Graduate Success Stories – Different Personalities and Different Paths, But the Same Outstanding Results

The Background

Career Garage has been working with two graduates recently, supporting them as they made the transitions from the world of education (and part time work) into more permanent careers. 

It’s rarely an easy gap to bridge, going from graduate to candidate, especially when you’re going it alone, and so enlisting the help of Career Garage was the first big ‘win’ for these two...

So, how did they hear about us?

Networking

We’re always banging the drum about networking, and here’s why!

Both graduates heard about us through their family members’ networking groups, and were pointed in our direction as a result of several conversations about how we could help.

The first step for both of them was to have an initial consultation, and it’s here where their contrasting situations began to stand out from their comparable positions in life.

The Graduates

Graduate A was confident and ready to jump in with both feet. They were just a little unsure about where to look. 

Software engineering is a big area after all, and we needed to focus on a target.

Graduate B on the other hand, seemed prepared to settle for something they didn’t really want, despite where their interests and skillset were. 

Data analytics is also a big area to go at, as it happens...

Focus, Focus, Focus

Both candidates needed to FOCUS on what they wanted from a career, and that’s what we supported them to do. We had all the right conversations and looked in all the right places, moving from a scattergun approach to a laser focused one.

It’s OK to put the net out every now and then, but it’s a lot better for you if you know what you want (and can expect) to come back.

‘The Work’

From here, we began more of ‘the work’, bringing the candidates along to networking events, introducing them to people who have had similar journeys, and crafting their approach to the career search.

This involved tasks like LinkedIn updates, which both candidates found to be critical in their efforts. 

Candidate A was speaking to people in no time, knocking on doors and speaking with decision makers.

Candidate B meanwhile, was also making progress, but a little more tentatively.

A Tailored Approach

The beauty of Career Garage is that we tailor our approach to each candidate, because no two career searches are the same.

It wasn’t long before Candidate A landed their ‘dream job’ (the first one they applied for actually!) and with our guidance, they’re now reaching for the stars and making serious moves in their field, for big name clients based on the continent.

Candidate B also landed what looked (on paper) to be a good fit too.

As the early weeks progressed though, it became clear that it wasn’t a good fit, but Career Garage was still there, ready to support our candidate.

For them, it was now about bouncing back.

They used this disappointment as an opportunity to learn, and the old saying rang true...

“When one door closes, another one opens.”

It wasn’t long before the right door blew wide open for Candidate B, and we’re pleased to report that they are now flying in their new role.

Positive Change 

It’s not just about the career though, and we are delighted that both candidates have seen positive changes in their lives in general.

Candidate A is living the life they wanted to live, moving through the ranks quickly and with clear vision.

Candidate B has moved out of their parents’ home, moved into their own flat, and is beginning to explore the possibilities of life for a young professional!

Career Garage is still in touch with both candidates, and will continue to check in on their progress in their respective fields. 

Different Personalities, Different Paths 

Different personalities, yes.

Different paths, you could say that.

The same outstanding results?

At Career Garage, we wouldn’t have it any other way!