firstpoint’s five points about improving employability…

Every Monday, firstpoint publishes five points about a topic related to life at university. This week, ideas and links to find work and improve employability…
POINT ONE: WORK AROUND YOUR STUDY…

Part time jobs can be a good source of income for students, but there are some hidden benefits too. Having a job can help you with time management, communication, understanding business and customer needs, team working and problem solving – all things which look good when you are applying for jobs after university. If you can get a job in your chosen subject area, you could develop links within the organisation that may help you in the future. 

Be careful not to take on too much, remember that this should be supporting your study and not overwhelming it. Full time undergraduate students are recommended to only take on roles of less than 20 hours per week (during semester time) and if you’re an international student, you need to check your visa for any limitations. 

Discover part-time jobs on myCareer 

POINT TWO:  SPEAK WITH AN ADVISER…

The Careers and Employability Service aims to enable students to recognise and develop their attributes and experiences, to better plan and manage their future career and be able to promote themselves professionally and positively to the job market.  

You can book an appointment with an adviser if you want to discuss your options after your degree, need some guidance on job searches or feedback on your CV and application. Book online through myCareer 

POINT THREE: ATTEND A WORKSHOP…

Our online workshops run throughout the year and cover all the essential topics and are designed to help you brush up on your skills and meet other students in a similar position. Come along to discover more about finding part-time work, exploring the graduate jobs market, and deciding if postgraduate study is right for you. You’ll also learn how to craft a winning CV, confidently prepare for job interviews, and how to use LinkedIn as a professional networking tool for students.

To sign up, simply visit the Events page on myCareer to take your pick! 

POINT FOUR: MAKE USE OF ONLINE TOOLS AND BROWSE THE RESOURCES…

As a University of Worcester student or graduate, you have access to a range of online tools to support you in your career journey. Log in at a time and place that suits you!   

The CV Builder will guide you through planning your CV and deciding what to include, to how to structure it for maximum impact. Then practice your interview skills through a series of video mock interviews. Your responses will be recorded as you answer typical interview questions which you can then review along with feedback on your technique.  

If you need help in deciding what to do next, then the Career Planner is for you! Whether you need some career inspiration, want to find out more about jobs, or just don’t have a clue what to do next, this pathway can help. You can identify your strengths by taking our Skills Assessment and then use the corresponding pathways to improve your skills and learn how they’re applied in the workplace. 

Plus, Careers & Employability have a dedicated area within firstpoint where you can find a range of resources on with information on all aspects of careers, including lots of subject specific resources.  Come in and have a look! 

POINT FIVE: PREPARE FOR GRADUATION…

Looking for a graduate job is time-consuming and can seem quite overwhelming. Planning and being well prepared will improve your chances of finding the right role.  

Many employers start their application process up to a year in advance of the role beginning. If you are considering graduate schemes, search & apply from September to December and search for other graduate roles from April onwards. 

For help navigating the graduate job market, you can book an appointment with a Careers Adviser. Book online through your myCareer