Stay positive and open-minded when thinking about your future

• Prioritise your wellbeing when exploring options – think about how you can use your unique strengths, skills and qualifications in a way that will support your happiness, motivation and sense of authenticity in the workplace.

• Permit yourself to think short term – focus on what you’d like to achieve in the next year and be open to possibilities, rather than putting pressure on yourself to find a ‘perfect’ lifelong career or have it all figured out now.

• Avoid comparing yourself to others – it's easy to think that everyone else is ahead career-wise, but in reality, most people face setbacks and challenges at some point, so you are not alone

Be kind to yourself when seeking work

• Structure your job hunt – Endless Googling is draining. Instead, narrow your focus to define what you're looking for and list criteria to guide your search. Identify relevant and trusted sources of vacancies and take a little and often approach to avoid overwhelm.

• Switch self-criticism to self-compassion – perfectionism and negative self-talk can sometimes creep in when you’re making applications, so remember to be kind to yourself. If you are feeling stuck, seek fresh perspectives. Talking it through can help you to recognise your strengths and move forward with confidence and remember why you're making the application.

• Do your prep – feeling unsure about what to expect in an interview is completely normal but preparation can help ease anxiety and increase your confidence. Take time to review any key guidance and instructions, practice common questions, and reflect on your experiences and skills. 

Channel a calm, capable, and confident vibe while doing work experience 

• Cover the basics – sleep, exercise, and a nutritious diet are important for our wellbeing, yet these things often slide or take a back seat when you’re busy or under pressure. Make a conscious effort to prioritise healthy habits when you start a work placement. Planning and preparing your meals and laying out your work clothes the night before can help you save time, reduce stress, and build a positive routine that supports your overall health and productivity.

• Forget trying to be a perfect intern – no one expects you to have all the answers or get everything right, so embrace being able to ask questions and seek help if you need it.  Remember that you are there to learn and grow.

• Engage your family and friends – think about who can support you if challenges occur while you’re on placement - who are your cheerleaders, who can offer wisdom, and who can provide comic relief? 

Havanah, UoN student, provides her seven tips on how to stay motivated and resilient in your career during challenging times. Tip 4:

"Previously, I had a habit of focusing too much on the distant future, often setting unrealistic goals. Learning to focus on the present allowed me to create measurable, achievable short-term goals."