What happens when we graduate? Essential skills to succeed in the workplace
27 August 2025 at 2:00:00 am
For first-year university student Ava Grace, the Future Ready Graduate Summit was a chance to explore the big question: after internships, professional placements, and graduation – what comes next?
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Every workplace is different. Some are filled with meetings and methodic taps of PT cards; some are spaces that overflow with creative work. Others are surrounded by inquisitive young minds, ‘no hat, no play’, and freshly painted pictures.
Whatever your workplace looks like, the path to get there is forged through ambition and a desire to claim a seat at the table. But in an ever-changing job market, what are the key skills students and graduates need to enter the workplace with confidence?
First up: Getting future ready
I had the privilege of being invited to and attending Teach for Australia’s Future Ready Graduate Summit, where in-depth speeches and informative workshops equipped attendees with vital knowledge, both as a current student or graduate, to confidently enter the ever-changing workplace and stay true to their ambitions.
A powerful speech from Dom Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian, kicked off the day. He emphasised ‘learning velocity’, or being flexible in the face of changing situations. Dom stressed holding up a metaphorical mirror to yourself every few weeks to understand and explore your authentic self.
Learning to fail: Your first 6 months in the workplace
A few clicks of a Zoom later, we were transported into the dynamic panel of four esteemed young leaders in their field. George Allen, an Alumni of TFA moderated the lively conversation between Meridna Walters, Josh Piper, Natasha Markham and Melissa Chan, on how to navigate the first 6 months in the workplace.
All four of the speakers followed different paths to land in a role they truly enjoyed and that aligned with their values. All of them battled fear of failure – a common concern for new graduates. Merinda explained that she reframes the idea of ‘failing’ by viewing it as a new opportunity, while Melissa emphasised, ‘sitting with the fear and understanding it.’
Josh, who had applied for 700+ jobs before settling as a software engineer, stressed, ‘staying optimistic’ and Natasha encouraged us all to ‘put ourselves out there – find a way to stand out from other applicants.’
On leaning into the workplace culture, Merinda shows up each day as her authentic self:
‘When you are yourself, you create spaces where other people can be themselves… Create the space you want to see in your workplace.’
What about receiving feedback? Melissa says, ‘It is not about you, it is about the problem... Take the emotional perspective out of it.’
Getting into it: Hands on workshops
Attendees chose two workshops to conclude the day. My first workshop, From Burnout to Balance was hosted by Headspace, who discussed implementing boundaries at work, which could be as simple as leaving your work gear at the office. They confirmed that:
‘Establishing a balanced routine takes time, and must be completed one step at a time... Create an action plan, set achievable goals and prepare for the workplace.’
The second workshop, How to Pitch Your Potential, hosted by Teach for Australia’s recruitment managers, Zia and Jimmy, analysed the key learning and characteristics of employees that establish a successful workplace.
Zia explained employers are looking for a myriad of interpersonal skills, including:
‘analytical thinking, resilience, flexibility and ability, leadership, motivation and self-awareness, technological literacy, empathy and active listening, curiosity and lifelong learning.’
These are the characteristics of someone who takes action, can think deeply about an issue, understands others and the client base. Jimmy identified the importance of knowing your values and ambitions within your professional life, as that will place you into the workplace most suitable for you.
The Summit: A great opportunity
Joining Teach for Australia’s Future Ready Graduate Summit was an incredible opportunity.
The leaders and panelists of the day each provided rich insight and reflections on the ever-changing workplace, equipping all attendees with essential knowledge to reduce stress and stride through the doors with confidence.
Ava Grace is a first year university student, studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary and Early Childhood). Combining her love for the news and education, she writes on the topics of teaching, gender equality and social empowerment.