By Sophie O’Brien, founder of Pollen Careers, a job platform on a mission to transform the entry-level job market into a more inclusive and equitable space.
“We all know that Results Day is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences for young people. For some it can be a day of joy, getting the results they’d always hoped for, whereas others might feel disheartened or anxious about how their results will impact their future career path. But the good news is that, for most people, how well you do on Results Day isn’t a defining factor of your future success or career trajectory, and if you didn’t do as well as you’d hoped – don’t lose sight of what you want! Here’s how you can still have a successful career without going to university.
“Firstly, think about what you’d like your every day to look like and what you enjoy. You don’t have to come up with an answer in minutes, but do think about what an enjoyable day-to-day at work could look like for you. Is it more hands-on than office-based, is it more creative or analytical, do you prefer working as a team or on your own? These kinds of questions will help you understand what type of role you’ll thrive in.
“It’s also important to look at SMEs when you begin your career search. SMEs make up the majority employer in the UK and whilst a career at an SME might not sound as glamorous as the large corporate companies, they can offer significantly more in terms of flexibility, benefits and pay. Often SMEs will have ‘hidden jobs’ which means they’re hiring for roles but they’re not necessarily advertised on the website or other platforms as they have limited resources to do so, in fact around 80% of jobs aren’t posted online. Such companies are often looking for motivated and ambitious individuals, regardless of their previous experience or education. They want people who are looking to learn, be hands-on, and come to the company with ideas which is a great environment to start your career in.”
Featured Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash.