Top tips from a high-performance coach on landing your dream job after University

Transitioning from university into the workforce can seem intimidating and knowing where to start isn’t always easy. That’s why we met with Dimitrios Perdikoulis, a King’s College London alumnus and founder of Embrace your Process high-performance coaching, to find out his insights and top tips for graduating students entering the job market.

Dimitrios believes that self-reflection is fundamental to navigating today’s job market, concentrating on your own objectives rather than being influenced by external viewpoints.

‘Sit down in a quiet place with a pen and some paper and reflect on what you want,' he says. Ask yourself:

• What inspires me?
• What matters most to me?
• How can I balance my goals with my wellbeing?

Dimitrios outlines this process with the concept of building ‘pillars’ that guide your decisions and keep you grounded. Try to resist the urge to seek outside approval or to fit in with society's standards. Rather, have faith in the ‘pillars’ you have identified as being important to the life you want to live. This way of thinking has enabled him to transition between sectors while maintaining his moral principles, work values and ways of working.

Your personal values are your compass in an ever-changing job market.

According to Dimitrios, you’re more likely to feel fulfilled if you work in fields aligned with your values, when you’re challenged to continuously improve and when you’re surrounded by people who bring out the best in you.

‘Have faith in yourself and your instincts. Map out possibilities and prioritise working environments that inspire you to thrive,’ Dimitrios advises.

Effective networking is about fostering meaningful relationships, not urgently seeking your next job.

‘Opportunities come from people. If you’re not ready, even the right opportunity might pass you by,’ Dimitrios notes.

At networking events, Dimitrios suggests:

• Be prepared: Proactivity sets you apart.
• Show genuine interest in people and their journeys
• Highlight your uniqueness: consider what makes you stand out and your key strengths, then emphasise these.

Success stories are rarely linear, as seen in Dimitrios’ professional story. After completing his master’s degree, Dimitrios was set to work with the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations in New York but faced visa delays that disrupted his plans. Instead, he took a three-month job as a Guest Services Agent at a luxury hotel in Spain, a twist of fate that not only turned out to be the best thing for him but also introduced him to his future boss, who later brought him back to London.

Reflecting on his journey, Dimitrios highlights how each experience – from the hospitality industry to the accounting industry, and then the world of start-ups – has profoundly shaped his adaptable approach.

His advice? Stay open to opportunities and trust the process. Embrace flexibility and be willing to seize opportunities that come your way, even if they look different from what you were expecting.

Dimitrios’ guidance for job seekers focuses on resilience, creativity, and authenticity:

• Think of your short-term goals: long-term plans often fail to account for the rapidly changing job market. Focus on immediate, actionable steps you can take now to build skills. 
• Consider coaching: coaching allows you to establish your own definition of success and prepares you to develop a career that aligns with your values. Dimitrios’ coaching focuses on building self-confidence, identifying your guiding ‘pillars’ and ultimately supporting you to achieve your biggest goals.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: trying something — even if it doesn’t work out — can clarify what truly matters to you.
• Be patient: job searching takes time, so try to remember that rejections aren’t failures — they’re stepping stones to clarity and growth. Stay resilient and trust that the right opportunity will come.
• Prioritise balance: don’t let job searching consume your life. Make sure you take care of your mental and physical health whilst searching for your dream job.

Dimitrios’ journey reminds us that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to building a career, landing your dream job, or even starting a business.

Define your pillars, get clear on what you want and work towards your goals.