Honestly? We just don’t know. Recruiters and most employer organisations are still working out the potential implications of the ‘Leave’ vote. Hopefully the picture will become clearer in the weeks and months to come, but if you’re graduating this summer or starting to think about making applications for a 2017 graduate intake, what should you be doing?

Concentrate on yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in statistics, predictions and trends but remember you’re an individual looking for a role to suit your individual circumstances. As those on both sides of the Leave/Remain debate have learned, it’s unwise to base your decisions around what the pollsters say.

Be proactive

Uncertainty can cause inertia with both employers and job seekers putting activity on hold whilst they ‘wait and see’. Our vacancy board on CareerHub is currently advertising 1193 opportunities, take a look and see if there’s something that is right for you. Consider making speculative applications for organisations and roles you aspire to work in. It’s possible that employers will put large scale recruitment campaigns on hold for a while but they will still need talent so make sure they are aware of yours.

Be flexible

Regardless of the political and economic landscape the people that are ultimately the most successful in the labour market are those who are able to spot opportunities as they arise and make them work in their favour. Being ready for such opportunities can make all the difference so research employers, polish up your CV, ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date, and follow current affairs in your chosen sector(s).

Make the most of support available

LSE Careers is open all year round and appointments with Careers Consultants are available via telephone and Skype as well as on the LSE campus. Our website has a host of useful information on everything from choosing and planning your career to information of specific labour market areas as well as access to international vacancy databases such as Going Global.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the graduate labour market as well as talking to employers directly about how (if at all) ‘Brexit’ will impact hiring and will provide updates as and when possible. In the meantime if you have any concerns about what today’s decision means for you and your career come and talk to us.

Jenny Blakesley, Director, LSE Careers

24 June 2016