Success is not obtained overnight. It’s the sum of razor-sharp focus, persistence, and consistent hard work.

If you are determined to succeed in life after university, you have to define your goals, create a strategy, and start working for those goals now.

Here are some things you can do to find a successful career right after university.

Develop a Marketable Skill that will Make You Standout

If the market you are eyeing is considered a sophisticated or saturated market, meaning, a market that's populated by a lot of people with your qualifications and background, you must develop a skill that will set you apart from the other candidates.

There are different skills you can develop that will help you in your career. If you want a career in digital marketing, for instance, it pays that you learn some coding skills. For companies that are looking for a content creator or a social media expert, an applicant with knowledge in coding is a plus as this means the candidate can do basic content editing in the absence of a web developer. If you are not into technical stuff, there are other things you can learn to give you an edge over the other candidates. One of these is learning a second language. Being proficient in other languages is an advantage in a global economy.

Prepare Financially

Once you graduate and start searching for a job, you will need money. Start building yourself up for success by saving now. You can save a portion of your monthly allowance or you can find a job while you are attending a university.

Some universities offer flexible schedule and weekend classes. These institutions will allow you to earn an income and probably start pursuing a career while still studying.

Build an Online Portfolio

Every year, the hiring process grows digital. Decades ago, the employer would look at the applicants’ submitted CVs and portfolio, but now employers turn to the Internet to reach potential employees. Some employers might even check your social media accounts before calling you up for the interview.

Make sure you have a sharp and clean online portfolio to showcase your work. You can find many website builders where you can create an online portfolio; these include WordPress, Weebly, and Blogger, among others. You can also showcase your work using LinkedIn.
 
As a student, you have a lot of chances and opportunities to plan and prepare for the future. Success takes time, so start working for it now!