Although millions of young people globally are searching desperately for a job there are many who have bucked the unemployment trend and have successfully taken their first step on the career ladder.
As part of a series of features about youth unemployment around the world, we asked you to tell us your stories of how you got your break in these tough circumstances, and what advice you'd give to others still searching.
Here are your stories which include war, luck, determination and realism and at the bottom is another chance to tell us how you did it for another piece we'll publish as the series "Young and Jobless" continues.
Bruno Menzan, 30, human rights consultant, Dakar, Senegal
'Do not get discouraged by failure and keep trying'I was interviewed for around 10 of the many positions I had applied for. But I think when you fail to be shortlisted for roles, it does make you question your capabilities and skills.
There were also lots of obstacles I had to face. My home country - Ivory Coast - was going through a civil war and so I would be being interviewed over Skype while there were bomb blasts going off in the background. My priority was finding a good job while caring for my daughter. For me it became an issue of survival.
Don't just look for paid roles - volunteer or intern in order to get an insight into a professional environment and structure your CV so that it highlights your accomplishments and talents.
Do not get discouraged by failure and keep trying. Learn from your unsuccessful attempts.
Anna Claesson, 26, journalist, Boras, Sweden
'Have the courage to stand out, and stand up for yourself'
Anthony Kogi, 23, technical support, Nairobi, Kenya
'Keep on trying and if you have to settle for an internship, do it to gain experience'
After university I sent out a bunch of applications and dropped off my resume at offices all over Nairobi. I also did a lot of networking.
Although Kenya has a high rate of unemployment, I chose not to give up.
I bumped into my current employer one day and handed him a copy of my curriculum vitae on the off-chance he needed somebody. A day later he called me. I was first an assignment research assistant but am now working in technical support.
This is a small start-up company but it's giving me the experience I need.
I would say keep on trying and even if you have to settle for an internship, do it so that you at least gain experience.
Emilie Prattico, 29, business consultant, Paris, France
'Find a strategy that emphasises how interesting and unique your background is'After a long time spent in academia working on a PhD in philosophy and teaching, I changed direction completely and enrolled in a one-year masters programme at a French business school.
The change turned out to be radical as I have now just started working at a management and strategy consulting firm.
But I had entered the recruiting process many months before my first interview. I met people who worked in the industry at the companies I wanted to work at, friends of friends and alumni from the various international universities I had attended.
That helped me to feel comfortable entering the complicated and arduous process of applying and interviewing.
My advice is to find a strategy that emphasises how interesting and unique your background is.
Farah Syahirah, 26, economic analysis, Malaysia
'The job you settled for could be the stepping stone to achieving your dream job'
After studying in the UK, I hoped to enter the field of foreign affairs and diplomacy but then realised that I had no idea about how to get into that line of work in Malaysia.
I still hope to work in foreign affairs but I have come to terms with the fact that not everybody gets their dream job immediately after graduating. My current job teaches me how to track and analyse economic trends so I'm hoping that will help me in the future.
My advice to those looking for a job - sometimes you just need to settle, but never forget your dream.
The job you settled for could be the stepping stone to achieving your dream job. That hope is what forces me to wake up each morning to go to work.
Kristin Cornett, 23, social media analyst, Virginia, US
'Be stubborn, be determined, be thorough'After graduation, I spent nine months waitressing until I found a part-time internship opportunity via a family friend contact. I moved to take up the position at the drop of a hat.
I applied all over the world stating I'd be happy to relocate. Many companies never responded despite my follow-up phonecalls and emails.
But I now work in a small team of analysts conducting social media analysis and drafting reports which focus on the Western Africa region.
Persistence is key. Be stubborn, be determined, be thorough. Apply to positions you may not be directly interested in.
As a young jobseeker you are full of so much potential, don't let yourself be lost among the discouraged!
source: BBC
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