Navigating the Path from University to Career: Insights from Industry Experts

Transitioning from university to the professional world can be both exciting and challenging. Yesterday, we had the privilege of hosting an alumni webinar where Shubham Chowdhury, Senior Consultant at Deloitte, and Eoin Rooney, Offer and Strategy Manager at Vanguard, shared their career journeys and valuable insights. Their experiences shed light on how to navigate the job market, develop essential skills, and successfully transition into the workforce.
If you missed the session, here’s a recap of the key takeaways from their talks.

1. The Reality Check: What to Expect in the Professional World
Both Shubham and Eoin emphasized that while university provides a strong foundation, stepping into the corporate world presents new challenges. Work environments demand adaptability, independent problem-solving, and continuous learning. Unlike structured university coursework, professional settings require taking initiative and dealing with ambiguity.
🔹 Key Insight: Be proactive, embrace uncertainty, and develop a growth mindset.

2. Choosing the Right Career Path
Shubham spoke about the importance of exploring different career options before settling into a role. Internships, networking, and informational interviews were key in helping him find the right fit. Eoin echoed this, sharing how his career trajectory evolved over time and how being open to new opportunities helped shape his journey. He also suggested that your search should start with a list of where you would like to work and joining at an entry level role and work your way up!
🔹 Key Insight: Your first job is just a stepping stone—experiment, learn, and adjust as needed.

3. The Job Search Process: What Worked for Eoin and Shubham
Both speakers provided practical tips for landing a job:
✅ Leverage networking and alumni connections—a referral can significantly boost your chances.
✅ Prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing answers to common questions.
✅ Embrace rejection as part of the process—each setback is a learning o pportunity.
Shubham highlighted how persistence played a crucial role in securing his first role, while Eoin shared how strategic networking helped him land his current position at Vanguard.
🔹 Key Insight: Treat job hunting as a skill—refine your approach and stay consistent.

4. Soft Skills Matter More Than You Think
A major point from both speakers was that technical skills get you in the door, but soft skills drive career success. Eoin also highlighted that you don’t need to know it all. Learning on the job is part of the path.

In their experience, employers highly value:
✔ Effective communication and collaboration
✔ Problem-solving and critical thinking
✔ Adaptability and resilience
✔ Emotional intelligence and networking
Shubham highlighted that consulting requires strong people skills, while Eoin shared how strategic thinking and communication play a big role in offer and strategy management.
🔹 Key Insight: Invest time in developing your interpersonal and professional skills—they are career differentiators.

5. Thriving in Your First Job
Once you land your first role, how do you ensure success?
Shubham’s Advice:
➡ Be a sponge for knowledge—seek mentorship, ask questions, get feedback and absorb insights from experienced professionals.
➡ Be adaptable and willing to learn—your degree provides a foundation, but real-world learning happens on the job.
Eoin’s Advice:
➡ Develop a long-term career perspective—think beyond the job title and focus on skill-building.
➡ Build strong professional relationships—mentors and colleagues can open doors to future opportunities.
🔹 Key Insight: The first year in a job is about learning, networking, and proving your value to the organization.

Final Thoughts: Trust the Process
Both Shubham and Eoin reinforced that career paths are rarely linear—embracing change, staying curious, and continuously upskilling are crucial to long-term success.
If you’re currently navigating your transition from university to career, remember:
✔ Stay open to opportunities and don’t fear change.
✔ Keep building your professional network.
✔ Develop both technical and soft skills.
✔ Be patient—your dream role will come with time and persistence.

A big thank you to Shubham Chowdhury and Eoin Rooney for sharing their valuable insights!.