I want to be an astronaut, but I am afraid of space. . .
We all have great expectations of life, such as asking that big question : where will I be in five years time?
I am afraid you may want to become an astronaut, but the chances are slim, working for Virgin on their space programme may be out of the question, or playing football in the Premier League may be a dream to far for you, finding the job that suits your many skills may be possible.
It is very hard to determine where you will be in your first year in the big world, let alone in five years time.
Preparing a five-plan is hard to do; companies have enough problems themselves, of the rapid changing face of the landscape they operate in, plus global concerns of markets, financial considerations including currencies.
The Euro Land is a typical example of this, where will it be in five years time, most people can only make a calculated guess, and this includes experts who are interviewed on the TV and Radio, it is a changing world we live in, where nothing really is set in stone.
What resource do I need to make my plans happen, how do I determine what to enter into my plan?
It is fine once you join a company and you undertake many instances. Appraisals help and direct you in knowing where you will be and what you are trying to achieve and what the company you are working for is looking at in its plans.
Saying that students who are undertaking post-graduate project work come to me, and mention that the companies do not have a long-term strategy and staff are confused what the plan is, how they fit-into the plan.
What should you be looking for as a student?
Research about the company you would like to work for, preparation is a key factor
Check if they offer a good training programme?
Does your salary increase and bonuses if applicable after a period of time?
Is it a company with a good culture of looking after staff?
Is it a global company and what chances have I got for progression?
This applies more to large companies; there are many smaller and medium-size companies with a sound strategy you can look at also.
We have seen in recent years graduates that many of them just wanting to work in the City institutions, where they feel they make money beyond all belief, now I would suggest is to use your financial skills and join a very good company in the financial department and earn and progress a lot quicker and feel more secure. Corporate companies if you wish to go into finance are a better choice now than the City, in my opinion, other people may have different views.
Many manufacturing companies and in the modern-world of production are looking for good graduates that can add to their team, you will probably find you will be have excellent training in a company like that.
You must look at alternatives to the conventional market for job employment; it can make your career move in new directions and give you more job satisfaction.
Expectations of what we want to do, are not always possible, I have never put-off students who want to reach for the top, that is not what I do, it is a gradual process of learning, a great deal is right place at the right time and knowing the right people, to open doors for you.
Putting a plan together to meet your expectations is an excellent step forward.
What type of work do I really want to do?
What type of company do I really want to work for?
How do I undertake research to find the right company?
How do I apply for a position with the company?
Preparing for the interview
What training schemes do they have, will they pay for my advanced education, possibly a Masters?
What skills do I need, undertake a stock take of your skills?
If possible is the company secure and my chances of progression are good?
Write those eight points down and look at your own strategy, many students don’t do research on companies and are ill-prepared for interviews, be prepared and you will stand a better chance of succeeding, I know that is obvious but overlooked so many times.
Don’t be put off, you spend a considerable amount of time at work, try and choose a company you feel you would like to join and fit-in, I say about companies you know this in a short space of time, after joining a company, at an interview it is often hard to determine what a company will really be like to work for.
This is a very similar strategy you have undertaken on research what university to join, you really don’t know what the university is like until you arrive at the gates as they say, you may know friends who have been to the university, there is nothing like your own experience to judge a situation.
Having vision is something which is so important these days looking round the obvious corners for jobs.
