When you’re starting out in the world of work, it can feel like you're supposed to have everything mapped out.
Can you relate to that feeling? Be honest. Do you feel like you need to pick a job that will shape your entire future? Here’s the truth: your career doesn’t have to be a straight line. It’s not about locking into one path for 40+ years until you get a fancy title and a golden handshake. It’s about figuring things out as you go, evolving, and finding what fits you right now.
When I kicked off my career, I was convinced my first job had to be my "forever" job, or at least shape my whole career. I thought changing direction would mean I’d failed and would mean starting again… and so many graduates feel the same. 54% of recent graduates in 2024 said money is the biggest challenge when considering changing careers. But your career is yours to shape and when the time’s right, it’s possible to make a shift. You’re allowed to change your mind, shift your goals, and follow what excites you. You’re just picking a starting point, not a final destination.
Feeling stuck? Trust me, you’re not alone
We all go through phases where we feel a bit lost. I’ve been there myself. Not long ago, after coming back from a big trip abroad, I found myself temping at a company just five minutes away from my family home. I felt stuck. I thought I should be in London, pushing ahead in my career, like everyone else. I thought I was lost. But then life threw me some perspective. I got a call one afternoon, my Nana was in hospital, and we had only a few hours left with her. It hit me hard, but it also gave me real clarity. At that moment, what I needed wasn’t a big, fancy job in the city, but the time and space to be close to my family. And I had that. I wasn’t lost, I was exactly where I needed to be. I was five minutes away.
Sometimes, it's not about chasing a big end goal, it’s about recognising what you need now and making decisions that feel right in the moment. A recent survey reported only 49% of female students felt confident they will secure a graduate job, so for one person, it could be finding a workplace with female role models. Mental Health UK reported that 34% of workers aged 18-24 had taken time off in the past year due to stress-related mental health challenges, so for another, it’s a work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. The point is, what matters most is that your choices align with what’s important to you today. You don’t have to worry about the next ten years, just focus on now.
The pressure is real, but so is the freedom
If you’re feeling like everyone else has it all figured out, know this: no one does. And that’s okay. A fifth of 2023 grads are already planning to switch jobs in 2024. Why? Because we all need a bit of flexibility to figure out what truly fits us. And that’s where things like rotational schemes come in handy; they give you the chance to try out different roles without locking yourself into one thing straight away. No need to stress about making the “perfect” choice from day one. In a recent report, 92% of graduates said they’d actually prefer a rotational programme over a traditional single-role job.
This approach gives you the flexibility to experiment, learn, and figure out what works best for you, without the pressure of locking into one career path from day one.
For employers, this is key
If you want to attract top talent, especially graduates, the message is simple: show them who you are. Be clear about your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and what you can offer, from career growth opportunities to a supportive and inclusive environment. Graduates are looking for more than just a job title; they want the chance to try different roles, explore environments, and find out what gets them excited that aligns with their personal goals.
Offering rotational schemes, or structured learning programs not only reflects your commitment to their growth but also allows them to explore their potential within your organisation.
By fostering this flexibility, you’re creating a workplace that values individuality, nurtures talent, and positions your EVP as a key part of their evolving career path.
The journey has its ups and downs
Wherever you are in your career, it’s okay to switch lanes. It’s okay to feel unsure, to try different things, or even to step back from what you thought you wanted. What’s important is that you find a role that feels right for you at this moment.
What I love about working at Wiser is that they genuinely care about creating environments where early talent can thrive. We’ve partnered with companies that are just as dedicated to this mission. Together, we’ve trained over 200 Student Brand Ambassadors who are at Universities around the UK, sharing what these companies have to offer. If you’re looking for some direction or clarity, speaking to an Ambassador from the Wiser Academy could be a great place to start.
At the end of the day, your career is yours to shape. What works for you today might change down the line, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s all about finding what feels right right now, and trusting that the rest will fall into place as you grow.
