Have you ever thought to yourself, "I wish I had known about that graduate job sooner," or "If only I had done that as well," what about "He/she seems to be having a lot more success with this than I am?" Most students at one point or another have all asked themselves these questions and it's perfectly understandable, some things you only learn through experience.
But it doesn't necessarily have to be like this. In the world of graduate employment knowledge is power and it's there for the taking. However, there's often a common conception that the only people suited to give you this knowledge are career advisors or industry experts. Generally this is the case and I am by no means saying that you should shy away from these individuals. Having said that, there's also another immediate source of knowledge available, other students.
Any student who has secured a job you would be happy to have, or a graduate that is working in a sector that interests you is a potential source of knowledge. He or she will inevitably have gone through a process (not always of course) similar to whatever you are facing and may be able to give you some helpful tips on how to stand out above the rest. Just because someone is a classmate, a friend, or someone you play sport with, it doesn't stop them from being able to impart some good advice. Find these people, befriend them (if you haven't already done so) and make them your mentor. But of course ask nicely. Ask them how they got their job, what they did to stand out, what they would have done differently if they could go back in time and what they think you should do. Sometimes the response maybe something simple like a list of good books to read or useful websites to checkout, or it might end up being that small piece of information that gives you a little bit extra in your next job application.
Now I want to stress that student mentors are not a replacement for experts. Expert advice is expert advice. But it can't hurt to complement this advice with insight from a good mentor. Although I have said you should target other students as mentors, there is no need to limit yourself to this. I only suggested this because it's often more difficult to establish or develop a relationship with someone who is already an established professional in the field. However if you can, then this is even better. A mentor who is also an expert is a win win situation. Not only will you receive strong insight, but you will be simultaneously developing a great network. And a good network is always an excellent thing to have.
So next time you're thinking to yourself where did I go wrong or how could I have done X better, ask an expert, but also ask your mentor. If that means you're only asking one person, then you've hit the jackpot.
Charles, GRB Journalist
