After attending countless recruitment events, I remember thinking, “What’s next?”

It’s a question most graduates ask, often answered with, “I’ll put it to the back of my mind, save up
and go travelling.”

But let me be clear: no one can give you the perfect advice on your direction. No one will
ever walk the exact path you’re about to take.

You are unique. You bring your own skills, values, and passions, and you’re stepping into a
job market that is constantly changing. AI is transforming traditional graduate roles, and the
pace of change across industries is only accelerating. Today, success requires more than
good grades and a solid application. It demands experience, resilience, and adaptability.

But that’s not a reason to be afraid. It’s a reason to be excited. The future is wide open. In
fact, more than half the jobs that will exist in 10 years haven’t even been invented yet.
On my journey, from a law student set on becoming a Maritime Lawyer to a consultant at
KPMG, I’ve learned five lessons I wish I’d known sooner.

1. Understand yourself

After university, I drifted. I tried working in law firms, but the traditional environment and
repetitive work just didn’t suit me. If I’m honest, I lacked the attention to detail required to
become a lawyer and I found the work monotonous. I then applied to graduate schemes
without any real direction, drifting aimlessly.

Eventually, I landed a place on a graduate scheme at a global insurance broker. It gave me
exposure to different business departments. During one rotation, I discovered project
management as a career path. It was a perfect match. I love solving problems, working with
different people, and changing subject matter regularly.

Looking back, I wish I had taken the time to understand my self properly, my strengths, and
personality before setting off on a career path. I would advise you not to chase job titles,
choose roles that align with your natural strengths and interests.

2. Build Your Network

The best opportunities come from conversations and building relationships. To build a
successful career it takes a community of people, a group of people to mentor, teach and
vouch for you. On Amazon, customer reviews from other buyers are a useful indicator as to
how good a product is. This works in a similar way for people you work with recommending
you.

Being likeable, curious, and enjoyable to work with is one of the most underrated but
essential career skills. Real success often comes down to the impact you make on people,
not just your capability. People will want you to succeed, especially when you’re humble and
genuinely good to work with.

3. Create a Plan

When I decided to move into consulting, I didn’t wait for luck. I set a target, and then built the
relevant experience and skills required. I wasn’t from a consulting background, but I made
sure I focused on strategy and transformation projects, with my end goal in mind.

Eventually, the opportunity came because I always had in my mind where I wanted to go. Every conversation in and outside of work I considered how it would help me to progress. If you don’t set a target, life will just happen to you. You might get lucky and fall into a good thing, alternatively you might just float and move around aimlessly until you get to retirement and question how you got there. Set a direction, even if you don’t get there having something to aim for will give you purpose and make it far more likely.

4. Have a Growth Mindset

The future belongs to those who stay curious and continuously grow an adapt. Whether it’s
AI, climate change, or new systems in work, the world needs people who are adaptable and
eager to learn. You’re not expected to know it all, but you are expected to stay inquisitive
and willing to learn. If you are never uncomfortable, you are probably not stretching yourself
enough. Living life is about being excited to learn and evolve everyday.

5. Be Resilient

You will face setbacks both academically and personally. I failed my A levels and lost my
father at a young age. It took me 100’s of applications before I finally got to where I wanted
to go. Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges, its about not giving up when the going gets
tough.
After 100 job rejections, number 101 might be your breakthrough. Rejection hurts, especially
when you care. But trust that if you continue to push on things will eventually fall into place.

So wherever you are in life right now… unsure, excited, or overwhelmed.
A good place to start is to understand yourself, aim to build a network, create a plan, stay
resilient and always keep growing.