So it’s the Easter holidays, have you got anything exciting planned? Or are you just taking this time to catch up and keep on top of you deadlines? Last year I was frantically painting and planning my final degree show work.

With spring on your doorstep and the feeling of fresh beginnings, it’s time to step up your game!

Looking back at my last year of university, I didn’t use the spare time I had wisely and of course left my job hunting very late and found myself left behind. So I’m here to get you motivated and give you the push, I wish I had been able to give myself.

Here is my Easter challenge to help you prepare for life after university and get your career ideas rolling.

Week 1 – Make yourself stand out

So let’s start that CV, make a first draft. Update it with all your recent activities and experiences. Get someone to look over your CV; it’s always good to get a fresh pair of eyes. Check the Career Networks website for a CV checklist.

Week 2 – Get Networking

Create a LinkedIn account; this is a great way of finding Loughborough alumni. Find out what recent graduates did from different courses; this will provide you with an idea of the different types of jobs that are out there. Use it as a networking tool, don’t be afraid to make connections with people or even ask them questions. You never know where it may take you.

Week 3 – Buddy up

Find a mentor, yes this can be a daunting prospect, but don’t worry. Find someone that can help guide you and give you advice, but keep it professional. Lboro Connect is a great place to start.

Week 4 – Survey the scene

Start looking into graduate level jobs; get an idea of the companies and jobs that are being advertised. In doing this you will become informed of the job market you are graduating into.

Be aware the internet is huge place, so searching for jobs online can be overwhelming. So check out the list of websites and other useful information on the Careers Network finding jobs and opportunities page.

You can also start applying for roles before you finish university, nothing more satisfying than having a job lined up. Get a Careers Consultant to look over your applications, so you know you have submitted the best application.

I would advise setting an achievable goal, think about what you want to achieve and when; careers consultants can also help you with this.

And my most crucial advice is, don’t keep putting it off and be prepared to take the leap.

About the author:

Hi, I’m Sarah, I graduated in 2017 with a BA in Fine Art. Since graduating, I have found that life after university planned out differently from what I imagined, and you know what, the real world is hard.

I am currently working as an intern at Loughborough University’s Careers Network. I’m assisting with a new project to help my fellow 2017 graduates find full-time graduate level employment.

From my current role and my own personal experience I would like to help you guys prepare for life after university, which is why between now and Easter, I’ll be writing three blogs full of things I wish I’d known about employment after university when I was a finalist.