Even if you feel you finished your degree without much command of your future profession, it is fundamental to understand that university exists to give your future better direction. In other words, it is not the end; it is only the start of a journey towards more specialisation, more experience and new knowledge.
There are no rules, recipes or formulas for new graduates to follow in order to land a job as soon as they finish.
Every beginning is demanding, and this start is hard for everyone, so do not worry too much if you do not find a job straight away or if you do not shine immediately in your first role.
Here are some ideas for what to do after graduating:
An internship
Starting an internship while still at university is a good route for anyone wanting to break into their field of study and gain experience. Internships can begin early in a degree or only towards the end; some courses require them, others do not. Check with your university.
But once you have an internship during your degree, give it your best in order to be taken on permanently. That way, when you are kept on and finish your degree, you are very likely to stay in the field you are interested in and grow within the company.
Here at Hprojekt Start we run internship vacancies; if there is nothing that fits your profile, follow us on social media and keep up with new roles.
A job
The first step to landing your first job is preparing a good CV.
Looking for a first job is the most traditional route for new graduates. And the first step to landing it is preparing a good CV, with all your personal details, education and professional experience, along with skills such as languages.
If you are in technology, we have a set of tips on putting together an appealing CV in tech — take a look and find out more.
You should also put together a portfolio, printed or online. When an opportunity comes up, the best approach is to accept, even if it is not the ideal role. Almost nobody starts their career with their dream job, after all; it takes a great deal of dedication, experience and practice. This route into the job market is always a good option, since most available vacancies are offered this way.
Your own business
If you have an entrepreneurial streak, starting your own business can be a good route, demanding as it is. You need to study a great deal about general management principles, the field you intend to work in, your audience, your competitors and financial viability, so as not to make fatal mistakes.
Postgraduate study
Postgraduate courses bring plenty of benefits to new graduates, such as gaining more practical knowledge and investing in a good network. There are two kinds of postgraduate study in Brazil: lato sensu and stricto sensu.
The first takes in specialisations and MBAs. They focus on specific, practical competencies that can be applied in day-to-day professional work.
The second covers professional master's degrees, doctorates and postdoctoral work, ideal for anyone wanting to work as a university lecturer or researcher.
Studying abroad
For anyone who does not yet feel ready to enter the job market, an exchange programme is a good idea. During the trip you can see many places and live through transformative experiences that help you know yourself a little better.
It does require a significant sum, though, depending on the destination you choose. So you will very probably need help from parents, relatives or friends.
A graduate trainee programme
The excellent advantages make trainee programmes extremely competitive.
An increasingly common alternative after graduating is the trainee programme. Attractive salaries and the possibility of a well-established career plan lead many young people to treat those selection processes as the great goal of their careers.
Training programmes aimed at new graduates are an excellent option for anyone wanting to join a large company while gaining practical experience in their field. Those excellent advantages, though, make them extremely competitive.
We run trainee programmes too — join our talent pool, follow us on social media and keep up with our vacancies so you are ready when a new programme comes along.
We hope these tips help everything go well after graduation, and even if you still have doubts, do not worry — everyone moves at their own pace and you will find your path soon enough.
Good luck! ❤✨