Starting a Career for Fresh Graduates of 2021

It’s normal for fresh graduates to feel a bit anxious as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives. Now that you have degrees and achievements to be proud of, it’s time to apply what you learned out in the real world. However, given the current economic situation, you may feel extra concerned about what lies ahead. You may start asking, “What’s the best way to start a career as a fresh graduate?” or “How do I market myself as a fresh graduate?”

This year’s graduates can also learn from last year’s batch, who faced one of the worst job markets in modern history. The situation around the world has since turned for the better. As for Malaysia, there are finally positive numbers in the current job market, according to a report by the Department of Statistics Malaysia.

However, there is still a great deal of economic uncertainty that surrounds us. So, fresh graduates need the right mindset and determination to find great opportunities.

Do you belong to the Class of 2021? Here are some useful insights that can help you better understand and navigate the current job market.

Career advice for fresh graduates of 2021

Uncertainty can lead to a rewarding career for fresh graduates.

Since you’re newly entering the workforce, you may feel uncertain or uneasy about your next steps. You may feel unsure about which career path to follow. Being thrust into the real world at the time of a pandemic and economic stumbling blocks is definitely scary. These thoughts and feelings are normal and valid. However, career coaches stress that you can turn uncertainty on its head and use it to discover opportunities.

Take the first few years to learn more about yourself and try out new things. Reassess the goals you made when you decided to pursue your field of study. Let your curiosity lead you to discover your passion points if you haven’t figured them out yet. Now is also the best time to be flexible about your career options. So, don’t be afraid to explore different industries and take on different roles.

Even if these explorations and jobs don’t work out for you in the end, you can always take them as learning opportunities. Use what you have learned to make better career choices and decisions as you go. They may even lead you towards an exciting career path beyond your wildest dreams.

You can always ask for help.

The early years of your career will be spent learning the ropes of a job or industry. You will be prone to making mistakes. More often than not, you won’t know what to do. Don’t see this as a weakness or shortcoming on your part. Instead, take it as an opportunity for professional growth and self-improvement.

That said, you are expected and even encouraged to ask questions or ask for help. When you’re new to the team, it can be intimidating to approach team members and managers and ask for guidance. But, career experts say that at this early stage of your career, you’ll need the expertise of others so you can navigate certain situations at work. One day, it will be your turn to provide newbies with support and sound career advice!

Networking is key.

The idea of networking can be intimidating, regardless of where you are in your career. But experts suggest thinking of it as relationship building and creating a support system. Professional relationships will prove valuable not only for job searching, but also for exploring — and landing — new opportunities.

So how do you begin networking as a fresh graduate? Connect with your teachers, professors, and peers. Let them know what jobs, industries, and specialisations you want to pursue. Talk to them about your passions and interests. They may be able to open new doors for you, especially once you go through the most challenging times in your professional life.

Digital is the way forward.

The world has long been transitioning into the digital age. COVID-19 only expedited it. Companies and businesses had to shift a good portion of their operations to digital platforms and processes. As a result, skilled digital professionals such as software developers, digital marketers, and IT specialists became instantly in-demand. However, this doesn’t mean that you have slim chances of getting hired if you didn’t graduate with an IT or Computer Engineering degree.

What you do need, however, is to make sure that you are familiar with the most important digital tools and skills today. This includes advanced computer proficiency, apps and software, online research and communication, digital marketing skills, and best cybersecurity practices.

Remote work is the future; freelancing will be commonplace.

Remote work is here to stay. You already had a preview of it with online classes and self-studying at home. Until the pandemic is completely under control, most offices around the world will continue to work remotely. Working remotely does come with benefits, but it’s important that you are able to maintain a work-life balance.

Freelancing will also continue to take a big chunk of the job market. This comes with an advantage in the career of fresh graduates. You have the option to search for project-based opportunities through freelancing platforms and job markets. Look for projects that will give you relevant work experience and skills that you can mention in your job applications.

You should never stop learning.

Everything mentioned above boils down to one important fact: learning doesn’t and shouldn’t stop once you graduate. Being a lifelong learner is crucial to success. It’s key to obtaining the skills necessary for navigating the job market and building a meaningful career.

Even before the pandemic hit, employers were already struggling with the skills gap in the market. They saw that most employees’ skills did not match the needed skills for the job. To address this, companies have been using data and technology to train employees and teach new skills.

You definitely don’t need to get hired to start upskilling. It’s best to start now, while you most likely still have the time and energy. Researching about the skills gap in the industry or role you want to pursue would be a good start. Take note of the top skills and competencies that employers are looking for and see if you still need to learn any of them.

There are now plenty of tools and resources that you can use for self-learning. Many of these are readily available online.

Find #JobsThatMatter for fresh graduates

These are just some of the realities, outlooks, and trends that relate to careers for fresh graduates in Malaysia today. Each industry and role comes with more specific issues and challenges that you must overcome in the future. But for now, it pays to get a headstart with a good idea of what’s in store at this point in your career. Don’t let uncertainty stop you from working your way to a fruitful and rewarding career!

Ready to send out your first job applications, fresh graduate? Create or update your JobStreet profile today and search for #JobsThatMatter. Visit the Career Resources hub for more useful tips on job searching, self-improvement, and career advancement.