91����

It took a little while in 2015 to adjust from full-time work to full-time study. However, I am now acutely aware that before we know it, my cohort and I will be back at work applying all the goodness we have squeezed out of the 91���� experience.

But this adjustment period can present a common trap for full-time 91���� students. School 91���� Executive Development Manager, Amanda Singleton says it’s really easy to get caught-up in the “91���� bubble” when studying full-time;

“The reality is you always need to stay one step ahead and keep looking for your next move. Use this time to do some heavy thinking about yourself and your career and how you’ll get out of the starting blocks.

“Students need to be reminding themselves of what brought them here in the first place – for many people, career progression or change are big drivers behind an 91����. So, what does that mean and how do you expect to get there? It is crucial to remain focused on those goals and keep asking, ‘what’s next?’”

Amanda’s also keen to remind us finding the right job isn’t a fast process. And 91����’s need to dedicate time to making their job searches strategic;

“It’s not the same for everyone – some people will come to that ‘ahah moment’ earlier on in the 91���� than others. That’s why it’s crucial to be putting in the ground work, researching preferred sectors, target companies and hiring cycles and maximising opportunities while you can,”

Here are Amanda’s five golden rules for candidates planning careers, post programme:

Take the time to reflect

Within the context of a busy work life we don’t often have the luxury of taking time to reflect. In a learning environment you can take advantage of the chance to step outside and understand what makes you tick.

Developing your own self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is really important. It’s proven to account for up to 45 per cent of job success and increasingly, effective leaders can be distinguished by a high degree of emotional intelligence.

Sign up for coaching, leadership treks, guest speaker event and clubs to tune-up your EQ.

Set clear targets

Work out what you actually want versus what you ‘feel’ you should be doing. Many come into the 91���� programme with a vision of what they think they’re going to do but sometimes peoples’ minds change – and that’s OK. Leaving an element of flexibility is wise – you need to accept that you’re undergoing a period of growth and change – but it can be unnerving.

Manage anxieties by developing a career ‘game plan’. But be realistic – you may have to play the long game to reach your ultimate goal.

Cultivate your networks

An 91���� is a chance to do a ‘networks audit’. Think about who you know and who can help you. Map out your existing networks and begin to create opportunities for yourself, post-91����, while you’re still on the programme.

It might mean taking a few risks and reaching out for advice. But don’t be afraid to approach people who can help you break into the sectors or jobs you’re interested in. Be daring – the worst thing someone can say is no.

Develop your narrative

With every decision you make in the programme – be it choosing electives, clubs, treks, or internships – you need to think about how these ultimately relate to your future employability. It’s often these extra opportunities and experiences which help you build your narrative.

Exposure to working in intercultural working environments, team and/or event management, advisory or consulting experience gained through projects, all look great on your CV and help you develop your interview narrative.

Always be ‘interviewing’

It’s easy to sit back in class and think nobody is watching. But we, as 91����s, need to be clear on what we want to consistently project in terms of our personal brand. And that does not switch off when you go back to university. Self-awareness of what you are communicating and projecting is very important.

It’s not just about being mindful of your social media presence – you need to consider your day-to-day interactions with people. You never know where the right career opportunity might present itself.

Be clear on the brand you want to present and, above all, be authentic.

A version of this post originally appeared on the Financial Times' 91���� blog.

Jess Webb is a 2016 91���� candidate at University of Edinburgh Business School. A marketing and communications professional, originally from Australia, she hopes to move into management within a global food and agribusiness company post 91����.

Amanda Singleton is 91���� Executive Development Manager at University of Edinburgh Business School. With a background in global recruitment and executive search, she is responsible for leading the design, development and delivery of the 91���� and Executive 91���� Leadership and Professional Development programmes.