10 MUST-HAVE ITEMS IN A RECENT GRAD'S BAG
Do you use a bag when you leave home? Do you take a wallet with you every time you go run an errand? Are you a recent graduate seeking opportunities desperately? You should check your bag before leaving home. Opportunities might not want to wait for you to grab a pen when needed.
After going through my last month's experiences, being a recent graduate in a field that the Nordic countries are not really counting on (and if they do, they're too shy to admit it - see my last article) is not quite easy. Opportunities are minimal here and even worse if you don't speak the language (oh yes, not to worry I am on my way learning Finnish already). We find ourself complaining and frustrated thinking all these years of university courses, exams and stress have passed and here we are, sitting and clicking through recruiting websites with infinite Requirements lists.
Being prepared is something everyone should master in their early career life. Some trains might stop and wait for you to get on board, some might just skip your stop. Whatcha gonna do about it? Be prepared if it stops, don't miss the chance and take advantage of your skills everyday, even when you're reading this (meaning, just skip to the juicy content, prioritize).
If you're a girl, make sure you have your bag filled with these essentials and ditch your extra sparkly eye-liner! And if you're a guy, carrying your backpack or fancy leather business-like bag, please don't skip these. They might save you!
1. A blue ink pen. Why? You never know what you might sign and you want to know the difference between an original and a photocopied document, don't you? It is not recommended carrying a gel pen with you every day if you don't want to make a mess. Grab a regular Bic or your fancy Montblanc if you wish, but avoid gel pens.
2. A notepad. You will always thank yourself for carrying these with you. You might need to write down a reference number, a street name if you suddenly get a call while you're out from one of those jobs you've applied to.
3. PostIts. Oh yes, these yellow buddies know how to save you if you need to quickly attach them to whatever, documents, packages, or as messages.
4. A bunch of copies of your Résumé. Have these in hand when you get out. You never know who you might meet, where and it might be convenient to introduce yourself by handing in a CV.
5. An extra textile bag. If you're still active within your field of study and always looking for self improvement (which you should), I suppose you visit libraries. Well, you might need something to carry your piles of knowledge.
6. Business cards. They might tell you that you're too young for owning a business card since you're still looking for you first job. Well no. As a recent graduate you need to make yourself stand out from the crowd and the best thing you can do is professionally introduce yourself to anyone that means business for you graciously handing a card. There are many centers in Helsinki to get them done and designed or you can be creative, create yours and print them at your favorite center and save money. Remember to add a nice texture to it.
7. An extra battery or Power Bank for your Smartphone. These have become a must in everyone's life lately, saving you from a dead phone, these should be in your bag wherever you go. Make sure they are charged beforehand and keep them close. Recently I almost missed a job call because my phone was 8%. Will never do that again.
8. Your planner, as an app or diary. Personally I prefer a little pocket planner. I have tried the best apps out there and there's nothing better than your own hand writing and organization schemes. We work differently, what to a person might look organized and practical, to other might look like a mess. If you've found a worthy app, please drop me a comment! Wouldn't mind trying it out.
9. An inspirational book. Just like when unemployed people try to get inspiration and motivation through interesting readings, you should do just the same, and even more if these have an educational purpose. One of my favorites lately is "The 4-Hour Workweek" by Tim Ferriss (I won't spoil it for you but it is a MUST if you're looking for something motivational and beyond average).
10. Well, not a bag item but something very important: A watch. Yes, your smartphone has a watch too, true that but there is nothing more classy and accurate than a good old watch. Invest in one because you will need it throughout your career. Being in time is not a trend, it's a rule of the adulthood life you've just entered. Don't mess with time or it will mess with you. Always be 15 minutes earlier.
Were you missing any of these items in your bag?
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