Your first job outside of uni doesn't need to be your dream job

don't let short term pressure dictate your career choice

Your first job after university doesn’t need to be your dream job.

This might be an unpopular opinion but hear me out!

When people graduate, they have this internal timer that tells them they have to secure their dream job straight away out of uni. So when they fail to land that dream role, they think their career is already a failure.

Most of the time, that internal pressure is what they’re specialised to see, looking at their peers on LinkedIn who landed their role and feeling like they have to do the same straight away.

But the truth is that what you think is your dream job will change throughout your career.

I initially wanted to work in asset management, but after a couple of months in there, I realised I wanted to be a strategy consultant and pivoted into that. Now I run an early careers talent attraction business full time. If I asked a recently graduated me at 21 whether this was where I would be, I would probably laugh!

You have to remember that your first role and career after university will not be your final career, so you shouldn’t get too worked up if your grad job isn't exactly what you want it to be.

Instead, focus on finding a role which will allow you to develop valuable skills and grow within your career, and you never know, you might actually like it and it could open up a new industry which you may find better suits your long-term goals

Secondly and more importantly, your career isn’t linear, and you can still get to your end dream job through other routes.

This is very relevant for those aiming to break into prestigious and highly competitive roles such as investment analyst or Investment Banking.

I know multiple people who have gotten to their dream roles after strategically going down other paths. They were strategic in taking a role either 1) in the same company but different area or 2) different field but has the same relevant skillset.

For example, the person who is now an investment analyst started in middle office and after a few years of networking and completing their CFA, was able to pivot to front office. Yes, it took 3-4 years longer than they wanted, but they got there in the end!

So even if you don’t land your dream role straight away, focus on other avenues which can help you get to your dream role down the line.

So please, if you’re a student, graduate or working professional who isn’t where they want to be, don’t worry! You’ll get there in the end