The Truth about your Career PlanLet’s separate fact from fiction…

FIRST YEAR AFTER GRADUATING

Congratulations university graduate!It’s time to put your new knowledge and skills into practice by getting the job you’ve worked so hard to prepare for.

We acknowledge this can be an exciting but daunting time, so we want to make sure you are realistic about what you can expect in your first year out of university.

Congratulations university graduate!It’s time to put your new knowledge and skills into practice by getting the job you’ve worked so hard to prepare for.

We acknowledge this can be an exciting but daunting time, so we want to make sure you are realistic about what you can expect in your first year out of university.

Let’s start by separating fact from fiction.

True or False?

I’ll get the job I want as soon as I graduate.

False

Today’s graduate job market is highly competitive. It‘s filled with job seekers who have a range of skills and qualifications, so you need to know (and sell) what sets you apart from the rest.

Having graduated from USQ, Queensland’s No 1 University* for graduates in full time work, you can rest assured in the quality of your degree, it’s a strong foundation.

(*Graduate Destinations Survey 2012-2014)

Remember, to get that job you will also need:

• A strong personal brand

• A quality up-to-date resume

• A well thought out and tailored job application for each job you apply for, including a cover letter or application letter, and selection criteria

• An understanding of your transferable skills and how they’ll benefit your employer

• A strong belief in yourself.

True or False?

Staying positive about the job hunt process will require commitment and resilience.

True

Few people get their dream job straight out of university, so don’t take it personally if you don’t get every job you apply for.

A ‘no’ should not reflect your self-worth – it’s a normal part of the job-hunting process.

If you’re applying for multiple jobs and continue to be unsuccessful, evaluate what could be going wrong and seek some advice from USQ’s Career Development team at Student Services.

True or False?

It’s okay to take a job that is below my qualification but in the same industry or company I want to

work in.

True

If the opportunity presents itself it is certainly worth considering.

You could use it as a stepping stone to lead you in the direction you want your career to go.

The labour market prospects for new graduates have fallen over the past two years*, so now more than ever it’s essential that you get your foot in the door to the employer or industry you want to be in. This way you can show your employer how great your skills and knowledge are, and long term you can seek a promotion or look for internal or external job vacancies.

(*GradStats 2014, Graduate Careers Australia Survey)

True or False?

Now that I have a qualification, I’ll get paid a lot of money in my first job.

False

Your qualification is only one component that determines what you’ll be paid.

An employer will also consider what other skills you have, what employment or volunteering you’ve undertaken, and what industry you work in.

It’s important to research your job level, to set expectations of what this includes. Don’t forget to factor in compensations such as superannuation, holidays, flexible work hours, professional development and other benefits. Sometimes these benefits provide advantages that outweigh extra dollars in your pay packet.

True or False?

I have to start paying my HECS-HELP debt immediately regardless of what income

I am earning.

False

You have to start repaying your HECS-HELP debt through the taxation system once your income is above the compulsory repayment threshold.

This is the case even if you’re still studying.

For further information on your HECS-HELP debt visit http://studyassist.gov.au.

True or False?

Even though I’ve graduated, I can still ask USQ for help with my career.

True

USQ’s Student Services team is committed to making sure you have the right tools needed to get that graduate job.

You can contact Student Services to obtain information, advice and help regarding your resume and job applications up to 12 months after you graduate.

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.8.5 02.2016 Graphics © Shutterstock

social.usq.edu.au

Onlineusq.edu.au or visit the CareerHub

On-campusIpswich +61 7 3470 4400 studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au

Springfield +61 7 3470 4400 studentservicesspringfield@usq.edu.au

Toowoomba +61 7 4631 2372 stsv@usq.edu.au

Make an appointment with one of USQ’s Career Development Practitioners at

Student Services.