Finding Your First Job After Studying Begins Long Before Graduation

Finishing your degree is a major achievement—but landing your first job can feel like an entirely new challenge. Even with a great GPA and a carefully chosen major, the job market is competitive. Employers want more than a transcript—they want work-ready graduates with initiative, confidence, and practical experience.

So, how do you stand out among dozens (or hundreds) of other qualified candidates? Start by understanding what employers are really looking for—and how you can develop those traits now.

What Employers Are Looking for in Graduates

When recruiters and hiring managers meet a new grad, they ask themselves:

• Will this person be a good fit for our workplace culture?
• Are they motivated, proactive, and engaged?
• Do they demonstrate confidence and curiosity?
• Do they understand our company and why they want to work here?

While your degree shows what you know, your broader experiences and attitude show what you can do. And most of these soft skills—like communication, adaptability, and teamwork—are developed outside the classroom through internships, casual work, and volunteering.

If you’re still studying, there’s good news: you can start building these competencies now by approaching your studies strategically.

How to Prepare for Your Career—Before You Graduate

1. Treat Every Class Like a Job

Be punctual. Meet deadlines. Take initiative. These aren’t just academic habits—they’re the foundation of professional behaviour. Build a reputation for reliability and enthusiasm among your lecturers and peers.

If you’re struggling with academic writing or communication, consider enrolling in a short writing course to boost your clarity and confidence.

2. Practise Working with Different ‘Bosses’

Your lecturers are your first managers. Learn how to adapt to different communication and leadership styles, whether they’re formal or collaborative. This will help you navigate workplace relationships down the line.

3. Master Active Listening and Curiosity

Engage with content by asking questions, clarifying concepts, and participating in discussions. These habits strengthen your communication skills and show initiative—traits that are essential in any workplace.

4. Lead Group Projects

Use team assignments to hone your leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These projects are also great examples to reference during interviews when asked to describe how you contributed to a successful team. Here’s how to answer that question.

5. Learn to Self-Manage

Employers love candidates who can manage their time and meet goals without being micromanaged. Try breaking large assignments into smaller tasks, setting weekly deadlines, and reviewing your own progress.

6. Take on Stretch Challenges

It’s tempting to stick with easy subjects to protect your GPA, but taking on more challenging coursework shows resilience and ambition. Whether it’s a difficult subject or an unfamiliar elective, employers value those who step out of their comfort zones and thrive.

7. Apply for Internships Early

Internships are the #1 way to gain practical experience and make your résumé stand out. Many employers use internship programs as a recruitment pipeline for graduate roles.

Here’s how internships and graduate programs can jumpstart your career.

Start Building Your Career Before Graduation

Graduation doesn’t automatically guarantee a job—but preparation gives you an edge. Build skills both inside and outside the classroom, stay curious, and take every opportunity to learn and lead.

Explore more resources to help you succeed:

• Résumé and cover letter tips
• Career development courses
• Explore flexible online courses to build in-demand skills