In today’s still-shaky economic climate, it’s no surprise that recent graduates are sometimes struggling to land their dream job, and that a degree isn’t necessarily the golden ticket that it was a decade ago.
While entrepreneurship and self-employment continue to be feasible career options, the majority of graduates tend to favour corporate positions that appear to present less risk, and whose entry-level positions can provide better pay. However, it’s a buyer’s market when it comes to recruitment, and employers have become increasingly picky when filling a new role, owing to the ever-expanding talent pool vying for each job.
Entrepreneurial internships
Rajeeb Dey, CEO of Enternships and founder of the UnRecruitment movement, recognizes the difficulties faced by today’s graduates. He identifies a need to bridge the gap between graduates and employment opportunities offered by internships and startup positions. Noticing that graduate openings within Blue Chip companies were catered for through countless channels designed to connect job seekers with such companies, Dey set about providing a solution for smaller businesses.
It’s estimated that an astonishing 80 candidates are rejected for each person who is accepted for a role, and Dey understands the frustration often experienced by today’s graduates in such a competitive environment. He is therefore also keen to tackle the current “rejection culture” that results from the fierce graduate market, using his “UnRecruitment” plan, which, according to him, is designed to ensure every applicant for a job benefits from the process, not just those who land the position.
Focus on self-improvement
Dey explains in detail why graduates need to explore new types of opportunities: “In between unemployment and employment, there is a gap, and it’s one that should be filled with self-improvement, self-empowerment, and genuine learning. Though only one person can get any given job, everyone applying for it should be able to benefit from the process.”
Something else Dey is quick to point out is that despite the vast number of applicants for every graduate position on offer, employers still aren’t always guaranteed to pick the best fit for their company. Even when a candidate has impressive credentials and performs well throughout the company’s assessment process, there’s still a chance that they won’t end up being a good match for the role, or indeed for the company. “They might not be a good fit for the company culture or vice versa. Culture is hugely important. It’s one of the main reasons why people leave.”
Dey’s company, Enternships, sets out to bridge the gap between startups and the increasing numbers of skilled graduates struggling to find the dream role that only a few years ago looked almost certain, and may well offer a much-needed lifeline to those just starting out in the world of work. It and similar services are emerging in response to the unprecedented needs of a new generation of professionals, and they can be of great benefit to any aspiring entrepreneur or employee.
