By Laura Bill, Head Writer at Inspiring Interns
When you were at school or sixth-form college, you had to make a decision that would have a big impact your life: choosing a degree subject. After much deliberation, discussion, and a bit of research, you selected a degree course that fitted your current interests and aligned with future goals.
Fast forward a few years and what if you decide that the degree you chose no longer ties in with your desired career choices? This sudden awareness can be daunting, and it may feel like you have wasted three years of your life studying a course that you no longer wish to pursue.
Does that mean you have to start university all over again? This will largely depend on the career you wish to follow. For example, if you studied Marketing and now wish to become a Pharmacist, you’ll need to study for a Pharmacy degree. However, in most cases, any degree qualification will be an opening to a wide range of jobs.
The good news is that it is entirely possible to find a graduate job that’s unrelated to your degree and here are some suggestions on what you can do:
1. Find an internship
An internship is highly recommended if you’re keen to branch into a completely different industry. During this paid placement, you’ll learn on the job and acquire an abundance of skills that will improve your employability. In most cases, you don’t always need a specific degree as internships ultimately start from scratch, meaning no prior knowledge is needed. An internship gives you an insight into whether the job and the industry are right for you and gives you a valuable addition to your CV will which help you stand out when applying for future jobs.
Securing an internship can be competitive, so it would be best to sign up to a graduate recruitment agency such as Inspiring Interns which will recommend you for internship jobs that you may be interested in.
2. Focus on transferable skills
Over the years, you will have picked up an abundance of skills that will help you succeed in any career, whether it be at a part-time job, hobby, or even within your degree course. Employers are always keen to hire candidates that are equipped with skills that will enable them to succeed in the workplace.
Think about times when you led a project or undertook a group project – what did you learn from these experiences?
You can briefly explain these details within your CV to prove to the employer that you’re the right person for the job. Here are some of the key skills that employers look for:
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Leadership
- Organisation
- Decision-making
- Time management
3. Prove your industry knowledge
If you’re serious about securing a job in another industry, you need to prove to the employer that you have ‘commercial awareness', which is the understanding of the functionality of the industry, as well as current trends and recent news.
If you’d like any further advice on finding your perfect graduate job, talk to Inspiring Interns today.