Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, the summer months are an excellent chance to prepare yourself for future opportunities…
POINT ONE: PART-TIME JOBS…
Working part-time can provide you with a ‘background’ in a particular profession or sector and can supply you with a useful referee outside of the University. It also allows you to build networking contacts and puts you in a strong position if you later apply for a full-time job within that organisation as staff will already recognise your strengths.
Work experience can be a vital way for students to build their CVs and acquire transferable skills. Evidence of a student’s previous work roles can prove to potential employers that they have relevant knowledge, are motivated and that they are reliable.
The Careers & Employability Service lists current part–time vacancies in the local area. To find out more, log into the myCareer portal.
POINT TWO: INTERNSHIPS…
Internships provide a structured way to gain experience and some opportunities are paid.
They are a period of work experience lasting for a fixed period from a week to 3 months, often during the holiday periods.
Opportunities exist in the UK, abroad and online.
Find opportunities on myCareer, Prospects and targetjobs and via networking with local employers.
POINT THREE: SUMMER CAMPS…
If you’d like to spend your summer travelling, meeting new people, learning skills, gaining experience AND earning some money, there are lots of opportunities available, have a look on the myCareer portal.
POINT FOUR: WORK EXPERIENCE AND VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES…
Work experience is invaluable in helping you understand certain job sectors, develop your skills, and build important networks. Work experience relevant to your chosen career area is ideal but don’t forget that most employers are looking for evidence of transferable skills, and so any work experience or project can provide excellent evidence of communication skills, teamwork, numeracy or problem solving. For example:
- Volunteering through the Student’s Union
- Search by postcode to see voluntary opportunities in your area
- Part-time jobs can be found advertised in the myCareer portal.
- Speak to your course leaders/lecturers – they might be able to inform you of any opportunities particularly relevant to your studies.
POINT FIVE: UPDATE YOUR CV AND WORK ON YOUR INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES…
Whether you’re applying for a part-time job, gap year experience or graduate role, you need to make sure that you get your application right. A good CV or application form can increase your chances of getting an interview, and a good interview will help you secure the job.
The Careers & Employability Service have provided information and guidance on the entire recruitment process, from help writing your best CV and application, to tips for excelling at interview. Leaflets and publications can be found in firstpoint on the St John’s Campus or downloaded from the Careers & Employability website
If you would like to discuss any of these options with a Careers Adviser, go to myCareer to book an appointment.
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