Hi! I'm Maddie. As a Student Employability Coach, I often see a lot of anxiety in students this time of year, especially from those about to graduate. As someone who is also graduating this summer, I’ve felt that pressure myself, especially with all the recent media stories about how challenging the job market is.
I want to reassure you that opportunities do exist, the market is not uniform, and your skills are valuable (more so than your grades!). Remember, experience matters, and even small roles or projects can be turned into something meaningful for a range of careers.
So take a deep breath! It will all be okay, and we in the Careers Centre are here to support you every step of the way – even after you graduate.
The job market scaries
There’s no doubt the job market can feel tough, maybe now more than ever, especially for industry-specific roles. But the truth is, it’s always been competitive, just not impossible.
You’ve probably seen news stories claiming that this year’s graduates face the worst job market yet, with unemployment rates at an all-time high. The reality is often very different to this “doom and gloom” narrative: statistics are sometimes inflated by including a wide range of graduates, or by counting people who are temporarily between jobs for a variety of reasons. Don’t let these stories scare you! Remember, you’re currently enrolled at a university that has consistently ranked in the top 10 for graduate employment prospects in the UK, meaning you already have a strong foundation to build on.
Experience is your superpower
One thing we can control in this job market is our experience… and the good thing is, it’s never too late to build it! I know plenty of graduates who have struggled to enter the job market, simply because they didn’t realise how much experience they already had, or how to use it.
Let me be clear: any experience is good experience. I repeat, any experience is good experience. Yes, I said it twice, because it’s true. Many students come to us stressing they don’t have enough work experience, but when I look at their CVs, I see part-time jobs, volunteering roles, and committee positions in societies. That is an insane amount of transferable skills!
Even if it doesn’t seem relevant to your dream role, it is. Every job relies on core skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership – and you have likely been practising these throughout your degree too. Every project, presentation, and yes, even your dissertation, teaches skills that employers value. That is the beauty of your degree. Being able to clearly explain what you’ve learned shows self-awareness, capability, and, importantly, that you are human (which, in this day and age of AI is especially important!).
Widen your horizons
Another reason many students feel stuck in the job market is that they have a very narrow idea of the roles they can apply for. If you’re only applying for finance consulting, for example, you might overlook jobs where your skills in communication, data analysis, or project management are just as relevant. High competition in one area can make rejection feel personal – but it doesn’t mean you aren’t qualified.
I get it… it’s scary to consider roles you’ve never thought about because you don't want to end up somewhere you don’t enjoy. But putting yourself in a box can actually do more harm than good. The truth is, there are so many roles out there you might have never heard of, and you may already have the skills to succeed in them. You just need to know how to spot them and translate your experience.
This is where the Careers Centre can really help. Our consultants can work with you to:
- identify your transferable skills
- explore a wider range of opportunities
- help you with tailoring applications and interview prep
As a graduate, your possibilities are endless – and while that can feel overwhelming, it’s also incredibly exciting. Don’t let rejections discourage you; your next role might be just around the corner, and it could be one you never expected but truly enjoy.
My Employability Profile (MEP)
This is exactly where My Employability Profile (MEP) becomes incredibly useful. It’s a simple but powerful tool that helps you reflect on your experiences and translate them into skills employers care about. MEP focuses on 13 core capabilities, giving you an organised way to identify what you’ve learned from part-time jobs, volunteering, academic work, society roles, and everything in between.
What I love most about it is how it turns all those scattered experiences into a clear picture of your strengths. It makes it so much easier to articulate your skills in applications, interviews, and even networking conversations – because it’s all stored in one accessible place.
MEP is available online and easy to use. If you’re not sure how to get started, check out the video below to learn where to find it and begin building your employability story:
Final thought
Graduation is a big milestone, and entering the job market can feel intimidating. But remember: your experience matters, your skills are valuable, and there are more opportunities than you realise. Take advantage of the support available, keep an open mind, and trust that your journey is just beginning. Careers are here for you!
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