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Find your first graduate job: Use LinkedIn, networking and job portals

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In this article, you’ll learn how to identify employers that match your interests, use LinkedIn strategically in your job search, and make the most of professional networks and job boards to get closer to your next opportunity. These four strategies can help you secure both a student job and your first graduate role after university. A successful job search starts with research, networking, and the right digital tools.

Table of contents:

5 routes to your first job

With a simple plan, you can make your job search more focused. Here are five practical steps to help you find opportunities, expand your network, and stay on track.
See where others have landed
  • Explore LinkedIn profiles of people with the same degree as you.
Use your network
  • Talk to people in the industry, for example through IDA or your university.
Search the right job boards
  • Find relevant vacancies and employers on platforms such as Techjob.
Follow employers you're interested in
  • Save employers you would like to work for, even when they are not actively hiring.
Set a weekly goal
  • Reach out to an employer or attend a professional event each week.

Use LinkedIn for research

LinkedIn gives you an overview of career opportunities, employers, and skills within your field.

What makes LinkedIn so valuable is that you can gain inspiration by searching for people who have the same degree as you, or who work in roles you would like to pursue yourself.

It is one of the best research tools for mapping out your opportunities, as it allows you to see what other people with a similar academic background are doing, which employers they have worked for (or currently work for), and which skills are linked to their profiles.
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The adviser says

Learn how to use LinkedIn strategically and get noticed by employers

LinkedIn is much more than a job board. Watch the video and learn how to use the platform to explore career paths, discover new job opportunities, and identify employers looking for your skills.

IDA Career advice

How to use LinkedIn as a research tool

Learn more about how LinkedIn works and how you can use it as a tool.
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Make the most of your professional network

Your professional network can provide inspiration, insight into career opportunities, and valuable contacts during your job search.

Not sure where to begin? IDA can help you identify relevant employers and job opportunities. You can also take part in IDA’s professional events, where you can meet fellow students and professionals from your field.

These events give you the opportunity to connect with people who share your professional interests. With a little preparation, you can start conversations with people who may inspire you and help you discover new ways to apply your skills and knowledge.

If the conversation goes well, you could also ask whether they know of any employers you might approach with a speculative application. You can find these professional events in IDA’s events calendar.

For some people, networking can feel daunting. Fortunately, professional events are a safe and supportive place to start. Consider preparing three questions about the topic in advance. Set yourself a goal of speaking to two people. You might even attend with a friend so you can support each other. You may be surprised by how approachable and welcoming people are.
The adviser says

Pitch yourself and be remembered

Are you struggling to explain what you can do and how your expertise creates value? In the video below, you’ll get practical advice on how to build a personal pitch that makes it easier to introduce yourself at networking events, careers fairs, job interviews, and when making speculative applications. Learn how to highlight your skills in a concise and convincing way, so people remember you and what you can bring to an organisation.

IDA Career advice

Pitch yourself

Career consultant Sanne explains in this video how to best pitch yourself!
IDA Career advice

How to prepare for a job fair

The adviser says

Make careers fairs a springboard for your career

A job fair is a great opportunity to explore your career options, meet potential employers, and gain a better understanding of which organisations match your skills and interests. In this video, you’ll get practical advice on how to prepare, ask the right questions, and use these conversations to strengthen your job search.

Target job databases strategically

Job databases can help you both find vacancies and research companies that match your profile.

You’re probably already aware that you can search for job openings through various job databases.

Techjob is Denmark’s largest job platform for engineers, IT professionals and technical specialists. Here, you can find vacancies tailored to your field, as well as company profiles that often include an “About Us” section. This can give you an insight into what they value in candidates, how they present themselves, and where they see their strengths.

But there is much more to gain. Many job databases allow you to search their archives and identify companies that have previously advertised roles requiring your background and skills. They may well need someone like you again.

If you are planning to submit a speculative application, job databases can also be a useful way of researching what companies have previously looked for in potential employees.
Search for jobs with IDA Student Jobfinder
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Tech jobs for STEM professionals

Gain relevant experience while you study

Whether you're looking for a student job, an exciting internship, a meaningful project collaboration, or general job openings within your field, you'll find a wide selection of positions here.
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Project work
185
Internships
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Go to Techjob
The adviser says

Create structure in your job search and get more out of your efforts

A structured approach to job searching can give you more control, boost your motivation, and make it easier to switch off without feeling guilty. In the video below, an IDA careers adviser shares practical tips on how to plan your job search, set realistic goals, and build effective routines that can bring you closer to securing a student job or your first graduate role.

IDA Career advice

Plan you job search

Career consultant Sanne explains how you can use structured calendar management to plan the best possible job search.

Think long term: your first job is only the beginning

Even if you're looking for a student job or your first graduate role, it pays to think long term and explore different career paths.

Many students are only aware of a small proportion of the opportunities their degree can lead to. Job searching is therefore not just about finding the next vacancy. It is also about gaining insight into industries, employers, and types of work you may not have considered before.

When you use LinkedIn, attend professional events, and research employers through job boards, you are also building knowledge and connections that can benefit you throughout your career. Even if you do not find the right role straight away, you will develop a clearer understanding of where and how you want to apply your skills and expertise.
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Your action plan

Take five practical steps towards your first graduate job

  • Explore LinkedIn profiles to see what roles other graduates from your degree have gone on to secure.
  • Talk to people in your professional network, for example at events organised by IDA or your university.
  • Use job boards such as Techjob to find both current vacancies and employers that match your interests and qualifications.
  • Save employers you find interesting, even if they are not currently advertising any roles.
  • Set a weekly goal for your job search, such as contacting one employer or attending one professional event.

The more you explore your options and build relationships along the way, the better positioned you’ll be when the right student job or first graduate role comes along.

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Take the next step towards employment

As a student member, you can access guidance and career advice to help you explore your career options and understand the job market. From researching opportunities and writing applications to preparing for interviews and starting your first job, IDA supports you every step of the way.
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