I landed the dream university.
It’s Monday evening, and I’m drinking my turmeric latté (because it’s good for me, and my gut will thank me later) when my phone rings. It’s one of my contacts. He tells me he’s very concerned because his niece, who graduated with a First-Class degree from the London School of Economics, is still unemployed.
“It’s only been two months,” I tell him.
“Yes, I know, but she has been rejected by all eight companies that offered her an interview. How can they not want someone with a great degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world?”
His question is one I get asked regularly, and I understand the frustration. For too long, we’ve taken for granted that a top education automatically guarantees entry into a top job. My former boss used to say that a university degree was a ticket to a show—perhaps a very expensive ticket—but it does not guarantee a top role. I like to think of it as more of an engine. And while an engine is necessary, you still need a qualified pilot to fly the plane.
So, what are employers looking for?
The first crucial point is the ability to demonstrate work experience. Doing well academically isn’t enough; employers want candidates who have spent their summers working and gaining real-life experience. While it doesn’t necessarily have to be linked to your degree, you should be able to show that you’ve learned new skills and can perform outside of the academic realm. Employers want people with personality and a je ne sais quoi kind of spark.
The biggest challenge most of my clients face is the interview. I completely understand why it feels daunting—you have one hour or less to sell yourself to a complete stranger. The fact is that universities, on the whole, don’t train you to succeed in interviews. I remember going into my first interview feeling completely clueless because I hadn’t had any training. I soon realised that the one thing missing from my life was a mentor!
Imagine walking into your next interview feeling confident, prepared, and knowing exactly how to showcase your strengths. That’s what great mentorship can do. A mentor is an advocate who will challenge you to become the best version of yourself. They will help bring out your strengths while imparting valuable knowledge and experience.
Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming
Networking can feel overwhelming (introverts, I hear you!), but it’s simply about building genuine connections. Even small, strategic steps can open doors. The power of your network is crucial and can help shape your future. So, who are you talking to? Who is adding value to your network?
Learning doesn’t stop after university
Just because we’ve graduated from university doesn’t mean the learning stops. As Albert Einstein said, “Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.” We are not the finished article just because our university journey has ended. A willingness to learn new skills is essential to any employer.
I finish the conversation by reciting one of my favourite quotes by Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
This is directly linked to mentoring and having the best possible people in your corner. Imagine having someone who can help you achieve what you want, only faster and better.
