In today's competitive job market,graduates who lack work experience often find it difficult to secure employmentopportunities. To tackle this issue, there are several strategies to enhancegraduate employability.
One of these approaches is the Virtual ExperienceProgram offered by Forage, which provides virtual experiences with renownedcompanies such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Deloitte.
Another option is taking online courseson platforms like FutureLearn and Udemy to acquire essential skills.
Volunteering is also recommended as a wayto gain and cultivate employability skills, with platforms like Do It andVolunteering Matters offering numerous opportunities.
Graduates should consider reflecting ontheir extracurricular activities and identifying the skills they have acquiredto include them on their CVs.
It is also important to update CVs to beachievement-based and to highlight skills.
Additionally, graduates can look intointernships through platforms like Student Job and Internwise, or considergraduate schemes and jobs after obtaining relevant work experience.
There are various resources to supportgraduates in their job search, including coaching, interview coaching, onlinecourses, and books.
Key Takeaways
In today's competitive job market, graduates who lack workexperience often find it difficult to secure employment opportunities. Totackle this issue, there are several strategies to enhance graduateemployability.
Oneof these approaches is the Virtual Experience Programme offered by Forage,which provides virtual experiences with renowned companies such as JP Morgan,Goldman Sachs, and Deloitte.
Anotheroption is taking online courses on platforms like FutureLearn and Udemy toacquire essential skills.
Volunteeringis also recommended as a way to gain and cultivate employability skills, withplatforms like Do It and Volunteering Matters offering numerous opportunities.
Graduatesshould consider reflecting on their extra-curricular activities and identifyingthe skills they have acquired to include them on their CVs.
Itis also important to update CVs to be achievement-based and to highlightskills.
Additionally,graduates can look into internships through platforms like Student Job andInternwise, or consider graduate schemes and jobs after obtaining relevant workexperience.
Thereare various resources to support graduates in their job search, includingcoaching, interview coaching, online courses, and books.
What to do?
Oneof the recommended strategies for a graduate with no work experience is tocomplete a Virtual Experience Program, such as those offered by Forage. Theseprogrammes provide opportunities to gain practical skills and knowledge withtop companies, helping graduates develop employability skills.
Forageoffers virtual experience programmes with companies like JP Morgan, GrantThornton, Goldman Sachs, Citi Markets, BCG, and Deloitte.
Additionally,graduates can search for online courses on platforms like FutureLearn, Udacity,LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable to further develop theiremployability skills.
Anotheroption is to volunteer, which allows graduates to gain and developemployability skills. Platforms like Do It, Volunteering Matters, and ReachVolunteering offer volunteering opportunities.
Graduatesshould also reflect on their extra-curricular activities to identify the skillsthey have developed and include them on their CVs. Updating their CV to beachievement-based and highlighting these skills can also improve their chancesof securing internships.
Virtual ExperiencePrograms
Virtual experience programmes, such as those offered by Forage,provide individuals with the opportunity to gain practical skills and industryknowledge from top companies. These programmes offer various benefits for thosewith no work experience. Firstly, they allow participants to explore differentcareer paths and industries, helping them make informed decisions about theirfuture. Secondly, virtual experience programmes enable individuals to developimportant employability skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, andcommunication, which are highly valued by employers. Additionally, theseprogrammes provide a platform for networking and connecting with professionalsin the field, which can lead to potential job opportunities. To make the mostof virtual experience programmes, individuals should actively engage in theassigned tasks and projects, seek feedback from mentors, and reflect on theirexperiences to identify areas for improvement. By taking advantage of virtualexperience programmes, people can enhance their employability and increasetheir chances of securing a job.
Volunteeringand Extracurricular Activities
Participating in volunteering and extracurricular activities canoffer individuals the chance to cultivate valuable skills and enhance theiremployability. Getting involved in volunteer work allows people to gainhands-on experience in a particular area while also contributing to a greatercause. This can be especially advantageous for those who have no workexperience, as it shows their readiness to learn and help out society.
Additionally, volunteering can help people grow essentialtransferable skills such as team-working, communication, and problem-solving;qualities that are highly sought after by employers.
When showcasing extracurricular activities on a CV, it is importantto emphasize the abilities and experiences acquired from these activities. Insteadof simply listing them, individuals should focus on the particular achievementsand responsibilities they have taken on. This can be achieved by emphasizingthe effect made, any leadership roles assumed, or any pertinentaccomplishments.
By presenting their extracurricular activities in a successfulmanner, people can demonstrate their capability to manage time, work in a team,and take on responsibilities outside of their educational studies.
In conclusion, taking part in volunteering and extracurricularactivities can significantly improve a person's CV and increase their chancesof getting a job.
Frequently AskedQuestions
How can I buildemployability skills through online courses?
Buildingemployability skills through online courses is a valuable approach for careerexploration and competency growth. Platforms such as FutureLearn, Udacity,LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable provide a broad selectionof courses to strengthen abilities and develop employability.
Where can I findinternships to gain transferable skills?
Tofind internships and build transferable skills, individuals can search foropportunities on platforms like Student Job and Internwise. These internshipsprovide practical experience that can enhance employability and helpindividuals transition into the job market successfully. Doing so allowsindividuals to gain valuable experience and hone their skills, while alsobuilding their professional network.
How can Iidentify and highlight skills developed through extracurricular activities?
Toidentify and highlight skills developed through extra-curricular activities,take time to reflect on the tasks, responsibilities, and accomplishments gainedfrom them. Incorporate these skills into your CV, focusing on transferable onesthat are applicable to the job you are applying for. This can help demonstrateyour knowledge, expertise, and commitment to employers.
Is there arecommended approach to discovering a career path before starting the jobsearch?
Discoveringcareer paths and exploring job options can be achieved through self-reflection,informational interviews and career assessments. Exploring different industriesand networking with professionals can also be beneficial. Reflection onprevious experiences and skills can be a great starting point for determining asuitable career path. Consider reaching out to professionals in the desiredindustry for an informational interview to gain more insights and learn aboutpotential job roles. Career assessments can also provide helpful information todetermine which areas to focus on and which career paths might be a good fit.Networking with professionals in the desired industry can be an effective wayto gain knowledge and understanding of potential job roles.
