We’ve all heard the tales about the elusive dream job but how do Trinity graduates and students land one? Is there a secret system that everyone else is aware of and you aren’t? What’s the real deal behind those countless LinkedIn posts we all scroll past in envy?
Over the past week, we’ve interviewed a bunch of Trinity students to find out precisely what techniques, talents, and secrets have helped them get a breakthrough in the highly competitive marketplace after college. Securing a task after college can be a daunting system, and Trinity graduates and college students have fairly unique ways of navigating the market. From leveraging LinkedIn connections to regularly visiting corporation web sites, the following experiences highlight both the demanding situations and techniques that have worked for them.
Internships have proven to be one of the best paths to full-time employment. Take Pradyumn, a Computer Science (MCS) pupil. He shared how his route blanketed a six-month internship in the second semester of his fourth year.. During his internship at Mastercard, he acquired a pre-placement offer. His advice? “If you’re seeking out a job, internships are useful. They often convert into full-time offers.” Anya Shorey, a Business Consultant at EY, echoed this sentiment. Having interned at corporations like PWC and Davy, she believes internships performed a crucial role in securing her current job. “People don’t recognise how valuable the 8-week internships are,” she said. “They build connections and experiences that move beyond what you learned in class.”
Trinity Career Services has also proven to be a vital resource for Trinity students. The services available on mycareerconnect.Tcd.Ie include CV and LinkedIn profile clinics, mock interviews, career fairs, and more. Megan, a final-year Environmental Science student, found the career fairs incredibly helpful for meeting potential employers. “They really help you put yourself out there and make an impression,” she said. Pradyumn recommends making full use of Trinity’s services, saying, “Career Services post all the opportunities students need to know about, from internships to grad roles. Take advantage of everything they offer.”
Networking, especially through LinkedIn, plays a huge role in securing a job. Pradyumn urges students to connect with as many professionals as possible. “LinkedIn is a powerful tool,” he said. “The more connections you have, the more chances you have to get referrals.” Anya also advises students to reach out to professionals for advice on the recruitment process. “Message people in roles you aspire to. Ask questions. They’re often more than happy to help.” She also recommended spending a few hours researching the company and customizing your application to reflect your genuine interest.
But not everyone’s journey is smooth sailing. A second-year Computer Science student described the job hunt as “frustrating and dehumanizing.” She applied to jobs for months without even reading descriptions, and her response came from a generic letter saying she had no experience. “I don’t think all CVs are even looked at,” she said. She advised applying directly through company websites. Megan, too, faced challenges in securing a position in environmental science, where the competition is fierce. However, she found job boards like Indeed helpful and reached out directly to HR teams, which resulted in quicker responses.
This brings me to an important point – the common thread among these students is the importance of mental resilience. Job hunting is stressful, and it’s easy to get discouraged after a few rejections or worse, some think that their lack of experience makes them unworthy of application but one student reported that sometimes the honesty and desperation that accompany lack of experience can help you get in. Megan shared how she stays motivated, saying, “You have to prepare for setbacks, but don’t let them stop you. Keep moving forward.”
For those struggling to break into a particular field, upskilling is another option. Anya suggests that students who invest in learning industry-specific skills outside of coursework have a significant edge. “Employers look for more than just your degree. They want to see what extracurricular skills you bring to the table and what distinguishes you from other candidates ,” she said. Similarly, another engineering student recommended practicing mock interviews. “Some companies have multiple interview stages with technical and behavioral assessments. Practicing with peers or career counselors can make all the difference.”
So, here’s the deal: securing a job after university is like trying to find a unicorn in a haystack. The process is long, confusing, and sometimes you wonder if the unicorn even exists. But don’t sweat it—if it helps, I’m also currently unemployed. Turns out, despite the countless LinkedIn connections, tailored cover letters, and relentless “thank you” emails, the dream job hasn’t arrived yet. In the meantime, here’s what I’ve learned: when life gives you countless rejection emails…..it’s an indication to take a break. Ultimately it is a part of the process and your hard work will eventually bear fruits. It may be frustrating at first but at least it’s like getting a second degree in “How to handle disappointment like a pro. Trust me, even when it feels like you’re stuck in a loop of “we regret to inform you”, you’re not alone in this job hunting adventure. Just remember, at least you can laugh about it. Or cry. Both are acceptable.
