The Career Secret they don’t tell you; 80% Hidden Truth

After the 22nd knock back you think I would have given up. I was either a slow learner or I had a teflon coated sense of determination, possibly both. 

When I was studying design at the ripe old age of 19, it dawned on me that if I waited to get work experience until I had graduated I would be competing with my cohort and be at a major career disadvantage. 

So in my second year of study I contacted over 20 architectural practices asking if I could send in my resume, to be considered for work experience. I figured if I got in and worked for a week or two under the guise of ‘work experience’ I could hopefully impress them enough ( or successfully beg them) to give me a chance. They all politely declined. 

Regardless of how discouraging over twenty ‘no sorry’ responses felt, I firmly committed that I would keep revising my approach until I could find a work experience opportunity.

So then I decided I needed to find a way to get in the door and meet someone in the practice face to face. On the 23rd call I managed to convince an Architect from a small practice to give me fifteen minutes of his time, to give me feedback on my design portfolio. 

I made up my mind that once I was in the door I would offer to do a day’s free work, cleaning out the samples library, filing, literally anything to show how keen I was for work in my chosen field.

To my delight the Architect was encouraging about my portfolio, even though it was pretty light on, as it only contained about twelve months of design assignments that I had completed. 

Sensing his kindness, I clasp my hands together (like I was praying for my life) and I asked, (possibly more like begging) for an opportunity to work for free for just one day, or even half a day. 

I assured him I was a quick learner and would not require much supervision, as I realised that sometimes the time it takes to guide a work experience person can cost more than the value it provides.

My enthusiasm had a tidal wave effect and in a blink of an eye he was laughing and nodding his head, SHAZAM he agreed to give me a day of work experience.

Dressing as professionally as I could on a student’s shoestring budget, I arrived 10 minutes early on my one day of agreed work experience and I got straight to work, sorting out all the samples and I organised files and drawings. I wanted to provide as much value as possible. Nothing was a problem. 

The energy in this practice was positive, the space was beautifully laid out and the sunshine beamed in adding to the joy of this experience. Whilst I worked I imagined myself working in this office again and the thought made me feel inspired.

To my complete delight I was offered a paid role at the end of my one day of work experience. I worked two days a week for the next two years until I graduated and I had the job of getting real world experience with a kind and talented architect. My design portfolio now contained real design projects and I had an understanding of working to client requirements and budgets. This was invaluable in developing my career.

This experience also expanded my network and my next role was a direct referral, an unadvertised role. I again did not have to compete with other candidates for my position. Virtually every role throughout my career I have undertaken was via direct appointment, thanks to my professional network.

The kind and creative architect who gave me a chance, changed the course of my life. He and his wife became my good friends and were invited to my wedding. I will never forget his kindness and the opportunity he gave me.

Most students and graduates are not aware of the hidden job market. It is estimated that up to 80% of job vacancies are not advertised. That’s a significant percentage of job opportunities that are filled through employee referrals, networking, or other informal recruitment methods. 

This is why networking is so important. By making early career connections and building relationships, students and graduates are able to tap into the hidden job market and potentially find job opportunities that they would have never known existed.

Here are 10 Tips for gaining career advantages as a tertiary student

1. Set up a Linkedin Profile if you don’t already have one
2. Look for and join relevant Linkedin groups
3. Build your network by reaching out to people already working in your industry or profession (make sure to introduce yourself when you send a connection request)
4. In the search box of Linkedin input your qualification to research others who have completed the same to learn more about their career journeys and potential employers to reach out to
5. Set up a personal website to centralise your online presence
6. Approach suitable employers to secure work experience and or relevant work experience
7. Join relevant associations and attend networking events
8. Complete additional soft skill courses (I prefer to call them core skills) such as those on communication skills, giving and receiving feedback, negotiation skills and more. There are plenty of free quality online courses available.
9. Complete Linkedin Courses to build your profile
10. Ask for testimonials from those who you work with that have given you positive feedback

If you know someone who is studying, encourage them to get relevant work experience and employment before they graduate.

Alternatively if you have an established career and a very keen student happens to call your office hoping for feedback, or a work experience day or week, before you say no, consider that you could be that ONE person who opens the door to an aspiration becoming a reality.