Graduate internship career transition story
Since graduating in 2024 I haven’t really found my place in what everyone deems the ‘real-life’ working world. We all pursue the University pathway with the promise of a dream post graduate opportunity – working at a dream company, in a dream role paving your way to an extraordinarily successful future. However, no one prepares you for the task of finding one of these roles after spending 3, 4 or even 5 years studying tirelessly, with real skills only developed in a learning and educational setting.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved my degree! My university years were some of my favourites, learning so much about myself, creating new friendships and of course developing a deeper understanding of my chosen course. Alongside this, developing the independent life skills needed to live in a city hundreds of miles away from home. The only thing I missed was preparation of what comes next.
I had no real idea of work possibilities after graduating – maybe if I had a lifelong dream of becoming a doctor or lawyer, I would have been more proactive in my search of work experience during my years at University. It’s hard to know without experience and it’s hard to search for experience without knowing.
Then an Intern role opportunity arrives. It covers all these obscurities as it offers the opportunity to trial and learn in multiple different areas, specific enough to gain valuable experience but not too specific to be niche with no applicability. Luckily for me, a paid internship is exactly what I am now doing at CITI.
Study
Graduate
Dream job?
Week four
Now on my fourth week I have listened, learned and observed many valuable skills and experiences already. It has enabled me to begin to understand my current strengths, areas to build on and areas I might be interested in pursuing as I continue my work here.
It is always daunting to begin something you don’t have the experience for. On paper I have no ‘real’ work experience, I haven’t worked with clients, I haven’t worked on IT systems, (or properly formatted an email before). I haven’t led, managed, strategised or solved in any business capacity. However, what I have learnt is the skill itself is only half the path to success. Determination, openness, sharing opinions and showing initiative are just a few extras that make up that other half. CITI are helping me to develop and practise all the skills I’m yet to possess, but they have recognised the additional competencies I do have and my potential to positively impact the company.
Some high-level figures based on UK graduate employment
Internships are a growing route into careers
59% of employers offer internships
Only 10% found by advertising
Final Thought
In sum, from a business of such strong leaders and experts in their fields, I have so much to absorb. I can say with certainty I have already learnt so many principal things in my first four weeks that I will carry forward into my personal and professional future.
An internship can pave the way for the dream job – even if you’re not quite sure what that dream job is just yet. It is true that success lies behind the trial and error, learning, determination and openness to new opportunities, and I’m excited to be progressing in the right direction.
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