From Uni to First Paycheck: How Business Students Can Prepare for Their First Jobs

We asked two Monash Business School graduates how their degrees gave them the exact game plan they needed to land their first role.

This article is presented in partnership with Monash Business School.

We know it can be daunting to think about the career you’ll have once you graduate.

Some of you may not yet know where your passions lie, and others may not know how to get to where they want to go.

The good news? Getting your first job after university doesn't have to be a mystery.

From trying different subjects and building practical experience to networking and getting involved on campus, there are plenty of ways to set yourself up for success.

We spoke to two Monash Business School graduates, Nathaniel Diong and Aishath Shira, about the experiences that helped them gain confidence, build valuable skills and take their first steps into the workforce.

Nathaniel studied a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Global Studies at Monash University Clayton, graduating in 2022. Aishath studied a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Business at Monash University Malaysia and graduated in November 2023. 

Finding your direction before graduation.

One of the biggest advantages of studying business at Monash Business School is the opportunity to explore different disciplines and discover what interests you most.

For Nathaniel, that exploration became a defining part of his university experience. Nathaniel originally studied international relations and economics before switching to management. Along the way, he took classes outside his majors and discovered what did and didn't interest him.

"Exploring outside my majors ended up shaping my whole career and it made one thing clear: I didn’t want a career in economics, international relations or any of the paths my degree pointed to. I was happiest running the business I’d started at 16.”

Aishath's path looked different. She found herself drawn to Strategic Marketing and International Business Management, eventually majoring in both.

Their experiences show that you don't need to have your future mapped out on day one. Exploring different subjects can help you discover what excites you and rule out the paths that don't. Along the way, you can build a toolkit of skills to take with you beyond university.

Building experience beyond the classroom.

Both graduates agree that some of their most valuable learning happened outside traditional lectures and tutorials.

While Aishath gained hands-on business experience through entrepreneurship-focused coursework, Nathaniel sought out opportunities through clubs, leadership positions and volunteering.

By the end of his first year, Nathaniel had joined seven student associations and started one of his own.

"I rarely stuck to one role. I was a marketing, events, strategy and finance officer across different clubs, built entrepreneurship programs and ran summits."

Those experiences helped him develop adaptability, problem-solving and communication skills that later supported his career as founder and CEO of Future Minds Network.

For Aishath, one standout experience was a unit called Integrative Business Practices.

"I took the unit during my final semester at Monash. Looking back, this was one of the most valuable units I took because it gave me the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship in a very practical way."

As part of the unit, students created and ran a real business, selling tote bags directly to customers.

"Integrative Business Practices helped me understand the entire process of running a business, from planning and costing to marketing, selling, dealing with customers and working with a team."

Making connections that open doors.

Networking can sound intimidating, but both graduates found valuable opportunities through meeting new people and getting involved on campus.

Aishath served as the International Business Management major representative, participated in student clubs and attended networking events.

"These experiences helped me develop my communication, leadership and teamwork skills, while allowing me to connect with people from different backgrounds."

Nathaniel attended networking nights, pitch events and industry panels, before deciding to create opportunities of his own.

He launched networking events connecting students with professionals working in social impact and entrepreneurship, building relationships that would later become valuable parts of his professional network.

"If the door you want isn't there, you can build it yourself."

Advice for students who are nervous about life after uni.

Both graduates say it's important not to think about a business degree as preparation for only one career path.

"Business skills can be applied across almost every industry, from tourism and marketing to entrepreneurship, management and education," says Aishath.

Nathaniel encourages students to make the most of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

"Your degree won't hand you a career. What you do around it will."

For students who are unsure about the future, both graduates have a similar message: stay curious, try new things and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

As Aishath puts it:

"Education is not simply about earning a degree or getting a job. It's about having the courage to create your own path, the purpose to give back, and the opportunity to open doors for others."

Learn more about undergraduate study options at Monash Business School.