Ask Jo Malone: Learn setting up on your own by throwing yourself into graduate scheme

Dear Jo

I’m an English student and have accepted a place on Unilever’s graduate scheme. My dad says it’s a great opportunity but the whole idea of working as a tiny part of such a vast machine fills me with dread. I thought setting up my own business might be a better route for me but I’m only 20 and don’t have any experience of life outside school or college. How do I pursue my entrepreneurial dreams?

Jo says

To me, this sounds like a wonderful opportunity that doesn’t come along very often, so from that point of view I absolutely agree with your father.

First, ask yourself why you are so resistant?

Is it the thought of, just after leaving college, having to go from one disciplined environment into another without having had the freedom to think about what it is you would like to do? If that’s the case, don’t view this next step as being forever but instead completely change your mindset and ask yourself what it can offer you. Graduate schemes are brilliant at giving you the chance to work across a variety of different departments with talented people.

You talk about wanting your own business but for that you need a product, a purpose and, most of all, experience. You need to know exactly what you’re getting into because running a business is hard work and you need to equip yourself as much as possible for the tough times you’ll face as an entrepreneur.

Use this experience to gain as many insights as possible and make sure you fully commit. Throw yourself into each day and at the end of the week document what you’ve learned, good and bad, who you’ve met and how creative and innovative you’ve felt.

Question yourself and think about how you might have influenced a decision or outcome. You’ll soon realise that you’re learning something new every day. And don’t give up. For the sake of your CV, commit to at least a year or you won’t be taken seriously by a future employer.

If you really don’t want the graduate role, then don’t take it because there will be a million people who would grab this opportunity with both hands. Whatever path you choose, remember to make the most of what life throws at you.