As Chancellor, I\u2019m often contacted by students and graduates asking for advice about careers and navigating the next stage of their lives \u2013 usually after a careers and enterprise event. The questions are always thoughtful and honest; I\u2019ve realised there is a theme emerging so I\u2019m sharing my insider tips on how to navigate an uncertain jobs market and build a career you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It goes without saying, but I\u2019ll say it anyway, starting a career can feel like a lot of pressure. If you can enjoy the process and journey it makes it much easier from the get-go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let’s dive in!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do I need to have my entire career mapped out in my early twenties?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Absolutely not. In fact, most people don\u2019t. Careers are rarely linear anymore. Many people change industries, roles, or even completely retrain several times. What matters more than having a perfect long-term plan is being 1) curious, 2) open to opportunities, and 3) willing to learn. Your early career is about exploration as much as direction. I hire for attitude first and foremost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What if my first job isn’t my “dream job”?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s completely normal. Your first role is often about gaining experience, building confidence, and learning how workplaces operate. Even if the job isn\u2019t exactly what you imagined, it will still teach you something valuable. I believe retail and hospitality jobs are great entry roles that have wildly exciting career paths available, and if you do move sector, you\u2019ll have first class communications and sales skills to take you further, faster. Every role, or side hustle adds another piece to the puzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is networking only for extroverts?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not at all. I am an introvert. Firstly, networking is often misunderstood. It doesn\u2019t have to mean walking into a room and speaking to dozens of strangers. At its core, networking is simply about building genuine professional relationships. A thoughtful message on LinkedIn, a conversation after a talk, or staying in touch with someone you\u2019ve worked with can all be forms of networking. Authenticity matters far more than confidence. The grads I\u2019ve helped all reached out based on being in my network, they leveraged it for advice. I can\u2019t help every request (that\u2019s what this blog is about) but I do try to point people in the right direction. Build your network and connections and then find some shared value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What if I feel behind compared to my peers?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Comparison is one of the easiest traps to fall into, particularly when everyone\u2019s achievements are visible online. The words \u2018I\u2019m delighted to announce\u2019 from a peer, especially if you have nothing to announce, can make you feel like you\u2019re behind. The reality is that careers develop at different speeds for different people. Someone else\u2019s timeline isn\u2019t your benchmark. Focus on your own progress and the steps you are taking forward. I love sport and endurance as metaphors for business, athletes don\u2019t run based on the person in the lane next to them, they focus on the track ahead. At least, the ones that win do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How do I know if I’m on the “right” career path?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The truth is that most people only understand their path in hindsight. Instead of trying to predict the perfect route, focus on whether you\u2019re learning, developing new skills, and working with people who challenge and support you. If you\u2019re growing, you\u2019re moving in the right direction. My other favourite metaphor is music; careers are like songs or an album. It\u2019s a body of work with different tempos, moods, starts, stops and interludes but the whole thing comes together as a whole in the end. Don\u2019t worry, keep making music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth: If I don\u2019t land the perfect job straight after graduation, I\u2019ve somehow failed.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This myth deserves retiring immediately. The first job after university is not the final destination\u2026it\u2019s the starting point. Some graduates step straight into a role they love; others take a few different turns before finding the right fit. Careers are much more like a series of stepping stones than a single dramatic leap. And sometimes the unexpected step turns out to be the most interesting one. I started a retail business at university, I got into policy and campaigns as a result, then I studied journalism, then I fell into tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth: Successful people always know exactly what they\u2019re doing.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If only! I am a master Googler\/researcher. The truth is that most people are figuring things out as they go along. I make it up most days as does every person who appears very confident from the outside – trust me – I\u2019ve been in some serious rooms. Winging it. Careers evolve through experimentation, mistakes, learning, and a bit of serendipity (as a result of strong networks). The key difference isn\u2019t that successful people never feel uncertain; it\u2019s that they keep moving forward anyway (and often become very good at Googling things).<\/p>\n\n\n\n ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A big thank you to Natalie for taking the time to write this article!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Natalie Campbell MBE MIH<\/em><\/strong> <\/em>is the Chancellor of the University of Westminster. Natalie is also an Entrepreneurial CEO, Chair and Purpose Architect, working with boards to shape leadership and work in a changing world<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n