The IT industry in New Zealand is rife with opportunities because the demand runs high. So stepping out of college with a STEM degree puts you in a good place career-wise. You can expect to get a dream job right after completing your education. But there’s a flip side to the picture as the competition in the IT job landscape runs high in the country. You will probably have to beat hundreds of skilled candidates to secure the job you want. Not to mention, beating experienced professionals will be even more challenging.
You can feel the stress and tension about getting a good start even during graduation. It gets even more daunting when you start with your job-hunting spree. Although you can expect to get a start sooner or later, a lucrative job at the beginning of your career can boost your morale. It gives you a great launchpad, and you can climb the growth ladder faster. But there are no shortcuts for securing a dream role with a big company just after college. Here are some tips that can help you get there.
Visualize your dream start
As a fresher out of college, you must have clarity of vision. After all, everyone has a different picture of their career trajectory. It is crucial to visualize your dream start before diving in. You will have to consider several factors to create a roadmap. For example, visualize the role you wish to pick and the salary you expect at the start. Do you want to work with a startup or an established company? What are your priorities as you look for a career start- a big paycheck, incentives, learning, or a mix of all? Once you have a picture of a dream start, it gets easier to move ahead.
Have realistic expectations
You may have graduated from one of the top colleges in New Zealand, but you are still a fresher. Make sure you have realistic expectations at the beginning of your career. Remember that you have to start small and prove your worth to earn big. Find out about the entry-level salaries for professionals in your area of specialization. They may vary from company to company and location to location. You can expect to make more with a big company than a startup. Likewise, base salaries are higher in big cities than the smaller ones. You may also want to explore the option of working overseas if the grass seems greener on the other side.
Ace an internship
The best way to get a good start in the IT domain is by taking up an internship opportunity while still in college. You will get plenty of them if you stay open to the idea. A short-term position during the last months of school gives you hands-on experience of working with a company. Moreover, it is an add-on for your resume, getting you in a better place for landing a dream job eventually. You may even get an offer to work with the same company if you show exemplary performance as an intern.
Look at the right places
Landing a lucrative IT job right after college can get easier if you look at the right places. Explore opportunities on job sites, specifically ones geared for fresh graduates. You can also seek the best IT jobs in New Zealand by registering with a specialist recruitment agency. They offer job alerts to keep you a step ahead of the open opportunities in the market, so you never have to worry about missing out on them. Recruiters look for talent at these platforms, and being here is your best bet.
Network as much as possible
Good networking can be a catalyst for your career as a college fresher. Start early, even before joining the job bandwagon, because it can give you a head start. Reach out on job sites and social media. Connect with counselors, teachers, friends, and families to seek personal referrals and recommendations. Attend career events to be visible to recruiters and gain insights on searching for opportunities. You may even find a mentor to guide you when you network at the early stages of your career.
Showcase your skills
Landing a dream job is about showcasing your skills and assets. After all, potential employers should see value in you to get you on board. Start by writing an exceptional resume that includes your strengths, skills, and achievements. Employers look for fresh graduates who are good at communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. You will not have much to showcase on the experience front, so focus on these capabilities. Add descriptions of college projects and summer jobs for extra punch. Building a solid social media profile on LinkedIn can also take you a long way with a lucrative career.
Consider the employer
It is easy to fall for the wrong job when just out of college, but don’t pick the first one that comes your way. Companies always want to secure top talent as employees willing to work hard and stay for the long haul are assets. They focus on building an employer brand, so make sure you check it before closing an offer. Check their reputation on social media, ask around, and do your research before sealing the deal. The last thing you will want to do is start your career with the wrong job. It can lower your confidence, so choose wisely. Look beyond the salary and check whether you are a cultural fit in the organization.
While opportunities for IT graduates abound, you cannot expect to reach the top of the ladder right away. Have patience and faith as a dream job can take its time. Ensure to have realistic expectations and look at the right places. Being visible is equally crucial, and so is ensuring that you have an attractive presence. Spend time to create an impressive resume and check a potential employer before going ahead. Follow these simple tips as they can take you a long way to start a dream career with a lucrative job.
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