Are you a recent graduate? Try these four things to get yourself workplace ready

As September looms, so too does the time for embarking on new paths. While graduation is an exciting time of celebration and achievement for those concluding their studies, it can also be a source of great anxiety. What comes next? And how can you take the first steps up the career ladder? 

With rising numbers opting for employment rather than postgraduate studies after university and falling job vacancies, entering the workforce is certainly no easy task for new graduates. Recent data released by Warwick University Business School and independent research company High Fliers suggests applications for graduate vacancies are undergoing a huge surge. Recruiters have reported double the amount of applications received in 2023; this figure has increased 27% year-on-year on average.

In light of this fierce competition, how can graduates make sure they stand out from the crowd and are best equipped for the workplace?

• Are graduates ready for work? New CMI research

“No longer enough”

While demonstrating strong communication, initiative and teamwork may once have been top of potential employers’ must-have list, these skills are no longer enough, says Mark Butterick CMgr FCMI. 

Having completed two graduate schemes himself, one with Granada Services (formerly part of the Compass group) and one with home improvement company Wickes, Mark has direct experience of the difficulties of securing such schemes. He has also set up graduate assessment centres and managed graduate development programmes. Now, he’s a course leader and lecturer in human resource management and management consulting at the University of Leeds. He works closely with professional development tutors to help place new graduates. 

Madilina Tresca CMgr, an academic administration manager at Universal Business School Sydney, is also well versed in the skills that help graduates get ahead in the world of work. As part of her role, she ensures compliance with the institutional policies and oversees the review of student submissions related to credit transfers, leave requests, and other non-academic matters; in addition to collaborating with other teams to provide guidance and support. She reflects on how her own career journey has included both positive and challenging experiences in securing roles in the education and IT sectors post-graduation and now, she hopes to "serve as the mentor she once wished she had".

Below, Madilina and Mark share their top tips for making sure that you are in with the best chances of securing your first position…

1. Be willing to adapt – and grow

In a world that is constantly changing (due to factors such as the growth of artificial intelligence), “adaptability and a willingness to learn new skills are absolutely imperative”, says Mark. 

“Whether [graduates] relish opportunities to increase knowledge and experience is going to dictate how valuable they are and how successful they ultimately are,” he continues.

• It’s the skill of the moment: why adaptability is in high demand

Instead of approaching things with a dogmatic and prescriptive mindset, ensure you are open to opportunities for growth – especially those that are outside of your comfort zone. An exposure to new situations and environments is key for developing a successful professional brand and reputation and how you are perceived by employers, explains Mark. 

Speaking on his experience of teaching students on the management consulting MSc (a course which also offers CMI Dual Accreditation), for example, Mark also cites how CMI resources are a great way of “demonstrating ownership of professional development” and catching the eye of potential employers. 

“Having graduated and landed a new role does not mean the end of learning,” says Madilina. “If you are passionate about your chosen career it is to your advantage to grow in your role”, which also involves “knowing the skills you lack”. 

She adds that attending workshops, conferences and completing short online courses are all great ways to home in on any skills gaps.