Ten Ways to Make Yourself Stand Out When You Graduate

Since graduating three years ago, I have found my own ways of standing out in a crowded market now booming with new opportunities, albeit the process has not been easy.

The crucial question being asked by today’s graduates is how to make yourself stand out when you graduate in the post-COVID world. Life after graduation can be a challenging period for many graduates. Back in March 2020, the UK plunged into full lockdown mode after the WHO declared a global pandemic of coronavirus. In January 2021, the UK also formally left the EU. Both events have forever changed the British economy and left their mark on recent graduates. Such events have motivated me to stand out despite global upheaval.?

Since graduating three years ago, I have found my own ways of standing out in a crowded market now booming with new opportunities, albeit the process has not been easy. I endured many setbacks, but I saw these as opportunities. I have seen the world around me evolve and change very quickly. My circumstances have rapidly changed too. Ultimately, I have learned to embrace change. Your graduation will lead to significant change. My experience encouraged me to find ways of standing out to recruiters. Here are my ten ways to make yourself stand out when you graduate...

1.???Volunteer?

Volunteering is a valuable way to learn more about something that you are passionate about while developing experience. For me, it was bad housing and homelessness in London. Volunteering introduced me to new skills, people, and perspectives. This unlocked new opportunities: upskilling in housing and homelessness law, attending conferences, and shadowing caseworkers. There are so many?Benefits of Working and Volunteering Abroad. The labour market is fiercely competitive, and so volunteering is a rewarding way to gain substance.?

2.???World travel?

My top tip is to travel the world and explore other cultures. Travelling is an exhilarating way to learn new life skills and meet new people. It gives you the freedom to go outside your comfort zone. I have completed many global exchange programmes and travelled solo since. The Erasmus + programme was incredible. I have friends from many different countries. Erasmus has certainly given me the edge that some graduates do not have. Erasmus is the first thing recruiters notice on my CV! If you want to stand out when you graduate, go and find a global opportunity to work, volunteer, or study.

3.???Upskill?

Upskill, Upskill, Upskill! Upskilling is essential, especially if you are trying to specialise and enter a niche field. There are many ways to upskill. For example, you could take on a new challenge at work, start a project, find new hobbies or start a course. Enhancing your skills can spark new interests and benefit your development.

There are also virtual ways to upskill. Last year, I started learning a new language online at university. During lockdown, international cinema and television was my escapism. Watching foreign television shows has introduced me to new vocabulary and phrases. I have really interesting chats with natives at work!?

4.???Embrace change?

Everyone should embrace change. Life can get in the way and it can suddenly derail your plans without warning. I found life after graduation challenging, but your circumstances are temporary. Change is a positive force and you should go with the flow of things.

5.???Say Yes to Temporary Employment

Graduates should say yes to temporary work. Temporary work is a smart way to gain more experience. After graduating, I registered with several recruitment agencies in London. This really helped me source work quickly. Having a permanent job does not always make you happier and more secure. Temporary work gives you the freedom to move around and be versatile...

Want to find out more about how to stand out in a crowded market? Then read more of the Ten Ways to Make Yourself Stand Out When You Graduate.