Your employability: your future
2011/2012 www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc
Priya is President of the Union of Brunel Students and a great advocate both of Brunel and its reputation for developing well‑rounded, capable, employable graduates. “I studied a four-year law degree at Brunel that included work placements. As a fresh‑faced student, I lived in a social bubble which involved going out and having fun with my friends so my first placement in a legal aid law firm abruptly opened my eyes to the reality and competitiveness of the work environment and highlighted to me the importance of being more than just someone with a degree. I spent my second placement in a civil litigation law firm, where I learnt invaluable skills such as communication, management and the ability to network. Being thrown into a professional environment really helped me mature as a student and approach my studies with a more focused work ethic. Law is a competitive environment to break into and training contracts are like gold dust. Many of my friends now have such contracts from the firms where they did their placements. My placements allowed me to come out with a great set of employability skills for my CV, and both the firms have asked me to come back and work for them when I have finished University.” 2
Sandy, studying Information Systems, was a Job Shop temp and is now on placement. “When I started University I really wanted a part time job and I used the various websites available for almost a year with no luck. Then I decided to use the PCC website for on-campus and local jobs, applying for the Job Shop Temps scheme and after that there was no looking back. You can pick up a job that suits you, your timetable and your skills. In the Job Shop pool you can take up as many jobs as you want according to your schedule and I never wanted to miss any opportunity to develop my skills for I knew the more experience I had to write on my CV, the more chances I would have of securing a placement. My jobs have developed my skills and boosted my confidence as I have been given responsibility and handled sensitive issues. I have worked in a variety of departments and these experiences gave me immense confidence to create an impressive CV and to face interviews. I would like to mention it strongly here that when I wrote my CV and was able to demonstrate the skills I had developed 90% of the companies I applied to for placement called me for an interview. Once I have completed my industrial work placement for my degree, I know that nothing can stop me from getting a graduate opportunity.�
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Gary Argent, Association of Graduate Recruiters “If you want to get a position on a good graduate scheme then it is really important to think about the attributes that employers look for in the graduates they hire, especially in the current climate. Recruiters look for a range of skills that they feel will bring value to their organisation, including the technical skills that you gain on your course and the less well-defined (but no less important) ‘soft skills’ that help you succeed in a business environment (often called employability skills). True, they will hire for potential, but they will also want you to “hit the ground running” so that you can start contributing to the business quickly. Understanding the skills that a recruiter looks for is critical to landing a graduate job, and effective marketing is all about the way that you articulate your experience to demonstrate that you have those skills. Experience comes in many forms – working hard to gain a good degree, part-time work to help pay the bills, volunteer projects or involvement in societies. It is all valuable material for your application form – so think laterally about what you have got and how you present it to make sure your application stands out from the crowd.”
Heman graduated from Information Systems and Computing “I went to Orange as a student on placement but only a couple of months later, I was working on important projects and travelling abroad to attend meetings with the senior management team. I used theoretical knowledge developed at Brunel to improve business processes and designed an online testing tool for Orange to help the co-ordination of device testing within the UK and Europe. I was asked to return part-time as part of my final year project. The work placement scheme was extremely beneficial to me – it allowed me to choose my career path easily and gave me a clearer idea about the kind of work I wanted to do after graduation. Not only this, but the professional attitude that I learnt while working and travelling to different countries was a great help to me when starting my career.”
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So you’re here at Brunel University. Congratulations! You have already worked hard to reach this point in your life, whether by passing exams or through a variety of work and life experiences. Now you are going to enjoy an amazing few years as a university student. We hope that you will learn a lot from your course and its lecturers, make new friends and have a wonderful few years without a care in the world – except for how to get that next work assignment in. BUT – think about this for a moment. You will eventually finish your course…and then what? The smartest amongst you will already be thinking about how you can stand out from the crowd when you graduate. How are you going to be successful in that interview? How are you going to get that job you’ve set your heart on? What is it that’s going to make you stand out from other graduates? When is comes to careers, it’s never too early to start planning, and we’re keen to get you started. So do give this guide a quick read: your parents, guardians and supporters too. Because, make no mistake, you need to think from the outset about what will make your CV stand out from the rest. Employers can afford to be very choosy these days, so they are looking for CVs that not only show you have a good degree but also that you have a little something extra. The first good news is that you have chosen Brunel as your university. The 2010 Sunday Times Good University Guide showed that Brunel graduates have the 13th highest average graduate starting salary in the UK: £22,374, compared with a national average of £19,677. But what else can you do to increase your employability when you graduate? And how can the University help?
I wish there were more universities like Brunel which positively encourage students to take a year out to work in industry. It gives them the edge over their peers. Stephanie Lee, Intel
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Sam, who is taking the BEng in Aerospace Engineering, worked with Inflite at Stansted Airport. “The company had previously taken on students but never for a full year-long period, so it was to be a new experience for them as well as for me. From day one I was given huge responsibility working on commercial and private aircraft. My job title was Avionics Technician and involved running diagnostics, testing, fault finding, modification and repair of the aircraft electronic systems as part of a service check.
The time spent at The Jet Centre allowed me to obtain practical experience that complemented the wide range of avionics theory I had studied at Brunel. I have taken away a huge skills profile from my placement, and have since been offered a position within the company. Due to the enhancement of my CV which was a direct result of my placement, I have also been offered jobs working with similar maintenance and repair organisations in Europe.”
Antonella studied Sociology “One of the most important aspects of my degree was the experience and skills that I gained through work placements that has enabled both me and friends on my course to obtain jobs after graduating. I was even offered and accepted the post of Volunteer Placement Advisor by my first work placement employer, the Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Service.”
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Isn’t it too early to start planning my career already? Definitely not! You may have little idea what you wish to do with the rest of your life when you graduate, especially if your course doesn’t lead down an obvious career path. Even students who are focused on a particular career may decide on a change of direction along the way. Career patterns have changed greatly compared with even a generation ago, so 60% of graduate jobs are open to students of all disciplines: you’ll be surprised at the range of options open to you. There is, however, a lot you can do whilst at university to dig the foundations for this crazy paving. And the earlier the better. It is as important to rule out what you don’t want to do as it is to decide what you do want to do.
“There’s no such thing as a career path. It’s crazy paving and you have to lay it yourself” Skills for Graduates in the 21st Century
I really can’t see why all students for whom a work placement is possible don’t take up the opportunity. It is win win, for the student, the university and the employer. Ed Wilkes, Royal Mail
We are about to receive our third cohort of students from Brunel on work placement. We have been delighted with the calibre of the students that we have worked with in the past, and with the progress each of them has made over the course of their placements. Celia Clarke, BID
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Mandeep is studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering “My placement job with Intel was advertised by the Placement and Careers Centre. I needed to send my CV and fill in a basic form on Intel’s website. I was then invited to an assessment day that involved a basic technical assessment, an interview and a 10 minute technical presentation related to Intel. The PCC was very helpful to me. They improved my CV, had regular advice sessions on job hunting and prepared me for my assessment day.”
Martin is studying Mechanical Engineering (Motorsport) “The placement office were useful in helping me to craft a CV good enough to get an interview at Red Bull Technology, and I managed to beat a huge number of people in being chosen for the placement. I have been involved in numerous projects, involving all sorts of areas of car electronics and controls.”
Neelema Desai, BA English
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“After I complete my degree, I hope to complete a PGCE to become a secondary school teacher. I felt that if I were to carry out experience during my first year, I would not only have an advantage when completing my PGCE application but I could also return to the school if I wish to do so after completing my education.”
The first piece of advice? Think ahead The Placement and Careers Centre (PCC) has a team of seven Careers Consultants who can help you do this. Their service is approachable and accessible, and they have extensive knowledge of the graduate job market.
You might spend some time with a Careers Consultant thinking about: •
What am I really interested in?
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What skills do I enjoy using?
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Do I want to work with people, ideas or practical things?
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Do I enjoy pressure or prefer a more relaxed pace?
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Am I a team player or an individualist?
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What kind of organisation do I want to work for? A large corporate? A small company? A charity? The public sector?
Then you might think about what skills employers are known to be looking for: •
People skills: leadership, team-working, inter-personal skills.
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Self-reliance skills: self-awareness, resourcefulness, networking ability.
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General skills: initiative, problem-solving, commitment, flexibility, attention to detail.
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Specialist skills: IT, technical, or business skills.
Employers are attracted to graduates who have this kind of profile, but are also increasingly looking for graduates who have the ability to make a difference to their organisation: a “can do” approach to work. You might think that these skills and attitudes can be developed when you start your career, but if you learn – and put into practice – some of these before you start work, you will not only give yourself a head start but will also accelerate your earning potential. Brunel can help you make this possible in several ways.
A work placement gives the student an idea of how their academic work fits into the world of work. This is obviously an advantage when they graduate. Phil Donnelly, British Airways
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Kiroulus studied Law “My time at Matrix Chambers was intellectually stimulating and challenging, giving me the opportunity to develop my legal research skills and also to gain an insight into a career at the Bar. I had an opportunity to shadow some well-respected members of the Bar, including Rabinder Singh QC and Janet Kentridge in a Court of Appeal hearing. The legal and administrative skills I developed will be useful in the future in both my studies and employment. I also had an incredible experience at Vickers – so much so, that I stayed for an extra three months! Some of the tasks I was given to begin with were quite straightforward, but as time went on, and I proved myself, I was given much more responsibility and plenty of legal experience. It was also very hard work! It gave me an insight into what work is like for a high street firm and showed me the difference between the roles of barrister and solicitor. Having this information gives me the opportunity to make a clear cut decision as to which career I wish to pursue.”
Craig, who studied Social Anthropology, spent his first placement in Nepal “During my placement, I dealt with various things from working with street children to working with young monks on a dental awareness scheme. I still remember the day I flew to Nepal, dreading the unknown, but now a year on I would never have changed a thing. A work placement abroad gives a new meaning to the word “challenge”. Your placement becomes your way of life. You have to fend for yourself. It is a reality check and a welcome to the real world. It was hard at times, and a learning curve. Seeing complete poverty not on a TV screen but just outside my bedroom window will stay with me for life. Living in a totally different culture, I had hands on experience of everything I wanted to do.” 10
So what can I do to make myself more employable? Work placements One of Brunel’s most distinctive features is its commitment to incorporating extensive periods of work experience into many of its courses. Work placements normally take the form of a one-year block (a thick sandwich) or, for the School of Social Sciences, two six-month periods (a thin sandwich). The PCC maintains close contact with several thousand employers ranging from “big names” in business and commerce to central and local government, research organisations, charities and smaller businesses that are going places and prepared to take their graduates with them. Your academic tutor and the Placement Officers based in the PCC will together help you find an appropriate placement that should complement your academic studies. The PCC can then help you with your placement application, including careers advice, improving your CV, and mock interviews. Your tutor will stay in touch with you during the placement although you will be supervised at work by your employer. Many of the placements are paid with salaries ranging from £14,000 to £20,000. This is particularly true of Business, Engineering and Design and Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics. Social Sciences placements are more often unpaid but expenses are usually given and it may be possible to receive a placement bursary.
A good placement can be the bridge between a degree and a career. Our students have been taken on by their host companies, or commissioned to set up websites, create marketing plans or write readers’ reports for them on a contract basis. And some literary agents have taken on our interns as clients once their novels were finished. Celia Brayfield, Course Convenor for MA in Creative Writing: The Novel
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NOTICEBOARD :-) It shouldn’t be forgotten that a degree is an intense three years and a year out before your final year is a good opportunity to have a break from that and get ready for what’s to come! Karly-Rai ______________________________________________ The best thing about volunteering for me is the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people – both those you work with and those you are helping. Also, it allows you to try out new things and to learn new skills and gain experience, all of which are really valuable. Emma ______________________________________________ My placements at Microsoft gave me an insight into the world of work and they made me feel just like a permanent employee with my own responsibilities. This changed me as a person and my family and friends mentioned that I had become more mature and professional when speaking with others. Did doing a placement help me get a job? Yes, most certainly! It allowed me to show that I had gained commercial experience, and my final year project was based on a problem I had encountered whilst on placement. Mosun ______________________________________________ I did my placement at Symantec – my first ever job – and it was nothing like I had expected. I was given plenty of responsibility both in technical and administrative areas, and worked on several high-priority urgent cases but also spent time arranging meetings for one of my managers. The people were amazing, with a lot of laughter, but everyone’s work ethic made you want to work harder. People cared about what they were doing and not just because they had to. Estefania ______________________________________________ Accenture offered me a job for when I finish my studies at Brunel and I managed to save enough money from the placement to pay for my entire final year, so job hunting and finances are two things I don’t have to worry about anymore. Anthony ______________________________________________ Working for Virgin Trains has definitely been an eye-opener to the world of business, I’m more keen to take on new challenges and the people here are great to work with! Nakum
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During the process of applying for a placement I learnt a lot about making applications, interviews and creating good first impressions. My placement at American Express has not only helped me develop professionally – but I have also gained inter-personal skills, database skills, communication skills, time management skills, and many others. Hemal ______________________________________________ I initially enrolled on the 3-year course but heard about the thin-sandwich course at a briefing by the placement team in January of my first year. After discussing it further with my family, I decided to change to the thin sandwich course and have never looked back! Being able to complete two very different placements has given my CV a broader base of transferable skills from working with children with special educational needs to the experience of working in public relations. Hayley ______________________________________________ I found the whole process of getting a placement challenging. Rejections are never nice, but in the end it was worth it. In just a few months I have learnt more about business and industry than I feel I could by sitting in a classroom. I definitely feel I will be much more confident in interviews and working in new industries when I graduate. Laura ______________________________________________ When I first started my placement, the pressure and expectations of the job forced me out of my comfort zone but it made me so much more confident in the way that I approached my work. It has helped me to improve my communication, team working and investigation skills. I now stand out from other graduates, as not only do I have a degree but also work experience and a great set of skills. The best bit is, I was paid to do it! Shola
Placements offer students the vital experience they need for their future careers whilst also benefitting organisations who get an opportunity to access the bright minds of a future graduate. Professor Zahir Irani, Head, Business School ______________________________________________ Particularly in this economic climate jobs are hard to find and CVs need to stand out from others. Our students return to university more focused and more ambitious for their career. The quality of their academic work is better because they have been making presentations, writing reports and attending business meetings. Vishanth Weerakkody, Director of Work Placements, Business School
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Sophie, Product Design, worked for the Walt Disney Company “Don’t be scared off by big names - there’s nothing to lose in applying, and your CV, portfolio, interview and writing skills are all improved along the way. I look back on second year coursework and can see where it was lacking and already I have so much more to bring to the final year. There is no doubt that having work experience on my CV, especially with Disney, will get me noticed after graduation, and at interviews there will be endless experiences to talk about – graduating seems less daunting now!”
Karly-Rai is studying Medical Genetics “BJS Biotechnologies had designed a piece of lab equipment (a PCR thermal cycler) that is different to all others on the market and they employed me to oversee the biological side. It was a massive learning curve but it gave me such confidence, in the lab and when talking to other people in biosciences. At any time, but particularly with the job market as it is at the moment, experience counts for a lot in biosciences and I’m really happy that I now have more than other graduates. Just to be able to nudge myself that little bit above those who haven’t done a placement will be so useful. I’ve been asked back to the company where I did my placement in October to spend four days at a biotechnical conference in Germany launching the product that I spent time developing. This is a great opportunity for me and adds even more to my CV!” 14
What are the benefits of doing a work placement? If you have read this far you will know some of them already. •
You will gain invaluable experience in the real world of work, and learn skills that will be immediately transferable to your future career. So you are likely to find a job more quickly than students with little work experience.
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You may even be offered a job by your work placement employer after graduation. It’s not uncommon.
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You may be paid during your work placement.
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The average starting salary for graduates who complete a placement during their Brunel degree is significantly higher than for those who do not. In 2010 the difference was over £8,600 per annum – more skills, more money!
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It is likely that you will return from your work placement with more focus, and more intent on doing well in your degree. Our evidence shows that Brunel students who have done a placement are twice as likely to get a 1st class degree compared with those who have not.
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You may have the opportunity to apply the theory of what you have learnt at university to real world problems. Students find this application of theory into practice very rewarding.
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A work placement will help you to decide what you want to do when you graduate. What parts of the placement did you enjoy and what did you not enjoy? This is your chance to find out the kind of things that you might prefer to do in your future career.
You may have reasons for thinking that a work placement is not appropriate for you: •
It will take a year longer to graduate.
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You are thinking about a postgraduate degree rather than launching straight into the job market.
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You want to join a graduate trainee scheme so don’t think you need any prior work experience.
When you have read some of the comments from students, academics and employers, we hope you will find that those concerns have been answered and that you will realise the benefits of doing a work placement definitely outweigh any negatives.
The students we employ on work placements change significantly over the course of the year. They become more focused and confident. I understand that this change is reflected in their attitude for the remainder of their course as well. Justin Hossain, GE Money
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Olubunmi is taking a PhD in Public Health “My volunteering experience over a range of activities has broadened my perspectives on issues at the local level and provided hands on skills. To a potential employer, I have built up useful experience. I have shown that work is not all about the money and have demonstrated commitment, values and sustainability. I have also developed interpersonal skills that have improved my partnership/network base.”
Emma studied for an MA in English at Brunel and is now taking a PhD English and Creative Writing “I believe that my volunteering over the past year or so helped me to develop the skills needed to get the Communications job I now do at Brunel. After I finished my first degree, I applied to be a Special Needs Teaching Assistant, and I got the job because of my experience of working with children and young people as a volunteer classroom assistant in a secondary school, and through a Community Outreach programme teaching creative writing, and running an after school club. Volunteering is a great idea for so many reasons – it’s a good way to meet new people, to learn new skills, it looks great on your CV and on applications, and you get to feel good about yourself too!” 16
Volunteering in the community Volunteering your time with a local community organisation is another way you can develop the skills that will attract an employer. Remember that your CV is your passport to success, and this is a good way to add some skills and experience to your CV that might impress an employer. The skills you learn through volunteering can illustrate your commitment to a task, your time management skills, or perhaps how you work with different kinds of people. Volunteering could also give you the opportunity to try out a particular career direction, or just try something different. Remember that more and more companies are themselves becoming involved in their local communities. Many encourage the involvement of employees in their own schemes as part of their corporate social responsibility. Companies are keen that new employees fit in with this way of working so here’s your chance to shine. Brunel Volunteers can help you find opportunities to become involved. They already have lots of volunteering opportunities to choose from but may also be able to help you with a tailor-made project if there is something specific you would like to do.
Benefits of volunteering •
You feel good because you have helped in some way.
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You learn new skills, which are transferable.
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You get to meet a wide range of people.
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You get to try out new things.
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It looks great on your CV – you can choose activities relevant to your area of study or chosen career.
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It is fun and free!
We find that many school students are already aware of how extra curricular activities can help them get a foot on the career ladder. HAVS has been delighted to offer several Brunel students a placement in the voluntary and community sector. All placements have been firstclass and it has been great to see the individuals grow, develop and learn new skills as the placement has progressed. Ted Hill, Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services
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Marwah studied Financial Mathematics “I chose to work part-time whilst I study, not only for the financial benefits but also to gain transferable skills that will attract future employers. I thought it would make my CV stand out from others as I could explain why I had good team working skills or initiative. For example being a Student Ambassador is a rewarding role and I gained more confidence in public speaking. More importantly working gave me an insight into how life can be after graduation. It has helped me to build an image of what kind of working life I will enjoy and has made me realise that I am a people person!”
Oladele is studying Business and Management (Accounting) “The Placement and Careers Centre has always provided me with the opportunity to take on independent roles whilst studying. This has been flexible, which encourages me to organise my time effectively and most importantly allows me to express my creativity. These roles have helped me to build self confidence when communicating with others, which has also improved my presentation skills.”
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Working while at university Paid work is another avenue for adding to your employability skills. The Brunel Job Shop is part of the PCC and advertises part-time, vacation work and internships to Brunel students. Whether it is general part-time work on campus and in the local area, or more specific course related opportunities you are looking for, the PCC Job Shop advertises roles in business, IT, finance, media, creative industries and many more. The roles available on campus vary from the popular Student Ambassador scheme to administration, customer service, IT support and everything in between. Roles on campus often offer flexible working hours or are event based, enabling you to find working solutions that enhance your experience at Brunel. Last year student earnings from roles on-campus exceeded £500,000.
Benefits of finding part-time work •
Develop skills and experience that enhance your CV.
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Ease financial pressures of attending university.
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Flexible working options that fit around your academic timetable.
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Gain insight into different working environments.
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Experience the recruitment process and build confidence in making applications.
Students gain an enormous advantage in the job market as graduates, since they can demonstrate to prospective employers that they have not only a good degree but also a whole year of full-time, relevant, paid employment, often in some of the most prestigious and exciting businesses in the UK and abroad. Peter Hobson, Professor of Engineering
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“I would recommend volunteering to everyone. Over the last year I have taken up three different volunteering projects, one of them being the Summer Daze Fashion Show in aid of the Community Cancer Centre. Given the opportunity to organise the show I have developed skills that I could never otherwise have done.“ Avina Patel, Business Studies and Sports Science, VC Community and Welfare
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Questions and answers I have a disability. Will that affect my chances? Certainly not. There’s something for everyone. The University is totally committed to equal opportunities and will only work with employers who share our values. The PCC and Brunel Volunteers work closely with the Disability and Dyslexia Service whose aim is to give expert advice and support to all disabled students and help them to become confident, talented and versatile graduates.
What if I’m worried that my academic skills are not strong enough to do any of these things? If English is not your first language or you are concerned that your numeracy may let you down, just ASK. The Academic Skills team – ASK – provides workshops, advice and resources to develop your skills in these areas, and others besides.
I am a member of the Union of Brunel Students. Are there any relevant opportunities available for me there? The UBS offers a variety of opportunities to improve your employability, have fun and gain more from your university experience. There are dozens of ways to get involved and add to your volunteering portfolio: get appointed as a Student Rep; organise Raise and Give events with the RAG team; chair a sports club or society; maybe even run for election as a Sabbatical Officer of the Union.
If you want to get ahead, do a work placement! Students get better degrees: 70% of those awarded a first class degree this year had done a placement. It is also easier to get a job on graduation, and some are offered jobs with their placement employer. Mariann Rand-Weaver, Deputy Head Biosciences
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What do I do now? Get in touch with any of the following teams to find out what options you have and how soon you can start to build both your CV and your career prospects.
Placement and Careers Centre
Disability and Dyslexia Service
Website: www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc
Website: www.brunel.ac.uk/life/welfare/dis
In person: Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.45pm
In person: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm
Post: 1st Floor, Bannerman Centre, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH Telephone: 01895 266840 (internal ext 66840) Email: j obshop@brunel.ac.uk placements@brunel.ac.uk careers@brunel.ac.uk
Drop-in Wednesday 1.00pm to 4.00pm Post: Room 315 Bannerman Centre, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH Telephone: 01895 265213 (internal ext 65213) Email: disability@brunel.ac.uk
Brunel Volunteers Website: http://brunelvolunteers.com In person: Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Post: Brunel Volunteers, Hamilton Centre, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH Telephone: 01895 265923 (internal ext 65923) or 01895 265924 (internal ext 65924) Email: brunelvolunteers@brunel.ac.uk
Academic Skills (ASK) Website: www.brunel.ac.uk/library/ASK In person: See website for availability of drop-in sessions Ground Floor, Library, Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH Email: ask@brunel.ac.uk
Union of Brunel Students Website: www.brunelstudents.com Email: ubs.helpdesk@brunel.ac.uk
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www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc 1st Floor, Bannerman Centre Brunel University, Uxbridge UB8 3PH
01895 266840 (internal ext 66840)
Brunel is one of the few universities to gain the prestigious Matrix Excellence Award, which is granted for high-quality advice, guidance and information.
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‘University with a forwardthinking approach to work-based learning’ was the accolade for the Placement and Careers Centre at the 2011 National Placement and Internship Awards.
The Placement and Careers Centre also won the ‘Best Placement Service’ accolade at the 2010 National Placement and Internship Awards, run by RateMyPlacement.co.uk
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