🎓 Graduates: Stop Waiting for Experience—Go Get It

No experience? Create it. Here’s how to stand out in a competitive job market.

20/08/2025

You’ve graduated. You’re ready.

But every job spec says: “2+ years of experience.”

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.

Yes, graduate roles are more competitive than ever.

But that doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage.

It means you need to stop waiting—and start actively building your experience.

✅ Apply for Internships—Even After Uni

Internships aren’t just for undergrads.

Post-grad internships (paid if possible—but even short-term, voluntary ones) give you something no course can: real-world experience.

Whether it’s a one-month project in marketing, HR, or finance, practical exposure impresses hiring managers more than grades.

🎓 Look at Graduate Schemes—Beyond the Big Names

Yes, big companies offer structure and recognition.

But smaller, scaling businesses?

🔹 Broader experience

🔹 Faster learning

🔹 More responsibility, early on

Don’t just follow the crowd—find the environment that fits your learning style and ambition.

đź§Ş Get Creative with Experience

Can’t land something formal yet? Make your own.

Help a local business with socials or admin

Build a portfolio on GitHub, Behance, or your own site

Shadow a professional in your field for a few days

These aren’t fillers. They’re evidence of initiative, curiosity, and commitment. Yes—they belong on your CV.

💬 Use Your Uni Careers Service—Yes, Even Now

Many grads skip this. Don’t.

Careers teams often have:

🔹 Hidden job leads

🔹 Alumni referrals

🔹 Industry links

A university-backed recommendation still carries serious weight.

🎯 Final Advice: You Don’t Need It All—Just Show You’re Building It

Employers aren’t chasing perfection—they’re looking for potential.

Even 2–4 weeks of real-world experience can reshape your narrative in interviews.

It says: I’m not waiting for opportunity—I’m creating it.

Internships. Grad schemes. Shadowing. Freelance.

They’re not just a foot in the door. They’re your launchpad.

📩 Need help finding your path or making your CV shine—experience or not?

We work with grads and early-career pros every day. Let’s build your next move, together.

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