Guardian Careers advice

'As a graduate the thought of networking appears daunting, however it can open up doors.' Photograph: Alamy

As a fresh-faced graduate straight-out of college, the outlook of finding my dream work felt exciting and terrifying in equal measure. I'd worked hard, invest the hours and was now prepared for work. The only issue had been that I'dn't rather figured out exactly what it absolutely was that I wanted to-do, aside from where to find my very first work.

A decade on and I've built a vocation in a business i really like, as a PR professional for imaginative and news agencies. Just like most things in life, there are certain things that i must say i desire I would known when I ended up being starting out. Listed here are four pieces of guidance that I would personally give my more youthful self.

Get just as much work knowledge as you can

While summer time holidays are excellent for soothing, they truly are also for enough time to squeeze in some invaluable work experience. Searching back, i'd used now more sensibly and taken the chance to gain as much experience of my favored industries and also the workplace as you can.

Not merely does this tv show enthusiasm and dedication to prospective businesses but it addittionally provides you with the chance to test water if the reality of a certain work lives up to your expectations. It is also an easy method of making connections and might even trigger very first job. With fierce competitors for jobs, some businesses will look for work experience as standard.

Hold an open brain regarding work searching

During my final 12 months of university I remember attending the professions fairs and milkrounds that occurred annually and faithfully trying to get recruitment schemes. Despite this, we understood my heart wasn't truly with it.

It had been practically couple of years after graduating that i obtained my break-in PR and it also came about within the many unforeseen method. I happened to be walking past my local newsagents and saw an advert for a part-time management assistant at a boutique PR company. It had been just two days a week but it gave me a means into an industry that I would already been keen on for a time. It absolutely was right here that I dipped my toe into the realm of PR. 2 days of administrator quickly became a full-time account executive part and I learned my trade on the job with some fantastic men and women.

This knowledge taught us to hold an available brain whenever task searching and to glance at alternative channels into a profession. Starting at the end and being prepared to work my way-up assisted me to arrive at grips with the industry and I also wouldn't own it other method.

Don't be disheartened if it doesn't happen straight away

Armed with my degree in modern languages, I became naive to imagine that the perfect task in which i possibly could make use of my French and Spanish would fall into my lap. It didn't, and it also was only after half a year of working at a worldwide tour operator and annually struggling through the PGCE in contemporary languages that I made the decision to broaden my perspectives and start to become much more imaginative how I'd utilize the communications skills that I would discovered over time. I would seriously advise my younger self not to be disheartened if her first job actually where she desires to be. It is simply the beginning of a long journey and also the important things is always to make a-start someplace and develop thereon.

Be noticed from group

Having spent quite a few years in the innovative business, I seen how important it is to face out from the group whenever obtaining jobs. Employers get hundreds of applications from applicants with comparable qualifications and knowledge. It is critical to produce one thing slightly different to rise above the crowd, particularly if you're after work in advertising. Submitting a short film about your self or engaging with possible employers on social media are good methods of standing away.