1. The "perfect first job" (usually) doesn't exist
Many students feel pressured to find the "perfect" job right after graduation – one that checks 100% of their boxes regarding expectations, desires, and their degree. But honestly, there's no need. In 2026, recent graduates typically don't stay with their first employer for more than a few years. So, your first job is highly unlikely to be your final destination; it’s simply the kickstart of your career.
So, look at your first role as a place to discover what you do and don't like. What gives you energy? Do you thrive in a traditional corporate structure, or do you blossom in an innovative startup, for example? And which projects do you excel at? These are all valuable insights that will benefit you immensely later in your career.
2. Employers are looking for more than just a degree
And no, that doesn’t mean you’ve been grinding away these past few years for nothing. 😉 After all, your degree proves a certain academic level. However, recruiters look beyond that. Due to the rising influence of AI and the rapidly changing job market, employers are looking for flexible team members with broadly applicable skills. Think of:
- Adaptability: can you pivot quickly when a project changes?
- Soft skills: now that AI is taking over a lot of analytical work, empathy, ethics, collaboration, and other soft skills are becoming all the more crucial.
- Curiosity: in a fast-evolving job market, having experience with new tools or technologies is a major plus.
Tip: Next to your official work history, make sure to mention any extracurricular activities or hobbies on your CV that contributed to your (soft) skills. Think of volunteer work, committees, or coding as a hobby.
3. Networking is half the battle
Did you know that a large portion of entry-level positions never even make it to vacancy websites? They get filled through the networks of recruiters and/or employees. That makes building a network incredibly important! And no, you don't necessarily have to force yourself to go to awkward networking events (though those can be highly valuable).
A more accessible way to network is through LinkedIn. Use the alumni tool to find graduates from your study programme who have a job that looks interesting to you, and send them a quick message. For example:
"Hi [name], I’m about to finish my Master’s in [programme name], and I noticed you’re currently working as a [job title]. Would you mind if I took 15 minutes of your time to hear how you experienced that transition?"
Usually, people love sharing their experiences to help someone else out, and it will give you valuable insights (or even a foot in the door).
4. Traineeship or junior role: what suits you best?
It might seem like a given to try and secure a junior role after graduating. However, that’s not your only option! Traineeships, for instance, are very popular: an internal learning and working programme within a company where you gain specialised experience, work on assignments across different departments, and focus on your personal development.
As a master’s student, you might wonder what fits you best. The choice really depends on your learning style.
- Choose a traineeship if: you want to keep exploring your options broadly, you highly value personal coaching, and you want to expand your network within an organisation.
- Choose a junior role if: you already know which field you want to work in, you want to take on real responsibility faster, and you prefer learning 'on the job' without the extra training days.
Your final months at uni
The period around your graduation is often hectic. Putting the finishing touches on your thesis, preparing for your defense, and finishing up any other ongoing projects… Still, it’s smart to take care of a few things now to ensure a smoother transition to working life. So, before you truly wave campus goodbye, do these three things:
- Update your LinkedIn profile: use a professional (yet approachable) photo, and state in your headline that you are looking for opportunities in a specific direction.
- Visit Career Services: you can go there for free CV checks and mock interviews, for instance to practice salary negotiations. Make use of it while you still can!
- Be patient: it’s totally fine if you don’t land a job on your very first application. In fact, you learn a ton from job interviews, even if they don't result in an offer. Use this time to figure out what you are looking for, and the right opportunity will come your way.
Need more help with your next steps? Schedule a meeting with one of our career coaches at Career Services. They are happy to help!
