Look after yourself

Career pathways are diverse, can be unpredictable, and unexpected. Routes into careers are not linear and many sectors have a diversity of routes in. Depending on the industry there are opportunities open from entry level up to experienced professionals, with a range of contracts – full time, part-time, contract and freelance, with many people also developing portfolio careers. Aim to remain positive, resilient and to market yourself drawing on you as a ‘whole’ person. Be open to possibilities and ‘other routes in’. For inspiration and tactics for keeping a positive mindset in your graduate journey see the following article on Target Jobs: Resilience: the ability to cope with setbacks

Focusing on your future takes time and energy so please take time to look after your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing to keep positive and motivated. Aim to:

■ Keep fit and healthy, so that you can increase your resilience, maintain enthusiasm and be prepared for ‘Life

After Coronavirus’.

■ Take up some different forms of exercise, maybe something you have not tried before. Use this as an opportunity to try new things and to develop your creativity skills. ■ Remain positive, consider how to replace any negative thoughts. Practise techniques such as Mindfulness. You can change your mindset; it is all about consciously creating habits. Make the most of any constructive feedback and use it to move forward.

■ Take regular breaks - do not sit in front of the computer all the time, set yourself manageable goals and try to establish some kind of routine that works for you. ■ Focus on your list of skills and achievements, reminding yourself of all the things you have learned and accomplished in your career. This can give you a boost of confidence and motivation. Both Prospects and Target jobs have added some useful advice to their websites: www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/getting-a-job/your-career-and-covid-19 targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/career-planning/1044523-job-hunting-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-whatyou-need-to-know

Alternative support services

And of course, there are always other services available if you need them:

The NHS: www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services MIND: www.mind.org.uk/workplace/mental-health-at-work/taking-care-of-yourself/five-ways-to-wellbeing National Careers Service: nationalcareers.service.gov.uk Remember that we are here to help you through this transition. See below for the ways we support graduates.