Years of hard work and dedication have paid off. You have your degree in your hands and dreams in your eyes. What next? Start your first job, study for a Master's, or take a gap year to travel and find your goals? If you are someone who wants to start building their career in the corporate world right away but needs help figuring out how to do so, then this career guide is for fresh graduates like you. 

Tips to Build Your Career from Scratch as a Fresh Graduate

• Assess your Skills and Research Potential Careers

Start by analysing what your strengths and passions are. Take time to reflect on what subjects and activities you excelled in during your academic years and what you genuinely enjoy doing. Once you are clear on your skills and interests, research potential career options. Understand the jobs that match your interests and what you enjoy. 

Research your Career options here!

• Build your Resume

Your resume is your personal marketing document that can set the foundation of a successful career job search. It’s your first impression for potential employers. It’s a powerful tool to showcase tour skills and achievements. A well-crafted resume can set you apart from other candidates. 

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• Build your LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn profile is not just an online resume; it is a powerful tool for personal branding. It’s a platform to showcase your skills connect with industry professionals and stay up to date with corporate trends. Make sure your profile is complete, with a professional photo, a compelling headline, and detailed descriptions of your experiences and achievements. This will help you stand out to potential employers and recruiters who are searching for talent.

• Network, Network, Network

Networking is a great resource for personal growth and confidence to build a career from scratch for fresh graduates. Building connections with professionals in your industry of career choice can help you gain a wealth of knowledge. It can also help you get opportunities such as mentorship, an internal position or an opportunity to intern. Your alma mater's alumni are your best allies to provide you with the guidance and support you need to succeed. MARSbySHEROES is another excellent community of professional women remote workers who can be your guiding light. 

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• Gain Experience through Internships & Volunteering

Internships and Volunteer positions are invaluable for gaining practical experience and building your professional network. They provide hands-on learning opportunities, allowing you to apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings. These roles can also enhance your resume, making you a more competitive candidate for future job opportunities. Moreover, internships often lead to full-time positions, as employers value the familiarity and proven skills of interns. 

• Polish your Soft Skills

Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Seek opportunities to develop these skills through workshops, online courses, or by taking on leadership roles in your community. Showcase these skills in your resume by any clubs that you have managed or events that you have been part of while in school or college. 

10 Most In-Demand Skills to Learn And Excel In Career

• Practice for Interviews

The fear of facing interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation can make a significant difference. Practice common interview questions, and elevator pitches, research the company, and prepare a set of questions to ask the interviewer. Remember to dress professionally even for virtual interviews and follow up with a thank-you note post-interview. Do not hesitate to reach out to interviewers for feedback so that you can incorporate it for future interviews. 

• Keep Learning and Stay Updated

If you think you're done studying after graduation, you're wrong. Learning never stops. The professional world keeps constantly evolving, and technology advances by the day. Stay updated with industry trends and advancements, join professional groups on LinkedIn, Reddit or Quora, take online courses, and attend webinars. Continuous learning demonstrates your commitment, interest and adaptability to possible employers. 

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Building your career from scratch as a fresh graduate is a journey filled with learning. Stay persistent and maintain a positive attitude. Rejection is a part of the process, and each experience is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to your goal.

If you find that you need additional qualifications to pursue your desired career, consider further education. Whether it’s a master's degree, certification, or specialized courses, additional education can enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the job market. 

There’s always help online when you need it. Join the Glow & Lovely Career Community on the SHEROES app for women. This can be your safe space to network with other women professionals. You can also participate in live sessions with our career coach to make this journey from a fresh graduate to a working professional a breeze. Remember, every step you take is a step toward your future success.