Know what you want and do not want to do and be self-confident to get the most suited job

Every new period is a great time to do a self-assessment. Try to know what you want as much as possible. This way you can avoid accepting the first job offer and realizing afterwards this is not a job for you. Sometimes, young graduates also do not understand why no one is answering their application: the reason may be because you are not targeting the jobs that suit your profile the most, so you should identify your strengths. As a young graduate, you do not usually have much work experience but have fresh knowledge from university and energy to carry out bold projects, so make sure you display that kind of qualities in your applications!
Understanding what you want also means prioritizing your life values: what is the most important for you? Having a career, money, a family or friends? This will help you target the jobs that will allow you to find the right balance in your life. If your career is very important for you, then you should consider moving to another city if there are more opportunities than in your own town.
Moreover, it is high time to know what you really want to do – disregarding your diploma. If you were not that interested in your university degree, then perhaps it is time to think about finding a career in another field. Try to find out if there are bridges from your qualification to the job you want. For instance, you would like to be a writer but have studied marketing? Then perhaps finding a position in public relations, content marketing or journalism specializing in business can be a great way to start. You can find many job opportunities online, so why not have a look at some that are not related to your degree?

Actively look for work and enter the job market

The main problem of young graduates is usually that they do not have much work experience and knowledge on working life. It will thus be very important that you get information on this topic. Even though you have not done many internships or have not worked for long, displaying that you know how a company works and how to be efficient in your daily tasks will be valued by recruiters.
Indeed, now that you student days are over, you will have the opportunity to discover a completely different world. Get familiar with this world by talking to working people: ask them all the questions you have, so that you have a first glimpse of what is awaiting you.
If you want to be successful in your career, you will have to have a clear idea of where you are going – be decisive and show that you have energy and fresh ideas. If you doubt yourself, try to persuade yourself you are a successful young graduate and be assertive in your behaviour.

Develop key skills to work like a professional

First and foremost, it is crucial that you keep practising the skills you learnt at university so that they remain fresh in your mind. Besides, if you have some free time while looking for a job, and you want to be as successful as possible after your graduation, you should make sure you master the following skills:

1. Learn a new language and practise those you already know: If you know extra languages, you will be able to apply for many more companies, thus increasing your chances to be hired. In addition to French, you should try to listen to and speak English as much as possible. Watch TV series in English, listen to the radio and try to read articles in English on the internet. This will be a great asset for companies, especially the foreign businesses that invest in Uganda!

2. Know how to work on a computer: Most of today’s work is done with computers, so the ability to use one very well is necessary to find a job. There exist some cheap and efficient computer classes if you cannot spend much money. Try to learn how to use Microsoft Office software, because this is what most companies use. If you want to be a designer, a network engineer or a programmer, Microsoft Office is not enough: Make sure you learn about the relevant software!

3. Be good at using the internet: Surfing only on social networks is not enough. Be sure to be proficient in using search engines, so that you can find out useful information. This allows you to fix problems and be of extra value to your manager.

4. Have a nice typing speed: If you are interested in doing a job that requires you to do a lot of writing on a computer at work, you need to be quick at typing. If you have free time, play typing games that you can find for free on the internet.

5. Become a library member: If you have just finished University and you have nothing to do, become a library member and read books. Spend your time gaining as much useful knowledge about your future job as possible. Reading also helps you remember things better, ease your mind from stress and learn about things you had never heard of.

In short:

1. Be active and dynamic

2. Know yourself, what you can and cannot do

3. Try to do as much as you can to develop your skills and knowledge

4. Keep an open mind

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