Next step – tips for starting your career
A practical guide for your transition from student life to working life.
Graduation is an exciting step, but it can also feel uncertain. The good news is that most of our graduates establish themselves quickly in the labour market, and you do not have to navigate the transition alone.
Our graduates get jobs
Alumni statistics show that a strong majority of LUSEM graduates are employed within just a few months after graduation. Your degree gives you a strong foundation and opens doors across many industries and roles.
During your studies, you have developed analytical thinking, independence, communication, and collaboration skills. These are valuable in working life, even if it does not always feel obvious yet. Your degree creates opportunities; it does not lock you into one specific path. Many graduates change direction, roles, or industries over time.
Use the Resources Available to You
CareerHub
Use CareerHub to find graduate opportunities, internships, company events, and career support resources.
CareerHub
CareerSet
CareerSet is a tool exclusive to LUSEM students that can help you improve your CV and applications through instant feedback and suggestions. You can continue using it for a period after graduation with your student account.
CareerSet
HigherEd
Check out HigherEd by CareerOS, a global talent network developed by EFMD. Here you can find international job and internship positions and access many relevant career resources.
HigherEd talent network
Join the LUSEM Alumni Network
Stay connected with fellow graduates, expand your network, and keep in touch with the LUSEM community.
Strengthen Your Applications
Make your applications easy to read
Recruiters often spend very little time reviewing an application the first time. Keep your CV clear, relevant, and tailored to the role you are applying for. Focus on structure, readability, and impact rather than long descriptions.
Update your LinkedIn profile
Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects the direction you want to move in.
A strong profile usually includes:
• A clear headline
• A short and focused summary
• Updated experience and education
• Relevant skills and interests
Remember to list the school using its complete official name: Lund University School of Economics and Management
Understand your value
Before accepting a job offer, research salary levels and be prepared to negotiate. Guidance from unions and professional organisations can help you understand market expectations.
Build Relationships Early
Use your network
Reach out to alumni, classmates, teachers, and contacts from internships or projects. Not all opportunities are publicly advertised, and even a short conversation can lead to valuable insights or openings.
Get to know people at work
Once you start a new role, take time to build relationships. Join colleagues for coffee, ask questions, and learn how things work informally as well as formally. Professional relationships matter.
Mindset Matters
It is normal to feel uncertain
Many graduates do not have a clear plan immediately after finishing their studies. Uncertainty is a normal part of the transition into working life.
Your career is not decided now
Very few people get everything “right” from the start. Your first role is one step in a much longer journey.
You will keep learning
Careers develop over time. Stay open to learning new skills, exploring new interests, and changing direction when needed.
Compare less
People around you will move at different speeds and follow different paths. Try to focus on your own development rather than comparing yourself to others.
Final Note
You do not need to have everything figured out right away. This phase is about getting started, gaining experience, and learning more about yourself along the way.
If you would like support during the transition from studies to working life, LUSEM Career Services is still here for you.
Contact
Careers coordinator
Stina Vikingson
Careers coach
Pernilla Thellmark
%20career [at] ehl [dot] lu [dot] se (career[at]ehl[dot]lu[dot]se)
Join the LUSEM Alumni Network
LUSEM Alumni is a global network for all our former students, allowing you to stay connected and keep the spirit of Lund University School of Economics and Management alive around the world.
Remember to join the LUSEM Alumni Network before you leave!
Top 5 things to do
1. Update your CV and LinkedIn
Make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile are updated with your degree, internships, or part-time work. Keep both concise, clear, and tailored to the type of roles you are interested in.
2. Use LUSEM career tools
Take advantage of the resources available to you while you still have access. Use CareerSet to improve your CV and applications. Explore opportunities through CareerHub. These tools can make the transition into working life much smoother.
3. Reach out to your network
Reconnect with classmates, alumni, teachers, and internship contacts. A short message can go a long way and many opportunities begin through conversations rather than formal applications.
4. Research the job market
Spend some time understanding typical entry-level roles in your field, salary levels, recruitment timelines and which companies are hiring graduates. This helps you make informed decisions and feel more confident when applying and interviewing.
5. Remember that you do not need a perfect plan
Graduation can feel like pressure to have everything figured out immediately, but very few people do.
Your first role does not define your entire career. Focus on getting started, learning, and building experience step by step.
Curious about what LUSEM alumni are doing today?
Discover how LUSEM alumni are making impact worldwide and be inspired by their unique success stories.