun doesn’t stop when university is over, but the world of work certainly does begin. 

To secure the right role, graduates must make a fundamental shift in attitude. They need to get smart in lots of ways. It’s about focus as much as anything. Practically though, it’s important to start living like a worker. It’s difficult to maintain student habits and come across as a serious professional. So, late-night drinking, sleeping in, irregular eating and daytime TV should all be regulated. The ideal career springboard rarely comes to those who aren’t prepared to put some effort in. This means reading around the chosen industry, learning about the big players and acquiring the knowledge and skills most in demand. 

The next stage of getting smart is a literal and perhaps controversial one. Consciously or not, employers will judge candidates on their appearance. This doesn’t mean they can’t express themselves or make a statement. It means using common sense and looking the part. There is no law against rejecting someone based on scruffiness. This is not racist, sexist or anti-anything else in the eyes of the law. Ultimately, if candidates can’t be bothered to make an effort, what does that say about them? 

Consider it from a company’s point of view. They aren’t trying to stifle individuality but their employees are paid to reflect company values and culture. Potentially this could influence other businesses, looking to buy their services. That’s why some employers are quite particular about personal appearance. Before expressing too much individuality it’s safest to get a feel for the corporate culture, to understand what’s appropriate and where the boundaries are. Ultimately, if graduates want to get on, it’s important to play the game. 

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