Monday 1 October 2012

Location, Location, Location

This tip applies to those still clueless as to what the future holds after university. Deciding on graduate jobs and schemes is a difficult task; it really is a big deal deciding what you’re going to be doing for up to 50 hours a week for the next 4 years. If you use this tip, you’ll at least be able to make an informed decision.

The first location stands for just that, your geographical location when you finish university, for some people the ideal situation is living at home with mum and dad, rent and bill free until you save up to move into your own place, but for some, getting far away from mum and dad and spreading your wings as a young professional appeals. There are serious pros and cons to both so make a list and also take into account where the opportunities are, be practical in your decision, be happy with your decision.

The second location applies to your location within the company, where do you see yourself in 4 years; make a list from 1 to 5 of the most important things to you. Do you want to progress as quickly as possible, learn your trade in a graduate programme that’s qualification or training heavy, are you driven by money, success, targets, all these factors need to be accounted for in your top 5.
The final location is with reference to the company, are they the market leader, a medium size company, an ethical company. Again, make a list of what matters most to you, do you care most about the company’s annual turnover, ethos or general environment, it’s important to be comfortable with the company so that progressing upwards after the scheme, if that’s what you want, isn’t too daunting.