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Almost graduated: what now?

Working after your studies

Which job suits you? Do you already know what you enjoy, but are you still unsure where (and in what role) you would like to work? To make a decision it is important to not only look forward, but also look back. Start by reflecting on yourself and all your experiences so far! This page helps you get started.

Your options

The insights you gained from looking back at your study career will help you in your further orientation. In doing so, use your talents, interests, and motivation as a starting point for your choice. Most recent graduates first take some time off for holidays and/or travel and then start a job in paid employment or a traineeship, or they start/continue with their own company.

During your studies, you have gained a lot of skills and knowledge, which you will now put into practice. Perhaps you already have ideas about which organisation you would like to work for. If so, you can easily check the organisation's website to see if there are vacancies that match your field of study.

Unsolicited application

If there are no open vacancies at the organisation you would like to work for, you can often make an open application. You do this by sending your CV and a short motivation about why you want to work for that organisation and where your interests and talents lie. You may not always get an immediate response, but most organisations will save your CV in their system and think of you when a vacancy does open up.

Search for vacancies

If you do not yet know exactly where you would like to work, you will undoubtedly come across many job sites in your job search. You may not be able to see the wood for the trees. If you have created a LinkedIn profile, you can also see vacancies that match your profile there. You can also look for vacancies on Indeed or on websites of well-known employment agencies.

A traineeship is intended for job starters and trains trainees to become specialists in a particular field. You will often work in different departments within a company or even in different companies over an average period of 1 to 3 years. A traineeship consists of a combination of working and learning. When you start a traineeship, in most cases you will regularly attend training courses and study to work on certain competences.

A foot in the door

Many big companies offer traineeships. Starting a traineeship can be a good way to get your foot in the door at a company. So if you have an idea of which organisation you want to start working for, it is a good idea to check their website to see if they offer traineeships for job starters.

Perhaps you have already started doing business during your studies; or you have a business idea and dream of becoming an entrepreneur right after your studies. The Fontys Centre for Entrepreneurship supports and encourages (potential) student entrepreneurs where necessary in the field of entrepreneurship. Take a look at what the Centre for Entrepreneurship can do for you. Did you also know that, as a student entrepreneur, you can make use of the Fontys Student Entrepreneur Program?

Centre for Entrepreneurship The Fontys Student Entrepreneur Program

Are you studying at Fontys and can you use some guidance in finding a job that suits you and your talents? You are not the only one; many recent graduates find this difficult. Firstly think about why you are stuck. Have you not quite figured out what exactly you are good at? Which skills from your studies are important for a job? Or you have not figured out yet what exactly your wishes and dreams are and how to get where you want to be? Then the Fontys study career choice advisors may be able to help.

Schedule an appointment with a study career choice advisor

Do you know what you want but are you reluctant to present yourself at a company? Do you not know which organisations there are in your field? Your study programme can often help you with this, with things such as job interview training or establishing contacts with organisations in your field of interest. Ask your student coach for help.

Career Jumpstart

Do you have an extra support need (e.g. autism, ADHD, (fear of failure), dyslexia, and/or physical and/or psychological complaints) and does this make it difficult to find a suitable job? Career Jumpstart can help you find the job that suits you. After an intake interview, you establish together what your guidance route should best look like.

More about Career Jumpstart

Tip: Attend a Career Event

At your study programme, teachers know a lot about the work field you go into after graduation. Attending a career event is a good way to talk to different companies and see what suits you. Who knows, you might even get your foot in the door at a great company this way!

Enquire about the possibilities with your student coach.

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Career Event 2023

Fontys Economie en Communicatie

Application tips for your dream job

Maybe you already have some experience applying for jobs because of a job next to your studies or other work experience. Still, it can be quite exciting to apply for your first job after graduation. With these tips, you will eventually find the job that suits you well!

Maybe you still have to do a minor or internship during your studies. This is the perfect opportunity to choose a minor or internship that matches the work you would like to do later or the sector you want to work in. Relevant experience will make you a more appealing candidate to a potential employer.
Looking for jobs becomes a lot easier once you know what you are looking for. Take your own experiences as a starting point; what did you like or dislike during your studies or internships? If you still find this difficult, you can also choose to search for jobs more freely. Read through various vacancies and think about whether you find those interesting. What excites you? And what is not appealing to you?
Make a plan for yourself that includes when you would ideally like to start working. Consider that you also deserve some rest after your graduation. In the meantime, it can't hurt to keep your eyes and ears open; who knows, maybe your dream job will come along!
Even though you are still at the beginning of your career, it is smart to not underestimate the power of your network. LinkedIn makes it easy to keep in touch with (former) colleagues from your internship or side job, as well as fellow students. Talk to others around you about the fact that you are looking for a job and also discuss what you like. That way, you can be sure not to miss out on the golden tip. But even aside from finding a job through someone in your network, others have different perspectives and experiences and that can be helpful.
A good starting point is to create a CV that highlights your qualifications, work experience, and skills. Make sure your CV fits the type of job you are applying for and the corporate culture of your potential employer (to the extent that you can assess this). If you want to have a job where creativity is very important, your CV may also show that you are creative. It is not compulsory to add a photo of yourself to your CV, but using a professional photo (preferably no Snapchat filters) can work to your advantage. Online you can find helpful templates for a CV and motivation letter. AI tools might also help structure your writing and detect mistakes.
Pro tip: call the employer to ask a well-thought question. This way, your name sounds familiar when the recruiter sees your application.
Yes! You have been called and invited to come for an interview! Keep in mind that you are going to find out whether there is a match on both sides, so it is also the perfect moment for you to find out whether this is the job for you. They will not only ask you questions, but you should also think about what you would like to know from your potential employer. By asking questions, you make a good impression because you are proactive and show interest.
Chances are, you will be interviewing with several potential employers before you land a job. If you are turned down for a particular job that you thought would be a match after sending your cover letter or interview, you may feel disappointed. It can help to ask for feedback afterward, which is a very common thing to do. For example, ask why you were not the right candidate for the job. You can also ask whether they have any tips on how to increase your chances for the position in the future. You are just starting and it is not a bad thing that there are others with more work experience.

In the end, every interview and every rejection brings you one step closer to your job. Try to see it as an opportunity to discover for yourself what you do and don't want.
Negotiating your salary for your first job can be challenging but important. In the Netherlands, it is common to have an open and honest conversation about salary. Before the interview, research the average salary for the position and your level of experience. During the negotiation, be confident and clear about your expectations, but also be willing to listen and compromise. Mention any special skills or experiences that make you a good fit for the job. Remember to consider other benefits, such as vacation days and training opportunities, as part of the package. Always stay polite and professional during the discussion.

Practical information

If you are eligible and are receiving Dutch government (DUO) student funding, you have to stop it when you graduate.

    Go to DUO

    Once you have completed your studies at Fontys, you must also deregister.

    More about deregistering after graduation
    Did you know that when you have graduated and turned in your student travel product, you can travel by train with a discount? At NS you can apply for a one-year Dal Voordeel season ticket for free. More information on ns.nl/en/students/graduated.