Myths related to finding a job

Acquiring an education solely does not automatically get you a job, you have to take extra steps to get one. Be a curious and open-minded learner, and explore your options and specialisation carefully. Ask lecturers, tutors and professionals questions and share your thoughts with fellow students. Challenge yourself through traineeships, projects and volunteering. Analyse how what you are learning relates to practice and where you can apply what you have learnt. Follow experts in your field of interest on social media.

Think about what you like and do not like. Find out what skills you need, what you should learn and what jobs interest you.

Many people continue to work in the field they have studied after leaving university because it interests them and they want to pursue a career in it. However, if you feel that the specialisation you have chosen is not really for you, you can use the general skills you have acquired through your studies and experience in other areas (see also the section on future skills in the Career Gateway). Often, the same major specialisation allows graduates to work in more than one job, and vice versa – graduates from different majors can follow the same or similar career paths.

Employers are usually interested in why you chose your major specialisation and how you have organised your studies, what knowledge, skills and experience you have gained. They will also want to know where you have been on a traineeship, whether you have done part-time work, participated in any projects, volunteered, etc. What is more, the employer is interested in your motivation to work and your awareness of your skillset. Develop the skills you need and gain experience, both by learning a specialisation and through other activities.

Of course, the first job after graduation is important and special. In most cases, you will start as an entry-level specialist, but sometimes there is an opportunity to start immediately as a middle specialist or even higher. However, your first job does not define your career path as much as you might think. It is more of a useful stepping stone to a dream career.

People often have more than one hobby, and these can change throughout their lives. Occasionally, we may become exhausted in a particular field, or another job in the same field might offer a new challenge. Sometimes in life, you will find yourself doing something completely different – something that matches your skills, experience and values. Even a new hobby, volunteer job or side hustle can grow into your new career.

Your career path may be linear and the chosen profession may be recognised as a vocation to be followed for life. At the same time, a person can also make career changes during their lifetime, switching fields and specialisations. Any way is fine, as long as you shape your working life in a conscious and open way.

Some graduates have jobs waiting for them, and sometimes they have more than one choice. However, most may be looking for their first job for six months, sometimes even longer. This is why it pays to look at labour market opportunities in a broad and open way. This way, you can find an interesting start to your career in a place you never expected.

A lengthy job search is a worthwhile experience in itself. You will be able to explore a wide range of job vacancies, the content and prospects of different occupations and compare them with your own expectations, skills and experience. You can also learn about the expectations, values and culture of different companies and organisations. Applying for more than one job lets you test yourself, learn more about your strengths and present yourself more convincingly to employers. In other words, looking for work trains the skills needed to succeed.