Graduate programs | Opportunities for graduates | Youth Central

Every year, thousands of people graduate from university and TAFE courses and start looking for graduate positions or their first job in their trade. To improve your chances of getting a job you need to:

  • show that your experience sets you apart from everyone else
  • make sure that you are searching widely for jobs.

Getting experience after you graduate

It can be hard to get a job when you don’t have any experience. But how do you get experience if you can’t get a job?

Volunteering is one way to get this kind of experience. Visit our what is volunteering? page to find out more about volunteering. Our working overseas page also has some tips about volunteering overseas.

If you’re a university graduate, graduate recruitment programs can help you find out about companies that offer jobs specifically for graduates. Visit our what are graduate recruitment programs? page for more information about how you can find a graduate recruitment program.

Make sure your resume includes any industry-based learning or job placements you did while you were doing your course. This is when you do work as a formal part of your course.

One way is to think more broadly about what counts as experience. Any kind of role that helps you demonstrate these 8 job skills you should have will boost your experience. They include communication, teamwork and problem solving.

Widening your search for jobs

Here are some ways to widen your search for jobs.

Build your network

Networking is when you meet and stay in contact with people who can help you find a job. Visit our networking page to find out how to grow your network.

Join a professional association

Professional associations represent all the people working in a particular industry. They often have events where you can meet other people in your industry. Read our industry profile pages for links to professional associations.

Go to career expos

Find out what kind of graduate careers expos are offered at your university or TAFE. You could also check out the expos at other campuses too. Visit our find out more about the career you want page for more info on career expos.

What if you don’t graduate?

Sometimes you might not graduate. There can be lots of reasons for this.

You might have to stop studying because you’re sick, or you have to look after a family member who’s sick.

You might have to go back to work because you can’t afford to keep studying. Or you might simply decide your further study isn’t right for you.

If you’re not happy in your course, you can always change courses. You can even choose to study overseas.

You can also decide to go back to university later as a mature age student.

Links

Graduate Opportunities

Online graduate jobs directory with job-hunting tips and advice from graduates.

Graduate Careers

Featuring research about graduate careers and a range of career-planning resources.