Top 3 Tips for Graduates

 It is graduation season for many all over the world. Whether you are in high school or college, your graduation matters! It is a huge achievement in your life, and it should be celebrated. Amid this time of excitement and nervousness, there are so many other emotions that are coming into play. You might feel like your future is coming at you in full speed and you are ready to explore the unknown. This season of progressing onto the next stage of your life has prompted me to think back on my own experiences. I thought that it would be nice to try and ease these nerves by sharing 3 tips with all the fresh graduates. 

1. There is not only one path set out, and there are many unexpected turns 

If you do not know me, I am currently the Global Head of Talent Acquisition here at Visa. Let me tell you, my journey here was in no way linear. In fact, I graduated with a degree in archaeology, and it was a true passion for me. When I left college to move to London, I landed the first job I could, which was in the recruitment world, and loved it straight away. There is no way you can predict your career, and how it may develop down the road. Ride with the flow, be led by what excites you and see where fate takes you! 

2. Take risks to grow  

In life and career, you are always taking risks.  For me, having worked in London, I was given the chance to move to Singapore with the company I worked for.  I went with a backpack, and three months later, I resigned to join Deutsche Bank.  It was a huge step into the unknown, but it was absolutely the right thing to do. When you are early on in your career, you can take risks. It is the best way you can learn and make progress, knowing that it may not pan out. Back yourself and be confident! 

3. Allow yourself to make mistakes 

I have had my fair share of mistakes or times where I feel like it is hard to fix things. We spend so much time trying to look pristine in front of others, that when failure comes it tears you apart. Take time to pick yourself back up when you make a mistake. Remember that we do not progress without failure. Ask yourself these questions when you face a problem: “What did I do right? What can I do differently next time?” It is all about the perspective you take! 

At Visa, I started out in Dubai in a regional role. I was put into a different environment that was growing at such a fast pace. I had to unlearn many of the things that had become a habit for me and had made me successful but would hold me back. Being in a space that pushed me to grow allowed me to take on a global role with Visa in San Francisco. This was a huge growth opportunity. 

Visa is proud to provide growth opportunities for graduates and those still in college. Whether you are an undergraduate or moving on into graduate school, we have opportunities for you to grow. The strength of our company is that it is built on a culture based on collaborating, supporting others, and sharing with others. People here want to help you learn and grow. It is an incubator for those who want to pursue their career dreams. I have found that at Visa you are not constrained by anyone’s idea of your job.  You can shape your role, make a mark, and impact at scale. 

If you are interested in learning more about careers at Visa, check out our Careers Page (Careers at Visa | Visa) 

Good luck in all your endeavors!