Supporting Recent Graduates Has Never Been So Important

Times are tough for everyone at the moment, but especially for those who have just graduated. They’re entering the job market at a time when employment prospects are very uncertain. It was recently announced that the UK has entered its first recession in 11 years, so it’s no surprise that the limited job opportunities mirror those of the 2009 recession.

Whether you’re a graduate who has secured a job or you’re yet to graduate, there are things you can do to support those who are struggling. If you were in this situation, you know you’d be grateful for any help you could get. Social media is a very powerful tool which works in many peoples’ favours. One click of a button and you can post any message out into the world. 

You may think that because you don’t have a lot of followers that your like, retweet or share is worthless – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your share could encourage one of your followers to do the same and someone in their network may be interested in snapping them up for an opportunity.

“You shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to someone, as they’re guaranteed to appreciate your support”

Even if your interaction with their profile or post doesn’t amount to anything, it’ll give them a much needed incentive to keep trying. Send someone a direct message to tell them you admire their work, share their account with your friends who might be interested, or forward on opportunities they may not have seen. You shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to someone, as they’re guaranteed to appreciate your support.

At the end of last month it was reported that a brewery received 1000 applications for one job. Undoubtedly, many of the 1000 people who applied for the role probably don’t have a long-term aspiration to work there. Sadly, a wage often takes priority over long-term job satisfaction. Once comfortably in a job, it can be easier to move towards that dream career.

“Unless you’re experiencing this unpredictable time firsthand, there’s no way you can judge anyone else’s choices and experiences”

Graduates are facing extreme pressure to get jobs. Family members and friends in secure job roles haven’t had to face such uncertainty and therefore assume it’s exaggerated. Unless you’re experiencing this unpredictable time firsthand, there’s no way you can judge anyone else’s choices and experiences. If a brewery is receiving 1000 applications for one role, you can only imagine the number of applications that other firms are receiving.

Coming together and supporting one another has never been as important as it is now. Previously, you might have viewed others in your field as fierce competitors. It’s 2020 and this isn’t the case now. Support and promote the work of your peers as if it were your own. If you help them, you can hope for a helping hand in return. It’s a time of understanding and not judging other people’s circumstances if you’re not in their shoes. You’ll never be in the exact position as someone else, so focus on yourself but try to be as empathetic as you possibly can.

Katie Wheatley

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Featured image courtesy of @mdesign85 via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image.