I’m a young person

As you start out looking for your first or early job roles, be sure to consider internships, part-time jobs or volunteer roles to gain real-life experience and develop a practical understanding of the world of work. They may not pay monetarily, but the experience you’ll gain will be invaluable at this stage of your career, as you add it to your CV.

Remember to use your CV as your shop window to showcase your academic achievements alongside extracurricular interests- bear in mind that some skills are transferable and universal- for example, did you work on a large-scale project as part of a team in college or university? You could chalk that up as people skills and teamwork- two things that many employers value highly.

In the ever-changing world of employment, it’s important to find every opportunity to emphasise your ability to adapt, learn quickly and collaborate effectively. Platforms like LinkedIn can help you expand your circle of connections and learn from people who have experience in the field you’re looking to work in.

You could find mentors who can support you in learning about how to realistically work within the industry you want to work in- there’s a lot of people out there just waiting to share their knowledge with the next generation.

It’s important to always be open to constructive feedback, as it can be a valuable tool for personal and professional growth. A wide variety of employers are open to providing feedback on your work, and their advice might help give you the edge in your next application.

To those just starting out, feedback can feel like a criticism. Remember, truly constructive feedback can only help to make you better and improve your knowledge and skills. You might want to consider a less traditional route to work such as freelancing or starting a side project to showcase your skills and build a portfolio.

The early stages of your career are a fantastic opportunity for self-discovery. Rejection is just a part of the process so remember to be persistent, don’t give up and stay positive about the journey ahead. A lot of people hear more no’s than yeses, so try not to take it to heart or personally. Each and every “no” can hold feedback and advice for next time.