As the new academic year begins, it brings with it all kinds of opportunities, as students return from summers spent (hopefully productively) elsewhere looking to once again make the most of their university experience. However, for those beginning their final year, their return to university can bring with it a certain level of uncertainty regarding the future, and where they will be in twelve months' time. For those set on securing a graduate job as soon as possible after university, it is important that amidst the excitement they look into applying for such roles as early as possible.
Whilst it is true that many employers do extend their graduate recruitment process all year round, even in these cases, many vacancies will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. An early, well-considered application shows a clear focus and ambition towards a particular role which can only be a good thing. For some, a particular career path will already have been identified and it is just a matter of setting time aside every day to work on their applications - this in itself can be a laborious process, but the potential benefits are no doubt worth it.
For others, with less specific overall aims, this early part of term is even more important. It provides a great opportunity to research various professions and employers. This can be helped by the fact that many employers that visit universities concentrate such visits heavily in the early part of the year, reflecting their own desire to attract candidates with a clear idea of where they want to be. For many students this is a daunting idea in itself, but when it comes to taking advantage of the opportunities on offer to get a better grasp of the post-university possibilities, there is no better time than this early part of the year.
