We managed to get jobs after uni - here's how we're keeping them

Four recent graduates have shared how they secured and are now sustaining their first post‑university jobs, offering a roadmap for others navigating the transition from campus to workplace. Sarisha Ganesan, 22, joined a fully remote graduate marketing role after graduating from Loughborough University in June; she proactively emailed future colleagues before her start date, participated in a virtual morning meeting with introductions, and quickly adapted to a collaborative environment that contrasted with her university’s independent style. Her key advice is to keep managers and teammates informed about task progress and workload pressures, emphasizing transparent communication to avoid being chased for updates. Oliver Walker, a University of Liverpool graduate, began a graduate position managing social‑media campaigns at a marketing agency within a week of finishing his degree; with little time for role‑specific research, he “company‑stalked” to familiarize himself with the organisation and arranged six‑monthly check‑ins with his manager to track goal achievement, while actively attending company events to become a valuable, visible member of the team.

The contributors underscore that seeking guidance early and building networks are vital for early success. Chinaza Eke, a 20‑year‑old third‑year Warwick student who completed an eight‑week civil‑service internship, initially hesitated to ask for help with unfamiliar software, fearing it would expose a lack of competence. Her line manager’s encouragement to slow down helped her realise that asking for assistance is expected and fosters valuable connections, a lesson she stresses to peers. Elijah Amoako, 26, who started managing industry relations, arrived at his new role having researched the organisation and chose to observe rather than assume practices from his previous employer, highlighting the importance of curiosity and openness in the first days.

Collectively, the advice points to a broader shift in graduate onboarding: proactive communication, regular check‑ins, and relationship‑building across and beyond immediate teams are now seen as essential for establishing a reputation of reliability, curiosity and collaboration. Senior policy adviser Lizzie Crowley of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reinforces this view, urging new hires to “get many of the basics in place” before day one, a sentiment echoed by all four participants who credit early engagement and openness as the foundation for thriving in their first professional roles.

⚡ Effects Interpreter