WHAT’S ON p1-2 10 things to do p3-4 CREATIVE CORNER p7 WALK WITH GIANTS p10
IN THE ZONE
WELCOME TO IN THE ZONE Welcome to the sixth issue of “In The Zone”. The magazine is brought to you by the Career Zone teams to keep you up to date with all of the exciting and useful news on employability and upcoming activities.
WHAT’S ON
In this issue we’ve included a multitude of testimonials from graduates who have embraced and secured a wide range of professional opportunities and career paths. We’ve also talked to students who, like you, are exploring the many ways of reaching their dream career destinations. We’ve compiled useful steps on how to tackle the application process for students about to leave Exeter as well as practical tips for students who want to get their career planning well underway before the final year. From seaweed farming entrepreneurs to self-starting theatre companies, from award winning young journalists to RAF pilots, we want to show you the diversity of professional life and career opportunities following your time at Exeter. As well as offering you advice on frequently sought information such as internships, using university resources to make informed career decisions and how to succeed in selection processes, we want to remind you that finding your vocation is an adventure and the Career Zone is here to help you prepare for your journey. With best wishes, Paul Blackmore, Head of Student Employability and Academic Success
A Message from A recent Exeter English Graduate, Richard Evans The hallmark of a Gemini is inconsistency. Staying true to my horoscope I started university determined to find a foothold in the production industry and now I’m working as a magazine publisher. In between I’ve tried my hand in campaigning, film, retail, journalism and Public Relations so it hasn’t exactly been a straight road. When they told me an English graduate would be sought after by a range of different professions I thought that was just another way of saying “you’re not really doing anything specific enough but we’ll spare you some hope”. But despite my inherited generation Y scepticism, here I am. My degree has taken me on a journey of self-discovery and eventually landed me a job at the university that gave it to me. I think there’s something marvellously cyclical about that. If like me your professional life is prone to cold feet then hopefully this magazine will speak to you. We want to remind you that conventionality works better for some than it does for others. There are so many opportunities available to you both here at the university and beyond so though it might sometimes feel like the Career Zone is only speaking to a select group of career-driven individuals you might just read something in the following pages that sparks your interest. Happy reading, Richard Evans http://blogs.exeter.ac.uk/careerzone/2017/03/13/richardevansgbp/
1
Careersfest To kick off the festival season, we are hosting our very own Careersfest. At Penryn you can get your CV into shape, sort out your LinkedIn profile and find out how to get work experience amongst many other opportunities. If you’re trying to complete your Exeter Award or Leaders Award there are lots of sessions running that will help you to do this - anything from project management to developing your resilience. The activities taking place will be a mixture of interactive workshops, webinars, mock interviews, LinkedIn and CV checks, internship drop-ins and guidance appointments. To celebrate, there are FREE tickets to be won in our Prize Draw for local festivals taking place over the summer who have sponsored Careersfest. All you need to do is participate! We’ll be running a week of career development activities between Monday 15 and Friday 19 May which you can find by viewing this link: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/careersfest/
Creative Careers Want to get creative with your degree? We will be hosting a range of workshops, guest speakers, panel events and skill sessions that aim to equip students with the knowledge they need to kick start a successful career in the creative industry this spring. Film, music, theatre, visual culture, cultural heritage and museums, creative writing and digital, will all be covered in our week-long festival.
IN THE ZONE
Grand Challenges… ... at Streatham Grand Challenges returns 5-9 June 2017. Develop your academic skills, improve your employability, work with leading academics and experts from around the world, and make a difference to local and global problems. You’ll spend a week exploring a topic that inspires you, from climate change to mental health, Brexit, food sustainability or global security, and you’ll create a real solution – from a viral video to a parliamentary policy brief, maybe an app or a social media campaign!
Exeter Student Employee of the Year Awards 19th April 2017 is the last day to be nominated for the Exeter Student Employee of the Year Awards. Nominate your employer, or better still, get them to nominate you. It’s a sure fire way to stand out on your CV and you get gifts just for being nominated. www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/casualjobs/seotyawards
... at Penryn On Penryn, Grand Challenges takes place from the 12 – 16 June. Planet Earth faces major environmental challenges in the 21st Century, as humans place strains on biodiversity, ecosystem services, food security, health, wealth and quality of life. This Challenge is a 5-day-long field course in which you will work in interdisciplinary research groups, alongside our top academics, making contacts with external organisations, businesses and the local community (including the Eden Project and Padstow Lobster Hatchery) to explore solutions to these Grand Challenges. Find out what students got up to during Grand Challenges 2016 by checking out the video on our website: www.exeter.ac.uk/grandchallenges Sign up at www.ex.ac.uk/gcsignup
Student Traders Christmas Craft Market We are always looking for students who want to host a stand at the Student Traders Market on the 1st December 2017. You can sign up now and spend the summer creating your products in the sunshine. To apply, view: mycareerzone.exeter.ac.uk/students/jobs/detail/161898
2
IN THE ZONE
10 things to do The road to your graduate future can be uncertain with the prospect of many hazards along the way. Here are 10 top tips from Careers Consultant Mark Armitage to help you navigate the demanding terrain of employability. 1. Get experience Yes it is a bit obvious but experience can give you the insights to help focus on the future and the vital additions to your CV to help you get there. Experience has many guises, from casual work and shadowing employment through to that prestigious internship you always wanted. Remember that volunteering can provide great experiences and develop your skills. Taking roles in activities and societies is always valuable. 2. Handle stress effectively Some people regard student life as some sort of idyllic life style combining hedonism with academic nirvana. Sadly, it can be rather stressful with work deadlines, exams, accommodation and getting the rubbish recycled. So learn to handle stress in your own way and seek help from relevant university staff when needed. Effective time management, planning ahead and ensuring you have some time for enjoyment can help avoid stress and this is a skill which is valued by employers and can help maintain relationships too.
3
3. Procrastinate creatively Procrastination has become an Olympic event in some quarters and postponing career decisions is an obvious target. But recognising procrastination and why it is happening can be an important step in moving forward and beginning to grasp the opportunities a degree can offer. 4. Apply early The battle to gain experience, internships, jobs and courses can seem like an unseemly rush at times. Avoid applying for things just for the sake of it or to keep parents happy. But it is important to apply in good time, well before any official deadlines or speculatively at a time when organisations may be more receptive to your advances. Many organisations are more fluid with deadlines and can suddenly close if they feel they have enough applications. 5. Keep an open mind about your career options The UK graduate job scene is complex but flexible. More than half of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline. Many of these jobs are in areas which some students can feel averse to. It is important to think what you really want from your graduate career but do not shut off certain opportunities too early.
IN THE ZONE
6. Keep your CV updated There is no such thing as the perfect CV, though the world seems full of CV experts. The main thing is to use Career Zone resources and services to get your CV sorted. Once you feel your CV can pass muster, continue to develop your skills and experience, add material and restructure your CV on a regular basis.
9. Avoid negative comparisons Sometimes it can be disconcerting to compare yourself with others who seem to know exactly what they want in life and end up with multiple job offers. Career choice is a process, not a sudden event, so you need to move forward with your ideas and options in your own way and be true to your personal aspirations.
7. Use Social Media constructively Like it or not, social media is rather pervasive and unless you are a professional hermit, you will have something out there in the ether. Consider carefully how your tweets might be viewed by a future employer; decide whether your social media account is private or career-friendly, social media such as LinkedIn can be used constructively to research your career and network with others who may help or even offer you a job.
10. Keep an open mind There is great flexibility in the UK graduate job market and a whole range of roles to be discovered. Sometimes the more obvious career contenders such as teaching and graduate training programs may not excite but may just be the stepping stones to your future. Many graduates start a business while others change and develop their career path in areas such as media and technology. It is not only about getting that first graduate job but managing your career as you progress.
8. Consider Postgraduate Study You don’t need to be a genius to consider further study though the additional expense can be a worry. Many students feel they have a lot more mileage academically, even thinking of a PhD at some stage. Postgraduate study can also be a more vocational option, such as teacher training, law qualifications and more specialist courses like journalism or social work. It may also be something which is part of gaining professional training in a job role such as marketing, finance and personnel.
As Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote:
4
IN THE ZONE
e v Getting i t a n r e t l A Routes Cultured Your journey to a successful career will be long and winding. From entrepreneurial success to further study and vocational training, there are a plethora of possibilities beyond your degree just waiting to be discovered.
Work On Your Own Terms Tim Van Berkel, past Conservation & Biodiversity MSc student, launched his own business sustainably harvesting Cornish Seaweeds for human consumption and cosmetics. He’s also been conducting research into nutritional benefits and microbial activity with a combined ECEHH In-Residence program. With hopes of becoming the largest producer of seaweed in England the organisation has been jumping from strength to strength and Tim now has his sights set on Europe. If you are interested in testing the waters of a new business like Tim was then the Think Try Do program might be just what you need. This Enterprise and Student Start-Ups support program aims to inspire students to develop the skills and gain experiences necessary to launch their own start-up company. The skills developed through ‘Think Try Do’ also help students to develop the entrepreneurial skills many graduates will need to succeed. If you’re not convinced the business world is for you but you have an exciting idea then why not try it out? Not only will you gain a host of invaluable new skills but you might even discover your inner entrepreneur. In the words of Tim: “Do it. It’s the best thing you’ll ever do. Don’t be afraid of failure, because even if the business doesn’t take off, you’d have learnt so much you will do well in your next venture.” For more information on the Think Try Do program, view: www.exeter.ac.uk/thinktrydo
5
Graduate Business Partnership Intern and passionate historian, Emma Burman, has been hard at work with the Heritage Collections team. Making the unique and distinct collections of archives and rare books more accessible through a renovated Collection Highlights page, Emma’s job entails a special combination of culture and archival innovation. We talked to her about this rare opportunity and asked just what drew her into a GBP heritage role in the first place.
My dream is to become a museum curator so an internship working with such a variety of rare materials in the university archives is a pretty great first step. It’s quite a hands-on project - so far I’ve written about the work of writers and artists including Ted Hughes, Leonard Baskin and Jack Clemo. I’ve looked at love letters from the poet John Jarmain to his wife during the Second World War. It’s quite a unique feeling to get so personal with your research subject. It’s not just like reading up their Wikipedia page, it’s actually engaging with something that was real and meaningful to them. This type of internship isn’t easy to come by and it’s wonderful that the university has started this scheme in order to cater for graduates with similar career goals to me! My advice to students who are looking for a curation position is to keep your eyes open. To find out more about the work that Heritage Collections do, visit: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/heritage-collections/ Or follow them on twitter! @uoeheritagecoll
IN THE ZONE
Follow your calling If you feel you’re being pulled in a particular direction but don’t yet have the right experience or knowledge, then perhaps the testimonials of these two remarkable graduates currently training in their vocations will inspire your journey…
Tim Salinger “I joined the Royal Air Force as a Pilot in October 2016 after graduating from Exeter in Politics with Spanish. I’d been sponsored by the RAF through university and had known that it’s what I’d be doing for a couple of years.
parachuting numerous times and picked up some useful qualifications along the way (and got paid for all of it). There was no obligation to join after university and I had no intention of doing it, but in my second year I was convinced, so I threw in a career application and here I am!
The first few months of training have been hard yet rewarding – as I’ll be an Officer before a Pilot I must complete the Initial Officer Training (IOT) course before I can begin flying.
The lifestyle change is a shock at first, and whilst the majority of graduates move into London after graduating, I seem to have been the only one to move out. I’m now based at RAF Cranwell, which is near Lincoln. In May I graduate from Cranwell and then begin flying training!”
At university, I was part of the RAF’s University Air Squadron system (UAS). It offers students the chance to do some amazing things and experience the best parts of military life during studies. I learnt to fly, went skiing and
For more information on the UAS, visit: www.raf.mod.uk/universityairsquadrons
Flora Carr “This September I started my Masters in Investigative Journalism at City University of London, after graduating with a first in English Literature from Exeter. City is renowned for its journalism Masters, and I feel so lucky to have been offered a place. The idea that I could one day write for a living – whether articles or documentary scripts – gets me out of bed every morning. I’ve been interested in journalism as a career ever since I joined Exeposé, Exeter’s student newspaper, in first year. I’d always loved creative writing, so I was drawn in particular to features writing. After serving as Copy Editor, I became Features Editor of the paper. I juggled my degree and editorial roles with internships every holiday – in journalism, work experience counts for so much. I also blogged for The Guardian, and won a few journalism competitions, including Vogue Talent Contest 2015 and Student Journalist of the Year at the Words By Women Awards 2016.
I was offered places on both the Magazine and Investigative MA courses at City, and picked the Investigative one as it trains you up in both print and broadcast mediums. It’s been a huge shift from my BA course – I’ve gone from 8-hour weeks to classes every day. It’s an intensive, vocational course, designed to help you find employment the minute you step out the doors. I’ve had shorthand drilled into me at 9am every morning, and now whenever I pick up a pen I hear my tutor’s voice tut, “news at the top!” Living in London can be tough as a student, even with a student loan. However, I won a Print Futures scholarship and I’ve been freelancing, both of which do help. My most recent internship was two weeks at the BBC Current Affairs department. It was an incredible experience; and I know that my current course helped me get there.” For more information on Postgraduate study, visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/pgstudy
6
IN THE ZONE
CREATIVE CORNER
PaddleBoat Theatre Company, comprised of four 2014 BA drama graduates, strive to find new and exciting ways to teach children through performance. From working with the Exeter Deaf Academy to publishing their own children’s book, “According to Arthur”, the company demonstrate a unique combination of creativity and entrepreneurialism. We talked to Artistic Director, Katy Dash, Musical Director, Hattie Brown and Literary Manager, Stuart Cottrell, to get an insight into their professional lives. What initially drew you to children’s theatre? Katy: I’ve always enjoyed children’s theatre. I remember going to see a piece in college and thinking it was such a great alternative way of teaching. I also wanted to make things for kids so it just seemed to click. What’s a typical day of work like for you? Hattie: There isn’t really such thing as a “typical day”. It can range from hours of rehearsals to hours of admin work. The one consistent aspect is that we always prefer to work together. I don’t know if I should say this but we’ve become quite co-dependent. Creatively co-dependent though! What’s the worst part of the job? Stuart: Probably trying to find stability. Working in the arts isn’t just like a normal business – you’re constantly having to prove the value of the work you’re doing in order to get funding. Unfortunately this type of business doesn’t take priority in comparison to others so you do need to work twice as hard. Slowly the line between your work and social life starts to blur so a passion for the job you’re doing is vital.
What’s the best part of the job? Hattie: There are so many. I love that we’re responsible for our own success, I love seeing the company grow within the city and the Devon art scene, and I love the kids’ reactions to our work. In particular we’ve been working with the Exeter Deaf Academy for a year and a half now as part of an initiative to make our shows more accessible to a wider audience. Incorporating BSL into our scripts is a classic example of us learning from the people we interact with and not just the other way round. It’s a very rewarding experience. What advice would you give students keen to work in a creative industry? Katy: Never be afraid to ask someone for a coffee! Networking and keeping open contacts is key in this line of work. You need to realise that being a freelance artist/ theatre group or whatever is essentially starting your own business venture. Be willing to listen to advice when you’re meeting with potentially helpful people and don’t push your own agenda! As tempting as it can be, don’t introduce yourself with a sales pitch - it’s a Networking no-no. Identify what you can offer, know the area that you’re working in and don’t say yes to everything. We, for example, have never agreed to create a dance piece for a school. As well as being a theatre company, you’re a self-starting business. Would you say that being an entrepreneur is an important aspect of being an artist? Stuart: Unless you’re lucky enough to get snatched up by a company or have an agent do all of your legwork, being an entrepreneur is essential. We understand that the creative world and the business world might seem a whole universe apart but they actually fit together really well. The trick is to start transferring business language into creative language. As soon as you start to understand the jargon and establish the layout of your business model, your artistic independence will rocket and you’ll be able to overcome that whole notion of an artist needing to work another “money-making” job on the side. To learn more about Paddleboat Theatre Company, visit: www.paddleboattheatre.co.uk
7
IN THE ZONE
Slaying the Application Jenny Woolacott-Scarr –
Information Officer
Applying for jobs can be a daunting experience. Before almost every exciting career opportunity stands a hulking body of text demanding a CV, a cover letter and often a multitude of other written tasks. The process can feel overwhelming and each application will ask for different things, but here are a few fundamental steps from Jenny Woolacott-Scarr to remember! Step 1: Calm your Tongue Answer the question. Think about what you’ve been asked and only include relevant information. Don’t embellish your answers with so many side notes that the person reading it will lose track of what you’re talking about. If you’re stuck, put yourself in the employer’s shoes; they’ll only ask you something that’ll help them decide whether to interview you or not.
Step 2: Pack a Mean Punch If you were to recite a short anecdote about a chicken crossing a road you’d expect there to be some sort of conclusion. The chicken doesn’t reach the halfway point and simply cease to exist. The chicken must cross the road in order to get to the other side. Apply this logic to your application. Every single thing that you mention must be said with purpose and purpose needs a conclusion. Reach it. Step 3: Remember you’re a Person When an employer recruits a human being they’re expecting, and probably hoping, you’ll act like a human being. Yes, we are living in the golden age of technology, but we haven’t quite reached the point where bosses can digitally download employees. Personality counts. Don’t preoccupy yourself with sounding so professional that you read like an Argos catalogue of employable skills. Show you have a life outside of your studies, show passion for your subject and show an eagerness to learn.
Step 4: Use All of the Stage If there’s a word limit use all the space available, otherwise it looks like you don’t have much to say. When you talk about your work experience it’s not just what you did, it’s real examples of the transferable skills like teamwork, leadership and time-management that employers are looking for. Put all of the relevant information in that you can and don’t presume the employer will figure things out about you. Employers might have to read over 500 application forms, so make it obvious and make it stand out. Step 5: Do your Homework Remember that scene in Devil Wears Prada when Meryl Streep asks Anne Hathaway if she reads the magazine and Anne Hathaway painfully murmurs “no”? Don’t be that person. You’ll be in competition with some very able researchers so stones can’t be left unturned. Show evidence that you’ve researched the company, the role and the market. Try to find at least one thing out about the company that you think others might not mention. Every employer thinks they’re different (and better) than the competition. Evidence that you know what sets them apart from the rest.
8
IN THE ZONE
Look before you Leap Talking to the GBPs
As Graduation edges closer you might be a little overwhelmed by the prospect of leaving academia’s embrace. Feeling ill-prepared is only worsened when the grad cap comes off and people around you seem to scatter across the universe. But everyone moves at a different pace and sometimes a more considered approach can be beneficial. The University’s Graduate Business Partnership scheme can award you with a great deal of new skills applicable to your career. These internships are designed to help get graduates into a supported internship with organisations usually based in the South West. So if you’re eager to stay close to the university (or even work for the university) a GBP internship might be just what you want. Former English student Alice Varah has taken up a curatorial internship at The Bill Douglas Museum. Tasked with a research project determining the extent to which collections have been used in academic research since the Museum’s establishment, Alice has a great opportunity to gain experience in the heritage sector. Applying research skills obtained on her course to the workplace for a productive end goal also helps the betterment of University resources. “I wanted to find a different opportunity, one that didn’t involve teaching, marketing or any of the other ‘usual’ jobs associated with English graduates.” Torran McEwen wants to work in theatre so a GBP role as Arts and Culture Administrator is providing her with vital experience. With a wide range of responsibilities, from writing reports on university programs to organising accommodation for students attending off-campus events, Torran is also reaping the benefits of working in a university environment in order to exploit available career information. “The team I’m working for has a lot of experience in how the Arts Industry operates, so are able to offer practical advice about my next steps.” After studying at the Cornwall campus the thought of leaving Falmouth was inconceivable for Hannah Goodfellow so she was more than happy when offered work within the College of Life and Environmental Science in Cornwall. Working as a Student Engagement Officer with the SSLC, Education Support Services, Programme Directors, and module leaders to deliver on and promote engagement activities, Hannah is enjoying the opportunity to thrive in a familiar setting.
9
“My GBP role has allowed me to work in an environment which is not only familiar, but supportive, friendly, and genuinely fun. The flexibility of my role allows me to work with other GBPs on organising numerous events. From a “Science of the Sea” event in the Maritime Museum in Falmouth town to the “Wild Film Fest” which celebrates student wildlife storytelling with seminars, a film screening, photography showcase, and an awards ceremony.” Ellie Dodson wanted to make a difference. Working as an Employability Project Support Officer for the University in Cornwall, she helps to improve the employability of graduates from the College of Life and Sciences Department. “As a graduate who is unsure of what I want to do in a career, it provided me with the the perfect opportunity to understand the skills I’ve gained from my degree. During my degree I was part of the Geography Student Employability Committee, so this helped when applying for the placement and it meant I already had contacts with big organisations who are attending the careers fair next month.” Alejandra Martinez works off campus as an Export Sales Coordinator for Mallory International, a company that exports books and educational materials. Dealing mainly with Spanish and Ugandan customers, she became interested in international trade after being part of the Pathways to International Trade programme at University. Learn more www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/pathways_to_international_trade “It gave me a good insight into international trade and I decided to look for exporting jobs. Although my GBP is a little different since I do no work on campus, I really enjoy my current position as I have been given a lot of responsibility from the beginning. Everyone is really supportive at the company and there are a few Exeter alumni working here too! I will be going on my first business trip to Spain in a few weeks’ time and I am really looking forward to it!” Learn more www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/graduates/gbp/
IN THE ZONE
Walk with
Giants
Perhaps you have an idea about the sort of career you want to go into, but you would like some sound advice from somebody in the know first. The Career Mentor Scheme matches students with experienced professionals to gain one-to-one careers advice, support and guidance in their profession and sector for up to 6-months. This is what three students had to say about their experiences:
Chun Wang, studying a postgraduate degree in Accounting and Finance, shared with us what he gained from being matched with a mentor in the Charity & Development Work sector.
“My experience of the career mentoring scheme has been wholly positive, insightful and encouraging. It has been an opportunity to consider what the field I want to work in requires of me, as well as what I require from it. The scheme and support of my mentor has afforded me the courage to view my ambitions and talents as assets through which to cultivate the career I want. The world of work is a constantly shifting terrain, and the leaders of the future will have to grow in confidence to deal with the pressures that come with access to so much knowledge, social and environmental responsibility. I may not yet be where I want, however I have the skills and ambition to get there.” Second year Zoology student Sophie undertook a mentoring partnership with a Senior Experimental Officer. “The Career Mentor Scheme was a great experience and allowed me to gain insight into the field of work I am interested in. When meeting up in her work place, she introduced me to all the researchers which proved to be a great networking experience and gave me relevant contacts for summer internships. I received extensive help on updating my CV, checking applications I had written for several roles and I was even given interview preparation tips. Your mentor can open doors to getting in contact and meeting others in the field. I highly recommend the programme and believe that all students would benefit enormously.” Learn more www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/mentor/
“The opportunity to get constant advice from a member of the alumni is a huge privilege. The scheme helped me figure out what specific skills I need to show potential employers. It increased my knowledge of the recruitment process and offered a clear understanding of what characteristics a particular firm might ask for. My mentor not only focused on my personal development, but also gave genuine guidance to enhance my skill sets for future employability.” Noluthando Langa, an Exeter English graduate now studying a postgraduate degree in International Development at Birmingham University, wanted to gain honest insight into the professional world from a mentor in Global Solutions.
10
IN THE ZONE
60,000 STUDENT ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE CAREER ZONE LAST YEAR
EXETER UNI IS
7,500 WE SAW OVER
STUDENTS
FACE TO FACE AT OUR CAREER ZONE DESKS IN 15/16
NINTH IN THE UK
– TIMES HIGHER 2017
11
IN THE ZONE
585 SUPPORTED
EMPLOYABILITY IN 585 alumni volunteered their time to support Exeter students with their career development giving nearly 5,000 hours of their time.
ACQUISITION OF QUALITY INTERNSHIPS AND PLACEMENTS BY FINALISTS HAVE RISEN
FROM TO
(2010) (2015)
The CAREER ZONE IS RANKED
2015/2016
THE NUMBER OF FINALISTS RESEARCHING GRADUATE JOBS BEFORE THE FINAL YEAR HAS RISEN
FROM TO
(2010) (2015)
THE POWER OF WORKING
WITH THE SERVICE:
IN THE UK (STUDENT CROWD AWARDS) WITH AN AVERAGE SATISFACTION RATE SCORE OF THOSE WHO DO THE EXETER LEADERS 4.69 OUT OF 5 AWARD CAN INCREASE THEIR CHANCE OF ADVERTISING OVER GETTING A GRADUATE LEVEL JOB BY UP TO 8% PER YEAR!
THOSE WHO TAKE PART IN CAREER MENTORING CAN INCREASE THEIR CHANCES BY NEARLY 4%
12
IN THE ZONE
It’s important to remember that a degree from the University of Exeter not only validates academic excellence but it also connects you to a worldwide network of alumni and we have many different schemes and opportunities allowing you to benefit from the support of our graduates. The Exepert Scheme When caught up in the hullabaloo of job hunting it’s easy to forget the importance of actually finding out the specifications of a career. Through The Exepert Scheme, we can put you in contact with a diverse range of alumni offering invaluable advice on how to enter their chosen sector as well as work for a certain company, become self-employed or benefit from possible networking opportunities and contacts. The process is simple: head over to the eXepert webpage, fill in a short application detailing the type of work you are looking for and any specific companies you are interested in. We’ll put together a list of a graduates for you to choose from and establish a point of communication via email. For more information, just click: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/exepert Career Events Keep an eye out for upcoming careers events on My Career Zone. Throughout the year there will be seminars given by alumni speakers offering you the chance to hear about working in your industry of interest. Also look out for any upcoming Career Fairs which are designed to provide you access to a range of employers offering part-time work, internships and graduate opportunities. These companies are keen to recruit Exeter students making them a fantastic opportunity for you to access potential future employers. www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/exepert Mock Interviews Attend a mock interview led by an alumnus to gain experience of a real interview situation. The opportunity to practice interview skills with an experienced interviewer can have an enormous impact on your career outcomes. As confident as you feel about entering the world of work, a chance to adjust to the type of questions that an interviewer might ask you provides valuable insight into the recruitment process. You can book mock interviews through My Career Zone. For more information, visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/employment-services/develop/ mock-interviews
13
Today’s students tomorrow’s alumni Once you graduate, we’ll be in touch regularly with news, job opportunities, careers advice and alumni benefits, including access to a wide range of online journals and publications. You have access to Career Zone and careers services for three years after graduation. Whether you need careers advice, internship opportunities, graduate-level work or are interested in further study then there will be support available to you. Exetra Our London based networking group for recent alumni combines fun and professional development. The famous annual Christmas Quiz and autumn Wine Tasting run alongside sector-specific networking events designed to help you build your professional networks and gain insights into industries and job roles. For more information, visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/alumnisupporters/networks/ exetra-therecentalumnigroup/ The Alumnae Group Founded by a group of Exeter alumnae, the Alumnae Group, or Exe-X, helps tackle the specific challenges facing women in their careers. Every year, more than 100 alumnae gather for the London group’s annual networking event, a great opportunity to hear from inspiring women and share experiences with graduates. For more information, visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/alumnisupporters/networks/alumnae
FAST FACT Are you planning to live and work abroad? You’ll be joining more than 20,000 Exeter alumni who live in more than 180 countries across the world. Last academic year, alumni held 83 international events across the world! Find details of our country contacts on our website.
# EXETERFOREVER Your connection with Exeter need not finish when you graduate, the University of Exeter is a community for life supporting you, always.
IN THE ZONE
A Helping Hand Some words of wisdom from Careers Consultant, Rowanna Smith.
You might feel like you’re the only person out of your whole year who leaves without the slightest inkling of what to do next. This is false. Nowadays the achievement of graduate employment immediately after university is an idea that constantly bombards students via social media. The amalgamation of tailored advertisement, Facebook statuses from fellow course mates bragging about new jobs and the sudden disappearance of fixed routine in your life takes its toll. As a result, graduates hurl themselves at recruiters from a congestion of different professional fields, desperately hoping to find a foothold in anything with the word “graduate” in the title, even if it’s not related to an original career goal. But however popular it is, it’s not the only option open to you so don’t feel like you need to apply for jobs just to appease that immediate urge. Graduation is the perfect time for you to really start focusing on yourself and believe it or not, we can help you do that. “My biggest concern for after graduation is probably finding a graduate job to commit to - I think it’s really difficult to understand from job specifications what the actual day to day role is going to be, and I am definitely put off applying for roles that I think I might find disappointing or unexciting once I get there.” Large graduate recruiters will be looking to hire people who possess resilience, commercial awareness and professionalism. It’s important for you to understand whether these are attributes that you have or not when you leave university. Here at the Career Zone, we are committed to helping you find the best possible way of cracking in to your ideal profession. Our service to you doesn’t end after university. If you feel particularly stuck at any point just before or after leaving then a good start would be to talk through your available options and formulate a basic plan with a careers consultant. One to one support is still readily available to you – you can book an appointment to talk with us either via telephone, Skype or if you’re close by, in person. Bookmark the Career Zone webpages or add them to your favourites and come and pay us a visit. And on that note, creating a plan for your career doesn’t necessarily need to be a long and arduous process. Think about the skills you already have and the skills that you need to get. Current students can attend a wide variety of skill sessions bookable via MyCareerZone that will help to develop qualities you can hone in the workplace, everything from networking to listening and resilience to leadership. For a more independent approach, make a habit of documenting every experience that you have that you deem to be particularly character building from this point onwards. It may be an adequate addition to your CV, it may not, just remember that most skills are transferable and employers hold those who take every opportunity to learn new things in high regard. Each small chapter of your life could be that golden anecdote that pushes you higher than your competitors in a job interview. We know it’s not always easy making the transition between university and the workplace, but no matter what professional situation you find yourself in after university, you are now part of something bigger and we are eager to help you in whatever way that we can.
“ I hate storms, but calms undermine my spirits.” Bernard Moitessier 14