Graduated, what's next?

A first job generally refers to your first full-time professional experience after completing your degree. It can be a junior position, a trainee programme or an entry-level contract that allows you to apply your knowledge and start building your career.

Highlight transferable skills gained through internships, student jobs, academic projects or volunteer work. Recruiters value motivation, adaptability and willingness to learn just as much as technical expertise. Tailor your CV and cover letter for each opportunity.

Not necessarily. Many entry-level roles are specifically designed for recent graduates. Emphasize group projects, student responsibilities and practical experiences to demonstrate reliability and independence.

It depends on the industry and your profile, but the search can take several weeks or a few months. Activating job alerts and expanding your professional network can help speed up the process.

Take the time to evaluate the role, company culture and growth opportunities before making your decision.

As your graduation date starts creeping closer, the question quickly arises: “What’s next?” Don’t worry—you’re not heading into an endless black hole the size of the one you feel after finishing a great series. The job market is full of excitement and opportunities. On this page, you can read stories from people who found their very first job.

When you start browsing vacancies, you’ll quickly notice that many companies ask for experience. As a recent graduate, you might not have much to show for it yet—aside from an internship, perhaps. But no worries, because all jobs listed on Student.be are suitable for people with no experience. Want a job tailored to starters? Have a look at our starter job page. A traineeship is also a great option after graduating. A traineeship or young graduate program combines learning and working. Companies give recent grads the chance to work in different departments of the business. You can find one on our traineeships page .

A knight doesn’t go into battle without armor—and you shouldn’t go into an interview unprepared either. On this page, you’ll find articles about how to write a great CV.