Back to School, Back to Business: Seizing September's Career Opportunities

We did it! The kids are back to school —hurrah! I’ll miss having them around, of course, but for me personally, there’s something comforting about the routine and structure that school brings. I’m more than ready to dive back into “normal” and looking forward to the opportunities that this next quarter offers.

There’s something special about this time of year. Maybe it’s my background in recruitment, but September always feels like a fresh start. While the little ones are busy with new lessons and making friends, it’s the perfect time for us grown-ups to refocus on our careers and explore the fresh job opportunities that are popping up.

2024 has been a bit of a rollercoaster for job seekers, hasn’t it? The job market has been sending mixed signals—some good, some not-so-good. Over the summer, we saw a slowdown in job creation, with only around 114,000 new roles added in July—a bit of a dip compared to earlier in the year. But don’t let that get you down! I’m hopeful things might stabilise soon, especially as businesses gear up for the busy end-of-year period and, of course, as we get back into work mode after the summer holidays.

Certain sectors have remained strong, even during the ups and downs—think healthcare and sustainable tech. Notably, two of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK job market this year are life sciences and lithium battery manufacturing (I fell into a very deep worm hole researching this I might add…). And while wage growth isn’t exactly breaking records (I’m aware of some serious lowballing), on the whole it’s looking more positive, which is a silver lining we can appreciate. However, it’s worth noting that persistent inflation and geopolitical concerns are likely to keep us on our toes as we move forward.

So, what does all this mean for you? Well, if you’re considering a career move or looking to re-enter the job market, now could be the perfect time to dust off that CV and start networking. The back-to-school season isn’t just about the kids—it’s a prime opportunity to explore temporary or seasonal roles that could lead to something more permanent as companies prepare for the festive rush and the new year ahead.

In short, September is a time of new beginnings, not just for the children but for us too. Whether you’re eyeing a job change, aiming for a promotion, or simply curious about what’s out there, now’s a fantastic time to jump in. The job market may have its ups and downs, but with a bit of enthusiasm and a positive outlook, there’s plenty of opportunity to be found. Here’s to fresh starts, new opportunities, and making the most of what lies ahead!