Most Graduates Are Looking For The Wrong Thing

One of the interesting things I noticed recently when looking at graduate

research is that most graduates say they are looking for:

✅ Good salary
✅ Flexible work
✅ Career progression
✅ Work-life balance

And to be fair, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting those things.

But if you’re a graduate engineer, scientist, environmental professional,
Product designer I would argue that you’re asking the wrong question.

Instead, ask yourself:

✅ Who will mentor me? Do they actually provide this for me?

✅ What projects will I work on?

✅ How much responsibility will I get? Am I left to my own devices or how does that really work, how much support is provided

✅ Will I learn from experienced people?

✅ Is there a manager there who genuinely wants to help me develop?

Because the reality is this:

A great manager can change the direction of your entire career.

A great mentor can teach you more in 12 months than you could learn on your own in 5 years.

A company that gives you exposure to projects, clients, design work, site work, budgeting, scheduling, and problem-solving can accelerate your growth dramatically.

The first few years of your career are not about maximising your income.

They’re about maximising your learning.

The salary will come later.

The confidence will come later.

The opportunities will come later.

But only if you build the foundations first.

As graduates, don’t just look for a job.

Look for an environment where you can grow.

Because the best graduate job isn’t always the highest paid.

It’s the one that helps you become the professional you’re capable of being.

Mark the Graduate coach

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