Careers UK | July Issue - University & College Edition by Careers UK

JULY ISSUE

UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE EDITION

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Special Features Competitions Plastic Free July The Wimbeldon Championships Movie Magic Multi-Level Marketing vs. Pyramid Schemes

Wellbeing

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep Dealing with Peer Pressure Looking After Your Mental Health at University

Thriving at University Getting the Most Out of Lectures & Seminars University Timeline Life After University Preparing for a Presentation Managing Deadlines

Next Steps

Is Studying Abroad Right for You? Should I do a Master’s Degree? Why do a Traineeship? Voluntary Work Experience

Job Market Entry-Level Jobs How to Get a Job When You Have No Experience Secrets to Being a Better Boss What Is Smart Casual?

Professional Insights Accounting & Finance Engineering Health Human Resources Humanities & Art Law

Management Marketing Purchasing & Supply Chain Information & Tech Science & Social Sciences

EDITOR’S LETTER Hello everybody! It gives us great pleasure to welcome you to the July Issue of the Careers UK Magazine. Our goal is to be your go-to place for career-related advice. Our aim is to guide you through each step of your career development and job-hunting journey. We intend to be the best career information hub with a great job-hunting platform and a great easy-to-read magazine that is freely available to everyone. We’d love to hear from you on social media if you have any feedback or enquiries, all our social media links are on our website: www.careersuk.org EDITORIAL POLICY

The views, comments statements and opinions are not necessarily those of Careers UK. Careers UK will accept no responsibility for any loss incurred by any person or organisation as a result of using any material from this publication.

AVERAGE CIRCULATION Print: 30,150 Online/digital : 1.4 million

EDITORIAL

Shareen Akhter & Ellie Smith

CIRCULATION Kirti Patel

MARKETING

Sham Tizora & Aiden Brocklehurst

DESIGN

Meg Swan & Jess Griffiths

James Hall & Sky Shazad

Puzzles & Brainteasers Riddle Me This Anagrams Galore Mazes

www.careersuk.org 0800 865 4770

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WE'RE ON YOUTUBE! SUBSCRIBE We know that people learn and digest information in different ways, and we’re keen to cater for all learning styles. We also know not everyone has time to read our in-depth magazine articles, so want to create articles that can be accessed ‘on the go’. Click on the links opposite to view our ‘bite size’ content.

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HOW TO CREATE A MASTERPIECE CV

FOODS FOR PRODUCTIVITY

S.M.A.R.T GOALS

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PL ASTIC

FREE JULY

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PL ASTIC FREE JULY IS A GLOBAL YEARLY CHALLENGE WHERE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE GIVE UP SINGLE USE PL ASTIC DURING THE MONTH OF JULY. It aims to raise awareness about the amount of singleuse disposable plastic items in our lives and challenges people to do something about it. Plastic is noted for being long-lasting, yet many plastic items are for single use. The world is currently producing nearly 300 million tons of plastic each year, and about 50% of this will be only used once and then thrown away.

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GET INVOLVED Plastic Free July provides resources and ideas to help you reduce single-use plastic waste everyday at home, work and school.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Create a more sustainable future for our planet! REDUCE what you buy. Shopping for second-hand clothing and products can also help contribute to less waste. You can also avoid products that are wrapped in plastic and seek more suitable alternatives. REUSE plastic items as much as possible or take them to a secondhand store so they don’t end up in a landfill.

RECYCLE correctly and choose to buy recycled products. Check packaging and local recylcing services to see what’s available in your area.

REUSE SHOPPING BAGS Plastic shopping bags are dangerous to our wildlife and environment. Use reusable bags and help put an end to plastic waste. Reusable shopping bags are a fantastic alternative to single-use plastic bags. It’s a great idea to keep a stash of your reusable bags somewhere you’ll remember them, like in the boot of your car or by your front door. You can also get into the habit of writing a reminder to yourself at the start of each grocery shopping list.

JOIN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE REDUCING THEIR PLASTIC WASTE Reusable bags go beyond just grocery shopping – bring them along for all shopping trips! There are even purse/pocket sized reusable bags that you can keep on hand for emergencies. Plastic is fatal for animals who mistake it for food or become entangled in it. Plastic bags break up into tiny micro plastics and remain in the environment. By choosing to avoid plastic bags, you can save around 500 plastic bags per year from entering our oceans and landfill.

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE Many people buy plastic water bottles when out and about, only to discard them after use. In the UK we use over 35 million plastic bottles every day! Carrying a

reusable bottle is a great way to cut your plastic use and save money too! Be sure to choose a sociallyresponsible and environmentallyfriendly alternative, such as a reusable bottle made from stainless steel, glass, or safe aluminium.

AVOID SINGLE-USE PL ASTIC STRAWS Reduce plastic waste and protect wildlife by having your drinks without plastic straws. They are lightweight and easily blown down drains and into waterways, rivers and oceans. Plastic straws can become stuck in the airways of animals, or if mistaken for food, ingested which can be fatal.

CONDUCT A BIN AUDIT A bin audit is a great way to take stock of what waste you could be avoiding and improve your composting and recycling habits. Conduct a bin audit to discover all the ‘waste’ that could be avoided, recycled or composted. Whether at home or in your workplace, bin audits are a great way to understand waste you’re creating. Making just a few small changes can have a big impact on the amount of plastic we use on a dayto-day basis.

WILL YOU BE PART OF PLASTIC FREE JULY BY AVOIDING SINGLEUSE PLASTIC ITEMS?

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THE WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIPS For those of you that love to watch sports, The Wimbledon Championships is starting again this month! The Wimbledon Championships, or Wimbledon for short, is a championship level tennis tournament where the best tennis players from all around the world come to compete and see if they can win the title of Wimbledon Champion along with prize money of £2.2 million.

Wimbledon Background Wimbledon began in 1877 which makes it the oldest tennis tournament in the world. It was originally just for amateur tennis players with no cash prize at all. Come 1968, professional players could compete, and prize money was given out to the winners with £2,000 going to the men’s title and £750 going towards the women’s title. It wasn’t until 2007 that the policies were changed, and women received the same amount of money as men. 8

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Wimbledon Traditions There are many different traditions, old and new, that Wimbledon has. Here is a list of just a few of them:

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

This British food favourite is the most popular food served at Wimbledon. It’s not known when it first started happening but none the less, it is very popular with 34,000 kg of strawberries and 10,000 litres of cream being consumed over the two-week period.

There is a strict dress code for tennis players that compete. They must wear all white clothing, but it is okay to have little bits of colour. The ball boys/girls must wear dark navy with the boys wearing shorts and the girls wearing skorts. There used to be a dress code for the public that attended the tournament but now it is a little more relaxed. All that is asked is that there is nobody wearing ripped clothes, sports shorts or trainers.

AN AFTERNOON TIPPLE Drinking Pimms has been a long-standing tradition at Wimbledon with over 320,000 glasses served each year. Unfortunately, it does not come cheap at £8.50 a glass.

STICKING TO THE GREENS Wimbledon is the only competition where the court is all grass. Unlike other tournaments such as the Australian open, Wimbledon chooses not to use clay or hard-courts in order to stick with tradition.

How the Pro’s Became Pro’s

It is incredibly hard to become a professional tennis player and earn money through it as well. You must be the best of the best to compete in tournaments like Wimbledon and that doesn’t happen overnight. Andy Murray started playing when he was just 3 years old and would train with his mother and brother. When he turned 15, he went to Barcelona to study and practice tennis at Sanchez-Casal Tennis Academy. By March 2005, he became the youngest ever person to win the British Davis Cup which is where his career in professional tennis started to take off. Serena Williams is an American tennis player that started playing when she was 3 years old. After spending years of learning from her dad’s coaching and playing in junior tennis tournaments, her tennis abilities caught the eye of tennis pro, Rick Macci. Williams spent several years at Macci’s training academy in Florida before she soon decided to go pro at the age of 14.

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MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING VS PYRAMID SCHEMES Considering a multilevel marketing opportunity (MLM)? Be careful. It may be a legitimate multilevel marketing business, or it may be an illegal scam designed to steal your money. The popularity of direct selling sometimes motivates dishonest organisations to misrepresent themselves as legitimate businesses. Many individuals think they are helping a small business, when in fact they are being fooled by a slick pyramid scheme.

MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING Multilevel marketing (MLM) is a system for selling goods or services through a network of distributors. Multi-level marketing is also referred to as Network Marketing or Direct Sales.

HOW DOES MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING WORK? The Multi-Level Marketing program works through recruitment. You are invited to become a distributor, sometimes through another distributor of the company’s products and sometimes through a generally advertised meeting.

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If you choose to become a supplier with the direct selling company, you’ll earn money both through the sales of the MLM’s products and through recruiting other traders, by receiving a share of the income these suppliers generate. And when these providers recruit traders of their own, you’ll earn money on the income they generate too. Besides earning money off your own sales, you also earn a percentage of the income generated by the distributors that you’ve brought into the program, known as ‘downline’. The distributor that originally recruited you and whoever is above them in the recruitment chain is known as ‘upline’.

PYRAMID SCHEMES Not every multilevel marketing opportunity is a legitimate business opportunity. Pyramid Schemes are scams based on unsuitable, unsustainable business models that require you to recruit other members to recover your joining fee.

SIGNS OF A PYRAMID SCHEME You will be required to sign up other individuals You will be selling goods and services of little value There will be an upfront joining or investment fee You will be selling goods and services through franchises or sub-distributors

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GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP SLEEP

...We all do it, but many of us don’t do it well. A good night’s sleep is just as important as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

It is essential and vital for maintaining good mental and physical health. Unfortunately, many of us struggle to fall asleep, have bad dreams, can’t wake up in the morning and then feel constantly tired! Sleep is your body’s time to recover from the day’s activities, recharge and get ready.

TIPS ON HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP STICK TO A REGULAR SLEEP SCHEDULE To improve your sleep and make sure you are getting the right amount, it’s

Sleep and health are strongly related - poor sleep can increase the risk of having poor health, and poor health can make it harder to sleep. Whilst sleeping, important physical and mental processes are carried out.

best to develop a consistent wake up

Everyone’s experienced the fatigue, short temper and lack of focus that often follow a poor night’s sleep. Insufficient sleep has consequences for how we function in the daytime, causing sleepiness and fatigue. Lack of sleep can lead to headaches, anxiety and depression.

naps, especially in the afternoon.

time, even on weekends.

AVOID NAPPING THROUGHOUT THE DAY If you have trouble sleeping, avoid Power napping may hep you get

through the day, but then you will struggle to fall asleep at night.

DON’T DRINK CAFFEINE BEFORE BED Caffeine acts as a central nervous

system stimulant. When it reaches

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your brain, the most noticeable effect is alertness. You’ll feel more awake and less tired as it enhances focus

and performance, therefore it’s best to avoid this before bed.

EXERCISE REGULARLY: Exercise enhances sleep by burning off tension that accumulates during

the day and improves the quality of sleep, especially when done on a regular basis.

TECH-FREE BEDTIME: Our phones, tablets, computers

and other electronic gadgets have

become such a huge part of our daily lives that it’s often hard to put them

down - even at bedtime. The bedroom should be somewhere that we

associate with sleep. Where possible, you should try to remove distractions from your bedroom as it will help you to relax.

older people still need at least 7 hours

LIGHT, SOUND AND TEMPERATURE

IMPROVES MEMORY

Too much light and background noise

connections that help you process

can prevent you from falling asleep

or staying asleep. For light and noise sources that you can’t control, eye masks or ear plugs are wonderful

of sleep. Since older adults often have

During sleep, your brain forms

and remember new information. A lack of sleep can negatively impact both short- and long-term memory.

investments. If your room is cool,

REDUCES THE RISK OF DEPRESSION

easier to shut your eyes for the night.

Sleep impacts many of the chemicals

rather than warm, it will be much

SLEEP MAKES YOU MORE ALERT A good night’s sleep makes you

feel alert and energized the next

day. Being engaged and active not

BENEFITS OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP only feels great but increases your chances for another good night’s

sleep. When you wake up feeling

refreshed, use that energy to get out into the daylight, do active things, and be engaged with your world.

You’ll sleep better the next night and increase your daily energy level.

in your body, including serotonin.

People with serotonin deficiencies are

trouble sleeping this long at night,

daytime naps can help fill in the gap. The best way to figure out if you’re meeting your sleep needs is to evaluate how you feel as you go about your day. Check out our handy sleep guide below:

SLEEP GUIDE

more likely to suffer from depression.

6-13 years

helps reduce depression.

14-17 years

HELPS REDUCE STRESS

18+ years

Getting the right amount of sleep

9-11 hours 8-10 hours 7-9 hours

If your body doesn’t get enough sleep, it can react by producing a high level

of stress hormones. Deep and regular sleep can help prevent this.

While sleep requirements vary slightly from person to person, most healthy adults need between 7 to 9 hours

of sleep per night to function at their best. Children and teens need even

more. And despite the notion that our

sleep needs decrease with age, most

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DEALING WITH PEER PRES SURE It can be really tempting to do everything you can to fit in with others. Wanting to feel part of something can put pressure on you to act in certain ways.

PEER PRESSURE IS FEELING LIKE YOU MUST DO SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE OTHERS ARE DOING IT. But it’s okay to say no and make your own choices. Peers are people who you socialize with and include people you are friends with, go to school with or work with. Your friends and peers influence your day to day decisions, and you might not even realise it. Sometimes this can be a good thing. Other times, they might pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do. Peer pressure isn’t always a bad thing - your friends might stop you from doing something you couldlater regret. But often peer pressure can be linked to negative acts. 16 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

Don’t allow people to make you feel bad about yourself.

Why do people give in to peer pressure? Some individuals give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in and feel included. Some people worry they might get laughed at or made fun of if they don’t go along with what their peers are doing. Others go along with it because they are curious to try something new that others are doing. The idea that “everybody’s doing it” can influence some people to leave their better judgment, or their common sense, behind. If you feel pressured by people to do things you’re uncomfortable doing, there are ways to respond.

Walk away from peer pressure It is tough to be the only one who says ‘no’ to peer pressure, but you can do it. Paying attention to your own feelings and beliefs on what is right and wrong can help you decide the right thing to do. Inner strength and self-confidence can help you stand strong, walk away, and resist doing something when you know better. It can really help to have at least one other peer, or friend, who is willing to say ‘no’ too. This can take a lot of power out of the peer pressure and makes it much easier to resist. It’s great to have friends with values like yours who will back you up when you don’t want to do something.

Ways to say no It can be hard to say ‘no’ to your peers, especially when they’re all joining in on an activity. Sometimes it can feel like you must do what they tell you to be accepted. It can make you feel scared and alone. It’s not okay for your friends to pressure you like this and it’s not your fault. Try these tips to help you to say ‘no’ in uncomfortable situations: • Say ‘no’ like you mean it The most basic way to respond to peer pressure is to just say ‘no.’ Standing up to peer pressure will save you the trouble of getting pressured again in the future because it sends a clear message that you’re not interested. • Say it with confidence Be assertive. Practice saying “no” so it’s easier when someone asks. Avoid situations which feel unsafe or uncomfortable. • Suggest something else to do If you are uncomfortable with what your peers are doing, suggest something else you could do instead.

How to deal with peer pressure • Make your own decisions Do things that make you happy and make those decisions on your own. While some people might ask you to do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone in a good way, be mindful of any negative consequences that could occur. If you’re going to decide about something, ask yourself, “Is this good for me? Is this adding something positive to my life? How do I really feel about it?” Don’t make decisions based on what other people think is good for you or what they want you to do.

• Select positive friends When dealing with peer pressure, start by choosing friends who won’t pressure you to do things. Your friends should accept you for who you are without wanting to change you. If your friends don’t make bad decisions, then you’re less likely to make them too. Choose friends that you like, not because they’re ‘cool’ or popular. They should like you for who you are, not their idea of you. Try meeting people who share common interests with you. • Choose a different friend group Think about your good interactions versus your bad interactions. If you feel like your friends pressure you too much, find a new group to hang

• Plan a response Whether you haven’t experienced

around with.

peer pressure yet or you want to respond better for next time, think of a response you can use if you’re ever asked something you don’t want to do. Having a response ready will mean you won’t feel under pressure if you’re asked because you’ll already know what to say.

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LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AT UNIVERSITY

Our mental health determines how we feel about ourselves, the way we interact with those around us, form relationships and how we overcome the challenges life throws at us. At every stage of life, we should be mindful of our mental health. It can affect our relationships, physical health, work and studies – both positively and negatively. When mental health interferes with our everyday life and the ability of someone to function normally, it becomes a mental health problem. While mental health problems can occur at any stage of life, the statistics for university students are particularly alarming. Research has shown that one in every four students experience mental health issues at some point during their time at university, with nearly half of those saying they struggle to complete daily tasks as a result. 71% said workload had the biggest impact on their mental health.

WHAT CAUSES MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES? Mental health problems can be caused by a huge range of issues and will vary greatly from person to person. However, University places students under a unique set of circumstances that can sometimes be damaging to mental health. For example: • • • • •

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Living away from home for the first time. Coping with exams and deadlines. The pressure to succeed. Uncertainty about graduate employment prospects. Financial hardship

“IF THE STATE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH HAS IMPACTED YOUR ABILITY TO COMPLETE YOUR WORK ON TIME, OR TO THE SAME STANDARD AS USUAL, THEN YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES.”

SOME SIGNS OF ILL MENTAL HEALTH It can be difficult to spot the signs of mental health, so here are some to look out for: •

Lack of energy

•

Low motivation

•

Unable to concentrate or focus on work

•

Feeling more anxious or agitated than usual

•

Major changes to eating and sleeping habits

It’s normal to feel down, anxious or stressed from time to time, but if these feelings affect your daily activities, including your studies, or don’t go away after a couple of weeks, get help.

DO MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS CLASS AS EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES? If the state of your mental health has impacted your ability to complete your work on time, or to the same standard as usual, then you should be able to apply for extenuating circumstances for any exams or coursework you think could be affected. Each university has its own policy on what classes as ‘ extenuating circumstances’ and they usually assess applications on a case-by-case basis, so it’s difficult to know for certain whether your case will be accepted. However, reports have shown that more students are applying for special circumstances because of mental health problems than ever before. A note from your GP or counsellor explaining your mental health problems and the effect they have on your daily life should strengthen your case, but even if you haven’t sought professional advice yet, your claim is still valid. Speak to someone from your subject department, or the student advice centre in your student union, for the best guidance on how to apply and what evidence you might need.

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HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AT UNIVERSITY Seek help early if you do experience problems with your mental health at university. Waiting or trying to handle things alone can make things worse. Contact student services at your university or speak to a tutor that you get on with. You can also discuss with your GP, or a mental health mentor if you’ve been allocated one.

Talk about your feelings

Talking about your feelings can help your mental health to become stable and to deal with times when you feel troubled.

Keep active

Regular exercise boosts your self esteem and can help you to concentrate, sleep and feel better.

Where to find support for mental health With one in five students now making use of their university mental health support service, it’s clear that if you’re struggling with your mental health at university, you’re certainly not alone. Each university will have its own student mental health and counselling service, so we’d advise you to check your university website or ask at an information desk for exact details. Don’t forget that your personal tutor is often a good starting place if you want to discuss any issues you’re having and to be directed to the right support services.

ANXIETY UK

MIND

Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.

Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.

Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.

03444 775 774

0300 123 3393

116 123

0800 58 58 58

www.anxietyuk.org.uk

www.mind.org.uk

www.samaritans.org.uk

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SAMARITANS

CALM

www.thecalmzone.net

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Getting the most out of

LECTURES & SEMINARS Lectures and seminars are a fundamental part of undergraduate life. Find out what they involve and how to make the most of this valuable time.

WHAT ARE LECTURES AND SEMINARS? Lectures are where you’ll be introduced to the main topics on your course. For many degree courses, this involves up to three hours of teaching per module, per week, split across one or two sessions. They involve very little direct interaction between lecturer and student - often based around a slideshow presentation, lectures are given to large groups of students in a theatre setting. Attendance at lectures is usually compulsory and, for some courses, vital in completing a module. Although presentation-led lectures may be uploaded online afterwards, you’ll gain a much better understanding of the content by attending and having it explained to you.

Seminars are small group sessions which give you the opportunity to discuss topics in more depth. In a more relaxed setting, you’ll be encouraged to apply your knowledge of the lecture content and additional reading to complete group work, participate in discussions and ask your tutor questions. These sessions are held in smaller groups, typically in a classroom. For each module you’ll be required to attend an hour’s seminar per week to consolidate and evaluate the lecture material.

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HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR LECTURES?

HOW SHOULD I ACT DURING LECTURES?

Preparation for lectures is the key to a successful degree. Being well-prepared will empower you to contribute, and help you avoid feeling lost or overwhelmed.

While it’s tempting, don’t try to write down everything that’s said - you may miss out on important information while writing down something minor. Lecturers will often provide handouts or upload presentation slides online after the lecture, so spend the session listening to as much as you can as well as jotting down important words and phrases.

This includes knowing exactly where and when your lectures will be. Get in the habit of checking your university email account in advance of sessions. Your lecturers will use this mode of communication to let you know about any additional preparation, as well as to notify you of room changes, rescheduling and cancellations.

If you miss or don’t understand something, don’t worry. Lecturers are there to introduce topics and provide new information. If you need further help, arrange a meeting with your lecturer to discuss your struggles. To get the most out of your lectures, maintain a well-respected manner. While it’s good to have friends on your course, use your contact hours wisely and don’t become side-tracked - stay focused on what you’re being taught. Make small changes such as sitting in the front row to help you concentrate.

REVISIT YOUR SEMINAR NOTES

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR SEMINARS? First and foremost, attend your lectures. You’ll struggle to participate in your seminars or understand discussion topics if you don’t receive the information. Revisit your notes after the lecture. You’ll be able to collect your thoughts, identify areas you’d like to go over in the seminar and prepare questions to ask, while the content is still fresh in your mind. You’ll be assigned additional reading and tasks to complete ahead of the seminar which, as well as your existing lecture notes, count towards your seminar preparation. These materials will include a variety of thoughts and opinions around a topic, and are designed to engage your critical thinking skills, as well as going further into the concepts you’ll have been taught in your lectures.

HOW SHOULD I ACT DURING SEMINARS? As seminars are held with the aim of kick-starting discussions, it’s important to be vocal and raise any interesting points or thoughts you have participation is key to making these sessions worthwhile. Try not to feel nervous about speaking up or being put on the spot - the relaxed seminar environment is designed to boost your confidence and ultimately enhance your learning. By getting involved, you’ll enrich your understanding of the content and may even learn something new from hearing the different perspectives of your classmates. As you would after a lecture, you should revisit your seminar notes while you’re still switched on. Adding any points that were raised in discussion to your existing lecture notes will come in handy for giving your future assignments some more depth, and generally improving your understanding of the topic.

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UNIVERSITY TIMELINE What Happens at University

Are you starting university this September? Moving out of your parent’s house into student accommodation? You must have a bundle of questions about what to expect from your time at university, so take a look at our university timeline!

FIRST YEAR

1 2

Moving Day Trepidation For those of you that are going to be moving into your own place, whether that be student dorms or a rented house, it is probably going to feel very strange and daunting at first. But worry not, give it a few weeks and you will get to know your roommates whilst making friends in the process.

Freshers Week For many first-year students, Freshers Week is a time for socialising, partying, joining clubs and forming new friendships. Copious amounts of alcohol and late nights can leave you feeling rough but remember that it is okay to say ‘no’ if you don’t feel like going out or drinking. You should also consider your budget; you don’t want to spend all your money in one week.

Freshers Fair Freebies You should head down to your universities Freshers Fair when you get the chance and look at all the societies they’re offering. Most stalls will give away free stuff like stationary, posters, food and drinks and you can also talk to the people that run the societies too. If anything, it is also a place to socialise and meet new people that share the same interests as you do.

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4 5 6

Learning begins Once Freshers Week is over, the start of classes and lectures will roll around. Now is the time that you will have to get yourself in gear and start studying in your own time so that you remember everything from what your tutors have taught you. If you don’t revise, it will affect the outcome of your overall grade.

Assignments Throughout the academic year, you will be getting assignments from your tutors. Don’t take these with a pinch of salt as they are serious and most of the time, do go towards your final grade at the end of the year.

Exam Season For some lucky people, they wil only have coursework to complete but for others, there will be exams. If you are one of those people that has exams, then you must study hard in the weeks leading up to them. I know there are a million and one distractions that will be thrown at you, but it is important you pass them if you want to be allowed into the second year.

SECOND YEAR

Renting Your Own Accommodation Life in second year will be hard. You will most likely want to move out of student dorms and into your own place. Landlords and estate agents can be tricky to deal with if you don’t have a good one so always make sure to read the contract thoroughly before signing it. They also may claim to have your best interests at heart, but some are not as truthful as others. If you have any problems, go to your universities housing department and ask them for advice.

Bills, Bills, Bills Now that you won’t be in student dorms, the university will no longer take care of your bills for you. You will need to learn how to find different utility providers and find out who is the cheapest. You can do this by either researching on the internet then ringing the company and negotiate a contract, or by going to a company that can do that for you. Keep in mind that they will take a small percentage of your money though. Remember that you will have to pay for a TV license if you’re going to watch TV and council tax as well.

The Second Year Slump Once the first year is over, it can get harder. Many students find it difficult to stay on top of all the work that’s being handed to them; particularly as it’s much harder than the work in the first year. It’s easy to become less motivated when work gets harder and deadlines get shorter but it’s good to keep in mind that the grade you get in the second year will be going towards your overall grade.

More Library, Less Party The library is going to be like a second home come exam time. Unfortunately, your second year is going to be a lot harder than the first, so you will need to hit the books and study hard. You may also find that most people do not like to go out as much during the second year as it can be expensive and tiring. Also, you won’t want to be staying out until 4AM when you have a lecture at 9AM. So, leave the partying for when you don’t have any assignments, deadlines or exams coming up - for which you will need to put all your attention towards.

School’s out for Summer Come May a lot of students will be finishing up for the year until they go back in September. Depending on what month you finish, you will have 2 – 5 months of summer to kick back and relax. However, for those that would like to get a head start into their careers, it’s a good idea to find a summer placement. You can do this by approaching companies and asking them if they have any internships available. This will put you ahead of the competition come graduation.

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THIRD YEAR

1 2

No More Nights Out Obviously, you’re still allowed to have the odd night out but you’re going to find that the mountain of work you will inevitably have is going take up too much of your time. Leave the nights out for birthdays and celebrations.

Dissertations Depending on the course, not everyone will have to do a dissertation. However, most people do so you need to keep in mind that this will be a huge essay that will go towards your overall grade. This is not something that can be done in a day so do not leave it until the night before. Doing well on your dissertation could be the difference between getting a 2:1 and a 2:2 so work hard on it.

3 4

Final Exams Doing well in your exams at the end of the third year is crucial if you want to get a good grade. Months before your exams happen, you should have your head buried in books and studying hard. Everything else will have to take a backseat as these exams should be your number one priority.

Enjoy yourself Exams are over, summer has begun, and you have time to chill out before you graduate. Have a BBQ, socialise with friends, host parties, go to festivals or maybe even go on a holiday. You should also investigate the job market now as well. Remember to have fun while you can because as soon as you graduate, it will be work, work, work.

GRADUATION Once you receive your results, you will have the option to go to your graduation ceremony. This is optional so if you are not one for standing in front of a big audience and having your picture taken, then you don’t have to go. For those that do go, the full graduation robes will have to be worn, and yes, that includes the funny hat (otherwise known as a mortarboard).

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BUT MOST OF ALL, HAVE FUN WHILST YOU STILL CAN!

LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY It’s safe to say that university is education oriented. Most students who finish their last year feel like they have been thrown into the deep end without any guidance once university is all over.

If you’re lucky, you may get a tutor that will give you advice on how to navigate the working world. However, most people are taught about the degree they are studying for and the degree only. Any university can claim to give the best education in the entire world but that will always be purely

That’s why we have written six tips on what you will need to prepare yourself for once your time at university is over.

TAKE THE INITIATIVE

MONEY MANAGEMENT

NETWORK

If the degree you are studying for is very broad with lots of routes your career could go down, then you need to start thinking about what it is you want to head into. University is only there so you can get a degree; after that, you are on your own and must decide where your career is going to turn.

Most people that come out of university are littered with debt and student loans. Once graduates do get a job, it’s hard to resist splurging their money. It’s okay to spend money on treats every now and then but you must remember that if you are living independently, you will have rent, bills and any other essential payments that need to come first.

Networking is something you should have started throughout university. It is crucial that you meet people within the industry and start building relationships. If you don’t know the right person, then you are going to have to work harder compared to somebody that already has contacts.

If you haven’t decided already, you need to start researching where your degree can take you. Look online and read up on different career paths that may interest you, network with industry professionals or even talk to your university careers advisor.

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It might be wise to seek financial advice from older family or friends. There are also many support guides and articles online that can give you advice about managing money as well.

academic. Real world knowledge won’t come from any educational establishment; that is something that you will have to figure out for yourself.

Start by setting up a LinkedIn account and add any previous work experience and qualifications. Once your profile is looking professional, start connecting with others and build up trust and relationships.

BE REALISTIC

DEVELOP SOFT SKILLS

MANAGING FAILURE

Studies show that 93% of students in the UK want to go into a job where “they can make a difference to the world”. Whilst that’s a nice ideology to have, sometimes your workplace won’t share that opinion.

It’s all well and good being able to define what relative atomic mass is in detail, but can you explain it to a room of people that have no idea what it is without making them feel stupid? Many students will come out of university with heaps of knowledge but no soft skills.

University always teaches you to try and achieve your very best, but what it doesn’t do is teach you what to do when you fail. Everyone fails at something in life, whether it be a driving test, a bad presentation, or even burning a pot of pasta.

You may be lucky and be offered a job with an excellent starting salary but most of the time, that is not the case. Work for graduates without any on the job experience will be poorly paid for the first few years. As you gain new skills and experience, you and your salary will move up the career ladder.

It doesn’t matter if you got the best grade out of your entire year; if you can’t communicate properly then chances of you finding a job are slim. If you know that your soft skills are not up to par with the working world, then it is time to put more effort into improving them.

That’s why when you face failure, you must own up to it and strive to do better next time. There is no point in getting angry and then frustrated and finally, giving up. When you fail at something, you need to re-evaluate what it was that went wrong and how you can fix that for the next time.

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PREPARING FOR A PRESENTATION PREPARATION IS KEY FOR SUCCESS. The more prepared you are, the more chance of success you’ll have. Doing presentations at school or university is a great way to practice and gain confidence before doing one in an interview for a job or graduate scheme. During your time at school and university, you will be asked to give a presentation. Whatever the topic, you will be presenting to your tutor and fellow students. Some people may not find that too daunting, but others will be understandably anxious - getting up and making your case in front of an audience isn’t easy, especially when you’re not used to it. However you feel, it’s a good idea to improve your skills and become comfortable with the format, as many graduate employers use presentations as part of the recruitment process. To help ensure that your presentation stands out, follow our tips on preparing for presentations.

PREPARE CAREFULLY

USE VISUALS WISELY

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare thoroughly, as a

Visuals should complement your oral presentation.

to delivering your presentation. Gather the information

an illustration supporting the concept that you’re

last-minute rush will leave you flustered when it comes you need and set it out in a logical order, with a clear

introduction and conclusion. Don’t rely on your notes

on the day of the presentation as reading from prepared text sounds unnatural.

CONSIDER YOUR AUDIENCE To pitch your presentation well, it’s important to know your audience. Your presentation shouldn’t include

Your slides should offer a summary of points or

discussing. Make sure you use a clear and suitable

sized font. Include short phrases and sentences so you don’t overcrowd your slides.

If you intend to provide hand-outs for your audience, distribute them at the beginning or end of your presentation. Doing it halfway through can be distracting and disrupt your flow.

content covered in lectures and readings. Spending the first half of your presentation telling an audience what they already know is impractical. Even if you go straight into detail, they could become confused, therefore it’s key to get the balance right and show you have thought about the audience.

PRACTICE You should run through your presentation in full more than once, ideally in front of an audience. Visit the room in advance if you can, and ask a friend to sit at the back, checking the speed and clarity of your speech. Make sure the visuals of your presentation are visible.

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BE POSITIVE

PLAN FOR SUCCESS

Develop a positive attitude leading up to the days of the

Part of the preparation process is planning for success.

presentation. This may seem obvious and easier said

This is about getting yourself into a state of belief. Belief

than done if you’re shy but pull it off and it will make a huge difference to how you perform. Acknowledge your

in yourself that you can accomplish the task before you.

nervousness but don’t give in to negative thinking.

FOCUS UNDERSTAND THE OBJECTIVE

During your preparation concentrate on what you need

When preparing for presentations, there are objectives

to do to succeed.

that must be met. Make sure you understand what you are preparing for. Ask yourself questions, for example,

DON’T RELY ON TECHNOLOGY

“Do I know what it is I’m trying to accomplish?”.

We’ve all witnessed the pain of a presenter struggling with a faulty USB stick or failing to get a projector to work. However, with a little bit of planning, you can

PACE YOURSELF Preparation isn’t all about seeing how fast you can get it all done. It’s more important to focus on doing it right.

minimise the risk of technology tripping you up. If possible, test your presentation beforehand with the same equipment that you’ll be using. Or try to arrive early on the day and have a run through.

Prepare for success by pacing yourself. This involves

You should have back-ups of your documents and

going over one area many times in order to get it right.

print out a few copies of the slides to share if things don’t go according to plan. However, don’t rely too much on your slides as you should be prepared to present without them if necessary, using your notes or index cards as memory aids.

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MANAGING

DEADLINES A deadline is the final time a task must be completed by. It’s crucial to create deadlines for yourself to help you achieve your goals. Whether you want to complete a project at school, university or work – or achieve a personal goal – it’s important to set realistic deadlines for yourself. Failing to meet deadlines results in serious consequences.

WHY DEADLINES MATTER It’s easy to delay or forget a task. When creating a deadline for yourself, it forces you to think through the steps you need to achieve it. Each step will require a certain amount of time so once you have completed the first step, you will have an estimate of how long it will take to complete the rest of them. Visualizing all the steps involved (and finishing it) can help motivate you to start tackling each small step. Deadlines encourage you to think about what it will take to accomplish your goal and set expectations.

HOW TO MEET DEADLINES Make sure it’s realistic

Make a commitment

Understand what the deadline requires

Make notes

Work longer hours if necessary

Divide your time

Agreeing to an unreasonable deadline can make you feel overwhelmed. If you are aware that a certain task is not achievable by the date it has been assigned to you- then don’t agree to it. Approve deadlines that are doable. Before agreeing and committing to a deadline, make sure you understand the requirements. One of the important things you must know is the date and time of the deadline.

If you are committed to meeting a deadline, you may have to work extra hours. This will involve having to perform better, but as long as you meet the deadline it’s worth it.

Break the task down so it is manageable

Breaking up tasks into a series of smaller tasks makes them easier to complete and prevents you from waiting until the last minute to finish your work. 32 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

If you agree to meet a deadline, then you should be committed to doing so. If you have a poor attitude towards delivering your tasks when expected, it affects your productivity.

When you’re assigned a task that needs to be completed before the date and time provided, make sure to take some notes. Make use of your notes by writing an effective task list that will help you become more efficient. Allocate a period each day that is just for working on your task and working towards the deadline. During this period, you should focus your attention on the task and meeting the deadline on time.

MANAGING YOURSELF One important factor to be successful in meeting a deadline is managing yourself. Here are 4 tips on how to manage yourself when meeting a deadline:

Adjust your mindset Adopt a positive mindset and attitude towards deadlines as they help you achieve goals.

Be assertive Give yourself space to evaluate a deadline before agreeing to it.

Use your time productively Avoid trying to multitask as it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t efficient. Keep track of your time to help you work more effectively, especially when becoming close to deadlines. Ask for help There is nothing wrong with asking for help. If you need help, ask somebody for assistance.

Make meeting deadlines a habit Start by working towards smaller deadlines in your daily work and use this practice when bigger deadlines arise.

WHEN MANAGING DEADLINES CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING: Evaluate whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required

Have the right resources

Make sure you understand the requirements of the tasks and deadline.

Make sure you have the correct resources to complete your tasks. Will you have the people, technical support, equipment, training, or materials ready and available in time?

HELPING OTHERS MEET DEADLINES You can help others meet deadlines by encouraging them to develop their self confidence and support them in handling the pressure of deadlines.

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IS STUDYING

ABROAD

RIGHT FOR YOU?

Getting to study abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students that are studying at university. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that you should take full advantage of if you have the chance to do so. However, there are many things to consider before you decide to take the plunge. Read on to find out the pros and cons of studying abroad!

PROS 1

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

There is no better way to learn a language than by going to a country where the language is its mother tongue. Being able to speak a different language around the locals makes it so much easier to learn it. Local people will be able to help you pronounce words properly and just generally help you practice. It will also look great on your CV when presenting it to potential employers as these are the types of things that make you stand out from the crowd.

MEET NEW PEOPLE

Take studying abroad as an opportunity to form new friendships either with the other students that have travelled with you or the people native to the country. Having friends from other countries is an amazing thing; it means you get to learn about other cultures and backgrounds. Meeting new people means you will have more memories to look back at once you leave. 34 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

TRAVELLING

In between studying and any classes you may have, you will be able to go out and explore the country itself. You will be able to take trips to all those famous tourist destinations you have always wanted to see and experience more of the culture. Travelling around to different parts of the country will give you a good break from all the studying and help you make the most of the trip whilst you are there.

TAKING IN THE CULTURE

Learning about new cultures helps to enhance your knowledge and broadens your mind. Having more knowledge about the world around us never hurt anyone so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to really immerse yourself into the culture before you go back to your own. Try some new food, take part in traditions and visit places you have never been to before.

CONS 1

LONG DISTANCE

If you’re a bit of a home bird that likes to stick with family and friends, then it might be a bit difficult for you to come to terms with how far away you will be from home. This goes hand in hand with the fact that once you return home, any friends you made with local people will have to be long distance friendships. However, there is always Skype, FaceTime or other apps that you can use so you can stay in contact with any family and long-distance friends you have whilst you’re not there.

EXPENSES

Depending on the country you go to and how expensive it is there, you could be looking at having to spend a lot of money. Flights, accommodation, tuition and living expenses all add up; especially if the country itself is dear as well. Not to mention that you will have to take spending money with you as well if you want to go on day trips or eat out.

ISOLATION

It can be a very lonely experience if you don’t manage to settle in well and make friends or meet new people. Some people may be more introverted than others and that could make it harder when trying to introduce themselves to others. It’s important to socialise, put yourself out there and connect with others.

CULTURE SHOCK

Not every country is the same and it is easier to see that when you go for a couple of months to study instead of a couple of weeks on holiday. It can be very overwhelming trying to speak to people that don’t understand you, trying strange food and figuring your way around everywhere so it can come as quite a shock to the system.

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SHOULD I DO A MASTER’S DEGREE? In an increasingly competitive jobs market, a master’s degree has many benefits and can set you apart from other candidates - as well as increase your earning potential. Studying for a master’s degree is an exciting prospect and there are many reasons to consider taking a postgraduate course.

WHY SHOULD I DO A MASTER’S? A master’s degree can aid a career change, help you to gain chartership and provide you with useful industry contacts and connections. However, master’s study is intense and often comes with a hefty price tag. In most cases, you’ll need some relevant work experience for entry onto a programme. To make the most of postgraduate study it’s vital to have a solid reason for committing to a course.

BENEFITS OF DOING A MASTER’S?

WILL A MASTER’S HELP ME GET A JOB?

WILL I HAVE TIME TO DO A MASTER’S?

Master’s degrees in the UK are highly regarded by employers. For some roles, a master’s degree is an essential entry requirement, while for many others it is highly beneficial. Research job profiles and entry requirements of professions you are interested in.

Master’s study must fit around your lifestyle, so identifying the mode of study that’s right for you is essential.

If you’re already working in your preferred industry, a master’s degree could lead to rapid career progression. It could emphasise your drive, determination and willingness to increase your ability in a chosen area. Having a relevant master’s degree under your belt could give you a crucial competitive edge in a crowded jobs market - employers are increasingly looking for ways to distinguish between candidates, and this extra higher-level qualification shows your ability to commit to an intense period of work. master’s study may also be extremely useful if you’re looking to change careers.

Progress in current career path Improve employment prospects Enable progression to a higherlevel qualification Enter a particular profession Gaining specialised knowledge to advance in a field 36 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

You will only benefit fully from a master’s if it’s complemented by relevant work experience. Without this, your employability will be weaker, and you run the risk of getting into unnecessary debt.

Full-time study is the most common, and especially suits continuing students. You’ll work intensively for the duration of your programme, achieving your qualification as quickly as possible. Contact hours vary from course to course, but full-time study generally involves several lectures and seminars every week. However, it could alternatively require you to attend university.

AM I READY TO DO A MASTER’S? Am I fully aware of the level of commitment required to undertake master’s study? Can I afford master’s study, in terms of tuition fees and living costs? Will the postgraduate qualification improve my career prospects? Does the qualification require me to possess specific skills? Will the qualification equip me with the specific skills needed for my ideal career? Am I certain that the courses that I’m looking at are right for me?

IS A MASTER’S WORTH THE COST? Obtaining a master’s degree can be expensive, time-consuming and emotionally draining. Therefore, you need to weigh up your reasons for studying a course carefully. Master’s study is cheaper than doing an undergraduate degree even though fees vary widely. On a positive note, postgraduates earn considerably more than their undergraduate counterparts. You must think deeply about why you want to pursue master’s study before committing. Many applicants wrongly believe that a master’s degree will automatically enhance their career and allow them to earn more - yet this is only true if the qualification genuinely gets them

closer to fulfilling their ambitions. To be certain that master’s study will meet your expectations, and be worth the hard work and high costs, you should: Be passionate about your subject Browse relevant job advertisements to identify what employer’s value most, as industry certifications and accreditations are important for certain roles Consider everything in the context of your overall career plan, ensuring that the qualification offers the best way of achieving your ultimate career goals Consider whether master’s study will boost your credentials significantly above your existing undergraduate education.

There are situations where you should avoid master’s study. If you can’t convince yourself it’s the right move, you’ll almost certainly lack the commitment to ensure that it’s a worthwhile investment. If you’re looking to study immediately after completing your undergraduate degree, you may want to reconsider. You shouldn’t pursue a master’s in the hope that it’ll automatically add to your CV or simply because you need more time to think about your career. Unless your goals are crystal clear, spending some time in the workplace or researching your options while taking a gap year may be more beneficial at this point.

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WHY DO A TRAINEESHIP? Traineeships are an ideal opportunity for young people who are motivated to get a job or an apprenticeship but lack the skills and experience employers are looking for. They are designed to help young people aged 16 to 24. A traineeship unlocks the great potential of individuals and prepares them for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’.

The length of a traineeship lasts from 12 weeks to 6 months. The duration of the course will depend on the level of training required to upskill the trainee. Traineeships include: • Work preparation training provided by the training organisation • English and Maths support if required (provided by the training organisation) • A high-quality work experience placement with an employer. In addition to these basic elements, the employer and the training provider can add flexible additional content to meet the needs of the business. At the end of the traineeship, each young person will be guaranteed a job interview if a role becomes available.

BENEFITS OF A TRAINEESHIP •

A Traineeship will put you in a better position to compete for an apprenticeship or gain employment.

•

Traineeships give you the opportunity to build your CV and get vital experience with local and national employers.

•

Improving your English and Maths skills will boost your chances of getting a job, as well as improving your longterm prospects and earning potential over your lifetime.

•

Employers are at the centre of traineeships to ensure they give you the skills you need to secure a job and succeed in employment.

•

Having a qualification and experience within an industry makes you an appealing candidate for future positions you may apply for following your traineeship.

•

When in a traineeship programme, you have the same rights as all other employees in the workplace.

•

Above all you will have gained valuable experience and skills needed within the working environment giving you increased confidence in your ability.

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TRAINEESHIP HIGH QUALITY WORK PLACEMENTS You will learn what’s expected of you in the workplace and develop links with employers. The work placement element to your traineeship will help to broaden your CV when applying for future positions.

FLEXIBLE TRAINING One unique aspect to the traineeship option is that it allows for flexibility: your employers and

help a young person move into an

HOW BUSINESSES CAN

apprenticeship or employment, so

BENEFIT FROM TRAINEESHIPS

ideally the individual will become employed or become an apprentice after completing their traineeship.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINEESHIPS To be eligible for involvement in

the most out of the time you spend doing your traineeship. You will be trained in other relevant areas to help you get work-ready, such as job search and interview skills, time-keeping and team working.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A TRAINEESHIP? The aim of a traineeship is to

teams during busy periods • •

experience of young people from your local community, helping your business to develop a loyal and talented

You must be eligible to work

workforce, whilst supporting

in the UK You need to be unemployed and have little or no work experience •

Applicants must be aged between 16-24

•

Have no qualifications above GCSE level (or equivalent)

If you’re unsure whether you are suitable for a traineeship, contact your local college or training provider to see if you meet the requirements.

Traineeships will allow you to shape the skills and

requirements:

•

All traineeships costs are met by Government funding

need to meet a few essential

•

A trainee can provide extra support to your existing

a traineeship programme, you’ll

mentors will tailor the training to your requirements, so you can get

•

the community •

Working with trainees will give established staff members the chance to develop their skills in mentoring and coaching young people.

By demonstrating your abilities in a traineeship, you are showing employers you have what it takes to succeed in a job or apprenticeship.

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VOLUNTARY WORK EXPERIENCE

Some students and graduates want to make a positive contribution to society, while others want to gain the skills needed to pursue certain careers. One thing for sure is giving your time to a worthy cause goes a long way to impressing potential employers. Volunteering can demonstrate your commitment to a sector, your proactive and independent nature and your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.

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VOLUNTEERING GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO... Boost your CV with experience Build confidence Explore different areas of work Expand your network of contacts Gain valuable transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, time management, organisation and decision making

HOW TO APPLY Many voluntary opportunities are advertised and have set procedures that you need to follow.

This may include completing an application form or submitting your CV and cover letter, followed by an interview. If you have an organisation and volunteer role in mind you could send a speculative application. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to explain why you want to volunteer with them, state any previous experience and outline what you could offer their organisation. Make sure you find a contact name and address your letter or email directly to them.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTARY WORK EXPERIENCE CONNECTS YOU TO OTHERS

One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the lives of people, animals, and organisations in need. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills.

INCREASES SELFCONFIDENCE

You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals.

BRINGS FUN AND FULFILMENT TO YOUR LIFE

Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passion and provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.

MAKE SURE YOUR VOLUNTEER POSITION IS A GOOD FIT HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT VOLUNTARY WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY

There are numerous voluntary work experience opportunities available. The key is to find a position that you would enjoy and can do. It’s also important to make sure that your commitment matches the organisation’s needs. Ask yourself the following questions: Would you like to work with adults, children, animals, or something else? Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

How much time are you willing to commit? What skills can you bring to a volunteer job? You’re donating your valuable time, so it’s important that you enjoy and benefit from your work experience.

MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT’S EXPECTED

You should be comfortable with the organisation and understand the time commitment. Consider starting small so that you don’t over commit yourself at first. Give yourself some flexibility to change your focus if needed.

ASK QUESTIONS

You want to make sure that the experience is right for your skills, your goals, and the time you want to spend. Don’t force yourself into a bad fit or feel obliged to stick with a volunteering role you dislike. Talk to the organisation about changing your focus or look for a different organisation that’s a better fit.

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ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS Whether you’ve just graduated from University, or you’ve wrapped up your first internship, you’re likely to be wondering where on earth to begin your job search.

WHY NOT TRY AN ENTRY-LEVEL JOB?

Entry-level jobs require minimal professional work experience and are full of work-related opportunities but are usually of low pay. Entry-level jobs consist of employers looking for young professionals who have prior experience.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

The best entry-level job for you will depend on your unique combination of interests, skills, values, personality traits, and goals. The level of education that you have attained or plan to acquire is another key factor. The best jobs for individuals with a high school, college, or professional degree will all vary. One thing to look for when evaluating an entry-level job is whether the job provides a clear path toward jobs with more responsibility, greater satisfaction, and high pay. When considering an entry-level job, it is critical to ask yourself what skills you will acquire in that role, what interests you will test, who you will meet and impress, and whether the job offers possibilities for advancement in the company.

COMPANIES WANT YOU! Employers can see significant benefits from using entrylevel employees in each department. These jobs help the business accomplish basic tasks that must be done without utilizing or stretching the skills and experience of more seasoned employees. The employees can be trained in the skills necessary to advance in their career field and at the company. This process gives employers a steady stream of employees who are willing to learn and ready for promotion to the next level of responsibility. The employer can encourage the development of skills specifically needed by the company while helping the employee develop work habits and ways of interacting that fit the culture of the workplace.

YOU BENEFIT Whether employees are starting or changing their career, entry-level jobs are a win for them as well. It’s the perfect way for workers to gain experience in a new field and learn the day-to-day workings of a company and industry. Everyone must start somewhere, and these positions are often the first step to a long and rewarding career. The opportunity for advancement within the company is also an advantage for workers. Quite often, employers prefer to hire from within their company as positions open. 42 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

BENEFITS TO YOU YOU CAN KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN As an entry-level employee, you get to explore opportunities in and outside your company. This could be preparing for another career path or choosing to pursue higher education in order to increase your overall market worth in your field.

VALUABLE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE They require no or little experience, so by pursuing an entry-level job you gain valuable career experience that you will benefit from when doing a different job.

DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES An entry-level position provides opportunities to work across multiple departments and explore careers in an industry you may not have considered. You may find yourself pursuing an entirely new career path than expected.

ESTABLISH AN EXCELLENT SKILL SET Entry-level jobs develop your practical and employability skills as well as some key transferable skills such as communciation, teamwork and organisation.

LEARN THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS During an entry-level position, you learn the day-to-day workings of a company and industry, which develops your knowledge of the industry/profession you are working in.

LONG-TERM BENEFITS Entry-level jobs offer a key opportunity for growth and the skills you learn will benefit you later in your career.

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HOW TO GET A JOB WHEN YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE

You need experience to get a job, and a job to get experience. Applying for a job with no experience may feel like you’re fighting a losing battle, but don’t give up. It can feel disheartening but remember that you’re not alone. Finding a job with little or no experience isn’t impossible - you just need determination to uncover the right opportunities. There are plenty of ways to give your CV a boost, gain the skills that potential employers are after and get your foot in the door.

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TARGET REALISTIC ROLES There’s nothing wrong with aiming high but if you have no previous experience, starting your job search by applying for senior roles is pointless. Be realistic and instead target entry-level jobs and be prepared to start at the bottom and work your way up.

BUILD YOUR NETWORK When you’re starting out with no experience, who you know can be just as important as what you know. A recommendation from a personal contact can go a long way, but how do you build up a network if you’re struggling to enter the world of work?

If you’re at university, utilise the contacts available to you before you graduate. Make the most of career fairs, recruitment networking events and employer talks or lectures. Visit your university careers service to see if they can put you in touch with employers in your area of interest. Keep in touch with lecturers and people you meet on work experience placements or internships and fellow volunteers - you never know when these contacts might come in useful. Social media is also an effective way of building and maintaining your professional network. Being present on sites such as LinkedIn and following and connecting with companies and individuals in your chosen field can yield impressive results.

INTERNSHIPS AND APPRENTICESHIPS If you’re struggling to secure a long-term or permanent position, internships and apprenticeships are great ways to gain that much needed experience. They make it possible to earn a wage while acquiring first-hand knowledge of a job or organisation, and are useful for building a network of contacts and can sometimes lead to permanent employment. An internship looks impressive on your CV and can make you stand out from the crowd. Some larger companies may offer a formal internship programme, so check the websites of organisations you’re interested in to see what’s available. Internships can last from a couple of weeks to a year, and they’re very popular - expect to face a competitive application process, especially at larger companies. On an apprenticeship you’ll be employed to do a real job while studying for a formal qualification. You’ll sign a contract with your

employer, who then trains you in a specific profession. Apprenticeships are a long-term agreement and can take from one to four years to complete. Most apprentices are guaranteed a job on completion of their programme.

START VOLUNTEERING

EMPHASISE THE SKILLS YOU HAVE Work experience, internships and volunteering are essential for ensuring that your CV doesn’t look empty at the application stage.

Volunteering positions are more easily secured than an internship and they’re guaranteed to boost your employability, especially if you have no relevant experience. Although unpaid, you’ll profit from the skills and contacts you gain.

Focus your CV on the skills you do have, rather than the ones you don’t. Analyse the job description and list all the skills and personal qualities that make you a good fit for the job. Be sure to emphasise soft and transferable skills such as communication, leadership ability, team working and attention to detail.

Volunteering experience shows commitment, initiative and a strong work ethic - after all, you’re working for free - which are all valuable, appealing traits to prospective employers. You’ll also develop a range of sought-after, transferable skills, such as teamwork, confidence, time management, adaptability, communication and organisation. If possible, try to find a volunteer position relevant to your career.

If you lack direct experience in your chosen field, demonstrate your passion and motivation to learn. Highlight examples of your dedication and commitment to learning, gained through volunteering, internships or work shadowing.

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SECRETS TO BEING A BETTER BOSS LEAD BUT DO NOT DICTATE

No one likes being bossed around. If no one respects you, then your employees will only work at the minimum requirement needed; they will not go above and beyond. You must inspire and motivate your employees to work efficiently. Help everyone to understand what it is they should be working on and let them know they can come to you for guidance.

LISTEN AND COMMUNICATE

Listening to an employees thoughts and concerns will help you to come across as friendly and approachable. It’s great to be on good terms with employees rather than being the kind of boss that only talks at people rather than with them. Communicating isn’t just one-on-one conversations, it’s as broad as writing emails, leading group discussions and managing conflict.

MICROMANAGEMENT IS BAD MANAGEMENT

When you micromanage every tiny detail of your employees jobs, it makes them feel like they are constantly being observed and always under pressure. This can lead to stress and anxiety and can make employees feel demoralised. Try to stop constantly hovering over your employees shoulders and watching everything they do. You must learn to trust that your employees can get their jobs done without you checking on their progress every 5 minutes.

SET A REASONABLE WORKLOAD

You can’t pile loads of work onto your employees and expect them to get through each task effectively without any problems. As a boss, you must manage the workload and hand it out equally among your employees. If you see that some people can manage more work than others, ask them if they’re okay with doing a little more. This creates confidence knowing that they are productive and can get everything done on time.

RECOGNISE YOUR TOP PERFORMERS

Good bosses know when their employees are going above and beyond and will do everything to keep them happy. By recognising how well they’re doing and rewarding them, it creates a sense of accomplishment. It’s never pleasant doing lots of work that is never recognised by those higher up, so let your employees know that they are doing well by rewarding them through bonuses, pay rises, extra holiday, and other kinds of perks. 46 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

WHAT IS SMART CASUAL? Smart casual is another way of saying dressing casually stylish. Dressing smart casual essentially means dressing in a casual manner that’s a bit fancier by creating a neat, fashionable, and accessorised outfit. For a smart casual outfit, you must balance flairs of professionalism and fashion. Dressing smart casual can sometimes be a challenge, so we’ve provided you with some tips to keep in mind when planning your outfit.

TROUSERS

BL AZERS

Consider wearing bottoms that are comfortable but sharp looking; they need to be able to pull through a professional yet casual look. For example, a nice pair of slacks, dark-coloured conservative skirts, and even a dark wash pair of jeans can all be appropriate bottoms for a smart casual outfit. Most times, your bottoms can act as a base from which you create your ensemble outfit.

A blazer is a great outfit piece that can add a professional tone to your outfit but keep it casual when paired with a softer top. If you’re considering wearing a blazer, make sure it has a fitted cut.

If you decide to wear a skirt, it must be a business appropriate length (at least to the top of your knees).

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This tailored piece can make your outfit look a bit more put together, while your other clothing items channel the more casual side of your ensemble. A plain black or navy-blue blazer can incorporate a more professional feel, while a coloured blazer can add in a pop of colour.

TOPS

SHOES

Since smart casual is all about balancing, your tops must equalise your outfit. If your bottoms are smarter, your top can be more casual. If your bottoms are more casual, dress up your outfit by sporting a sleeker, more professional top.

For a smart casual outfit, consider finishing your ensemble with a comfortable pair of shoes. Select formal leather shoes and stick to black, brown or grey shoes. Flats can also be an option if you want to go for a more casual look.

LIST OF DON’TS Avoid the following items as they don’t fall into the category of smart casual: • trainers • sandals • flip-flops • open-toed shoes • sport shirts • sweatshirts • sport team jackets • shorts • capris • tight or revealing trousers • jeans

SHIRTS

DRESSES

Blouses, plain shirts, vests, and sleeveless shirts are all acceptable. V-neck sweaters work best if wearing a collar. Turtlenecks can be worn in combination with a blazer for a sleek look and a little bit of novelty. You can opt for shirts that have collars, such as long-sleeve button down shirts. Pair shirts with an appropriate belt. For smart casual a tie is optional.

When wearing a dress for a smart casual outfit, choose to keep it simple. Wearing a dress is a safe choice if you are trying to dress smart casual. A dress immediately elevates the “dressiness” of your outfit, but the print or material of the dress can add a casual element. No matter what kind of dress you choose to wear, the hem of the dress should reach the top of your knees.

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PHOTO OF THE MONTH Nathan Towers Huddersfield Photo taken at Whipsnade Zoo @towersfilmandmedia Enter for your chance to win Â£50 in Love2Shop Vouchers by emailing competition@careersuk.org

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PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS INTO 11 DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES

READ ON FOR A SELECTION OF TOP NEW STORIES IN INDUSTRIES SUCH AS: - Humanities & Art - Information & Tech - Science & Social Sciences

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ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE EY, ACCA AND AUEB JOIN FORCES TO OFFER A PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN AUDITING PROGRAMME. New skills and qualifications are becoming increasingly essential for businesses and organisations. Recognising this, EY, one of the world’s top professional services organisations, ACCA, one of the world’s leading professional accountancy bodies, and the University of Economics and Business (UEB), department of Accounting and Finance, have joined forces to present their Professional Experience in Auditing Program for undergraduate students of the department of Accounting and Finance. This new innovative programme offers an opportunity for students to set out on a ‘fast forward mode’ to become qualified accountants / auditors, maximising their chances for successful future job applications. Candidates will have the opportunity to combine their Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance with a globally recognised professional qualification and the unique experience of working with EY. Moreover, upon completion of the course, they will possibly be considered for a full-time career joining one of the fastest growing and most dynamic organisations in the country. Mr. Vassilios Kaminaris, Partner, Head of Assurance Services, says: ‘We put our efforts into building a better working world and focus on creating opportunities for the new generations. As we have already underlined in the past, through a recent EY survey, there is a gap between the skills the market needs and the skills that students’ study; this programme is part of our contribution towards closing this gap. Our collaboration with ACCA and AUEB also sets an example of what we can achieve when companies and educational institutions work together.’ ACCA’s strategy is all about creating the accountancy profession the world needs, to develop talented people of ability to be the accountants of tomorrow. And that’s just what this excellent programme does; it shows how collaboration between key partners EY, AUEB and ACCA can accelerate talented individuals, and enhance their skills and abilities.

2% OF ACCOUNTANTS ARE UNAFFECTED BY STRESS With its high stress levels and a pressure to be ‘always on’, accountancy is a profession where mental health is increasingly on the agenda. Research by AAT found that 90% of people who work in accountancy have been stressed out by work, with 43% having to take time off because of stress. This makes accountancy one of the most stressful industries to work in. However, upskilling could be one way to reduce stress amongst employees. Research by LinkedIn showed that employees who were offered opportunities to learn at work are 47% less likely to be stressed, 39% more likely to feel productive and successful, and 21% more likely to feel confident and happy. Just 2% of accountants are unaffected by stress. The accountancy profession is in the midst of a mental health crisis as research by CABA, the wellbeing charity for accountants, has found that just 2% of accountants are unaffected by stress. CABA’s research also showed that one in three accountants feel stressed every day and one in three also checked their emails while sick or on holiday. There were a few issues which contributed to the high stress levels of accountants which included: Being overworked (41%) Office politics (33%) Feeling undervalued (29%) Failure to increase pay or rewards (29%) Having to attend too many meetings (28%) JU LY | U NI V ERS I TY & COL L EGE EDIT ION 53

ENGINEERING JAGUAR LAND ROVER ENCOURAGES WOMEN TO BECOME ENGINEERS Britain’s biggest car manufacturer is trying to encourage more women into studying STEM subjects and join the male dominated world of engineering. Charlotte Cooper, a Jaguar Land Rover engineer, visited a primary school to talk to the female pupils about women in engineering. Recent research by Women in Engineering found that just 25% of girls aged 16-18 would consider a career in engineering, compared to 52% of boys the same age. Currently only 11% of British engineers are women. After the visit finished, Cooper said: “It was such a delight to meet these youngsters and to show them the value of challenging their assumptions. My career in engineering has proved so rewarding, but I remain in a minority. I’m proud of the efforts of Jaguar Land Rover to redress this gender imbalance and I look forward to what the future holds for the engineering industry in the UK and around the world.” The company runs many education programmes that tries to inspire young women into choosing STEM subjects and engineering and offers work experience that is mentored by female mentors.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY PROJECT TO DEVELOP 5G SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY FOR VEHICLES IS UNDERWAY Dubbed “Project Darwin” and costing £2 million in the first phase of testing, O2 are on their way to exploring how 5G could help speed up the creation of self-driving cars. The project will be based at the Hawell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire and will have O2, Glasgow University, ESA Oxford University and the Spanish tech company, Hispasat, collaborating. Last year, O2 did research on how much data connected vehicles will have. They found out that connected vehicles are expected to generate 4TB of data an hour. Director of Growth at the UK Space Agency, Catherine Mealing-Jones, commented on the fact that the research O2 find will be significant to help towards the creation of self-driving cars. “Autonomous vehicles need robust, high-speed mobile data connections to operate effectively. Building the technology to link them to telecoms satellites will allow you to take your car wherever you want to go, and not just to areas with a strong mobile signal,” she said. 54 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

June 3rd marks the day where every woman in the engineering sector is recognised and celebrated. It was first started on June 23rd, 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society. It used to be only a national event, but it has now become international after all the interest around it started to become bigger. Studies show that only 12% of the engineering workforce are women and that by 2033, there will be a shortfall of around 341,000 jobs. This is also due to the fact that 25% of female engineers tend to leave engineering after the age of 30 compared to the 10% of men that do as well. Many corporations are trying to implement a supportive environment for women within their engineering departments. Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, Bernadette Kelly, said: “We simply need more engineers and people in the industry as investment grows. Currently, we’re not making use of a huge section of society and that can’t continue. Building on progress and productive conversations with industry, I hope to help women across the country and of all ages see there are amazing careers in transport – from building site to boardroom.”

HEALTH TOO MUCH CLEANLINESS ISN’T DANGEROUS The Royal Society for Public Health has stated that being too clean and washing all the time does not help the immune system, is just a myth. Children are encouraged to play in the dirt and pick up germs to help challenge their immune systems. However, it is vital that they also wash their hands before eating and going to the toilet. What with antibiotic-resistance being on the rise, the strain it is putting on the NHS is too much, so this is an important matter that parents need to start acknowledging. In a survey that included 2,000 parents, 23% of them said that hygiene did not matter as it built up their children’s immune system. The RSPH is stressing that parents need to keep a high standard of hygiene within the household. They want parents to make sure their children know the importance of cleanliness along with cleaning down surfaces that food gets prepared on and dishcloths.

GERM HOT SPOTS EVERYONE SEEM TO MISS The Royal Society for Health has stated that people are only cleaning the places that look dirty rather than cleaning the places that have harmful microbes sitting on top of them. Places and things that are hot spots for germs: Surfaces where food has been prepared Hands after using the toilet, handling rubbish bags and after coughing or sneezing into them Anyone that is sick or has infections Touching pets The bottom of shoes Door handles Toilet handle Soap dispenser/ bars of soap in public toilets The report states that everyone must wash their hands after preparing food, going to the toilet, coughing or sneezing into hands, caring for people that are sick and touching pets. It is also recommended that dishcloths and scrubbing brushes be washed after they have been used.

RARE BACTERIA STRAIN KILLS TWELVE PEOPLE IN ESSEX Twelve people in Essex have been killed by a rare yet dangerous bacteria, most of whom are said to be “elderly and had been receiving care for chronic wounds in the community and care homes” states Public Health England stated. Thirty-two other people across the county of Essex have been infected by the Group A streptococcal (iGAS) infection. Dr Jorg Hoffman, deputy director of health protection for PHE East of England stated: “This is still an ongoing outbreak. Unfortunately, we have so far not been able to fully contain the situation.” The Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) have said that the outbreak was recognised in February but started spreading in March. Rachel Hearn, director of nursing and quality at Mid Essex CCG has stated: ““The risk of contracting iGAS is very low for most people and treatment with antibiotics is very effective, if started early.” JU LY | U NI V ERS I TY & COL L EGE EDIT ION 55

HUMAN RESOURCES THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL AND DEVELOPMENT (CIPD) URGES HR TEAMS TO HELP MANAGERS ENSURE STRESS DOESN’T GET IN THE WAY OF SUCCESS Research shows that better management is the key to tackling workplace stress and unlocking healthy, productive workplaces. Research shows that stress remains stubbornly common in workplaces. Stress-related absence is on the rise in nearly twofifths of workplaces, and less than half of professionals say their efforts to tackle stress in their organisation are effective. The survey reveals that organisations are much more effective in tackling stress when they have a standalone well-being strategy in support of their wider corporate strategy and when line managers have bought in to the importance of well-being. The latest Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey shows that more and more employers are waking up to the vital role they play in ensuring that work is an enjoyable experience. Most organisations today are taking some action to improve overall health and well-being, with an increasing focus on mental health. A growing proportion of employers provide counselling services and employee assistance programmes. But the research shows that many employers’ efforts are falling short of what’s needed. Just two fifths have a formal well-being strategy in place, and the majority are relying on line managers to look after the well-being of the workforce, without giving them adequate support to do so. Employers should conduct stress risk assessments and manage workplace activities to reduce the likelihood of stress developing. HR teams should look for simple, low-cost ways to start building healthier workplaces.

CALLS TO ORGANISATIONS TO SALVAGE BAD HIRING The cost of a bad hire can go up to five times that employee’s annual salary, according to a study by Society for Human Resource Management. It’s virtually impossible to have a 100% strike rate when hiring, but as every human resource professional knows, a wrong hire can be an organisation’s worst nightmare. The cost of a bad hire can go up to five times that employee’s annual salary, according to a study by Society for Human Resource Management. And companies are doing the best they can to minimise the damage, whether it means investing in training or even in mentoring. Wrong hires — whether they are cultural mismatches within the overall organisational framework or lacking in necessary skills — cost companies a lot because investment in their hiring and training goes to waste. Bad hires were calculated at approximately 6-7% of 700-odd employees recruited in the past year. Managers are assigned to help fresh recruits navigate the career traps of under-performance. Career mentors are also provided for insights into the industry and work functions. With training, personalised attention, and constant coaching, it is possible to bring the numbers down. 56 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

HUMANITIES AND ART UNIVERSITIES CONDEMN ‘CATASTROPHIC’ PLAN TO LINK FEES TO GRADUATE PAY Academics say Augar proposals could damage arts degrees and lose Britain its creative edge. Academics are warning it would be “despicable” if the government went ahead with recommendations to cut funding for some arts and humanities degrees on the basis that they don’t net big salaries for graduates

ENGLISH PUPILS SHOULD TAKE THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE TO GET A FULL EDUCATION The decline in candidates for humanities and art subjects is deeply concerning. One of the causes is the return to the narrow sixth form syllabus of only three A-levels, which has blighted British education for decades. From this comes not only a shortage of linguists but also scientists who do not have the vital skills of communication. It is time that the A-level system, which has caused these ancient and deep problems, is replaced by a broader curriculum such as the international baccalaureate, which requires every student to do maths, a science, English, a language and a humanities subject.

AHRC ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL PLACEMENT SCHEME APPLICANTS The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) has announced the 44 successful researchers who will be studying at one of eight world-leading institutions as part of its International Placement Scheme (IPS). The successful candidates include students and researchers. The Arts and Humanities Research Council, which is part of UK Research and Innovation, funds world-class, independent researchers in a wide range of subjects: history, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, languages, design, heritage, area studies, the creative and performing arts, and much more. This year the AHRC will spend approximately £98 million to fund research and postgraduate training, in collaboration with several partners. The quality and range of research supported by this investment of public funds not only provides social and cultural benefits and contributes to the economic success of the UK but also to the culture and welfare of societies around the globe.

MAJOR NEW RESEARCH INVESTMENT SET TO PROVIDE BOOST FOR UK’S CREATIVE INDUSTRIES Some of the UK’s best performing and world-renowned creative businesses are to come together with researchers and organisations to explore new ways of enhancing their sectors. They aim to increase the use of digital technologies to improve audience experience in the screen and performance industries and shorten production times in the design industry.

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L AW UK LAW SECTOR SEEKING TO GAIN A BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH NIGERIA The legal community in the UK wants to build better relationships with the law community in Nigeria to try to find other law professionals that would want to practice in the UK. Several lawyers from the UK travelled to Lagos, Nigeria to advertise any legal services to practicing lawyers. The new ‘Legal Services are GREAT’ campaign is a three-day long visit that invited lawyers and barristers to participate in lots of different events. This includes workshops and seminars which are supposed to bring the lawyers to collaborate. Jeremy Cape, a tax partner with Squire Patton Boggs said: “The government did a terrific job in organising it.” Cape had been part of past trade missions, which “seemed like a slight waste of time” but overall, believes that the event was a success.

‘NATASHA’S LAW’ IS NOW COMING INTO EFFECT

A NEW LAW COULD LEAD TO MORE DIVORCES

Following the death of teenager, Natasha EdnanLaperouse, her parents have been campaigning for a law to be made so that businesses will have to include the ingredients they use on the labels of packaged food. The teenager died after having an allergic reaction to a baguette she ate from Pret a Manger.

After the case of Tini Owens hit the headlines, it surged debates across England and Wales about whether people should be allowed to have a divorce because they’re unhappy in their marriages.

Natasha’s parents stated: “Helping save other allergy sufferers and their families from the enduring agony that we will always bear is a fitting legacy for her life”. Environment Secretary Michael Gove commented on “Natasha’s Law” saying: “These changes will make food labels clear and consistent and give the country’s two million food allergy sufferers confidence in making safe food choices,” he said. The law is set to come into effect in the summer of 2021.

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David Gauke, the Justice Secretary, said that a new law could lead to a “spike” in divorces but that new reforms need to be made to disperse the divorce “blame game” that damages the children involved. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill in England and Wales removes the need for a court to find fault in the marriage to grant a divorce. The bill has been approved by MP’s at its second reading, but it will need to go through and be approved by the House of Lords before it becomes a law.

MANAGEMENT

SMALL BUSINESSES SHOULD PREPARE FOR A ‘NO DEAL’ BREXIT Despite ongoing uncertainty over Brexit and what it will mean in practical terms UK small businesses should be reviewing any potential impact on their organisation and taking contingency steps where necessary. Following the government’s recent defeat in the House of Commons on the proposed Brexit deal, the prospect of a ‘no deal’ Brexit is now becoming increasingly real. Whatever the outcome of the ongoing discussions, it cannot be emphasised enough to businesses to review the potential impact on their organisation and to take contingency steps where necessary. In many ways their planning should be no different to other business decisions; it is essentially about managing risk. All business owners must plan for the unknown. Brexit is certainly full of unknowns, but that is no reason why managers can’t take steps to reduce the risk. The key is to do things that have the biggest potential benefit for the lowest cost. A recent study was conducted amongst 130 small businesses about their Brexit planning. The research found that only 4% of businesses had implemented any sort of change ahead of Brexit, while 80% had taken no active steps to prepare. Like in any time of uncertainty, there are some straightforward things that business owners can do immediately. It is important to reassure your customers, suppliers and workforce. Business will carry on, there may be some changes, perhaps some delays but all companies will be working as hard as possible to ensure their business run smoothly during this uncertain time.

COST CUTS ‘A NECESSITY, NOT A LUXURY FOR FUND MANAGERS’ Non-pay costs such as technology and office space now make up almost a third of total expenditure. Asset managers can add rising regulatory and technology costs to their list of woes as they struggle to expand revenue amid pressure to lower fees and expenses. Rising costs and falling fees mean asset managers need to cut expenses or risk having to shut business units and close investment strategies. While asset managers are having to shell out more to keep their businesses running, there is pressure across the sector to reduce fees. It is now a necessity for asset managers to reduce expenses by automating, streamlining data , technology and shifting functions to lower-cost locations. Asset managers also need to make changes to team structures and pay plans. These changes could lead to industry-wide savings of up to 17%. Companies that fail to reduce costs will face falling managers and lower profits or will have to slash costs by closing business units, laying off staff and getting rid of investment strategies. JU LY | U NI V ERS I TY & COL L EGE EDIT ION 59

MARKETING AMAZON BEATS APPLE AND GOOGLE TO BECOME THE WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE BRAND Amazon has become the world’s most valuable brand this year by overtaking Google and Apple, according to a report. Last year, Google was ranked at the top, followed by Apple and Amazon. Apple’s brand value saw a 3% over last year, while Google saw a 2% rise, but Amazon outshone both with a whopping 52% gain. The 2019 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands ranking, released by WPP and Kantar put amazon on top. Smart acquisitions by the brand have led to new revenue streams and combined with the ability to stay ahead of its competitors by offering a diverse ecosystem of products and services, has allowed the e-commerce giant to accelerate its brand value growth. “Amazon’s phenomenal brand value growth demonstrates how brands are now less anchored to individual categories and regions. The boundaries are blurring as technology fluency allow brands, such as Amazon, Google and Alibaba, to offer a range of services across multiple consumer touchpoints,” says Doreen Wang, Kantar’s Global Head of BrandZ. Using their consumer experience and expertise, she said that these brands are crossing over into the business services sector, creating new opportunities for brand growth.

THE REALITY OF TRULY PERSONALISED MARKETING APPROACHES: AN INVESTOR’S VIEWPOINT The marketing and advertising technologies sector has experienced incredibly rapid change in the past few years. The pace of change is accelerating due to the proliferation of data across multiple channels, which enables marketers to build ever more precise profiles of their customers. Marketers can now draw on data from search engines, social media, content viewing and more to understand what individuals are interested in and how likely they are to make a purchase. At the same time, the cost of analysing this data in real time has reduced dramatically as cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure compete to attract customers to their huge data centres. These developments combine to help marketers move ever closer to providing truly personalised marketing – an ideal which has been talked about for a long time but is now starting to become reality. 60 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE MARKETING INDUSTRY Foundation Certificate in Marketing (Foundation, Level 3) Designed for those at various stages in their career, this award is perfect for entrepreneurs and managers involved in non-marketing functions, new entrants and those on apprenticeships. Certificate in Professional Marketing (Intermediate, Level 4) Gives you the knowledge and skills to progress your marketing career if you work in marketing support as a marketing assistant, or if your job involves aspects of marketing. Diploma in Professional Marketing (Intermediate, Level 6) The equivalent of a Bachelors degree, this is suitable for strategic-level marketers, such as marketing managers and marketing executives, plus business development managers and account managers interested in career development. Digital Diploma in Professional Marketing (Intermediate, Level 6) Also at undergraduate level, this is for marketers in managerial, operational and supervisory roles looking to develop their skills in digital marketing. Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing (Advanced, Level 7) Taken in two stages, this Masters degree-standard diploma gives experienced marketers and those working in senior strategic roles the chance to study for a professional qualification. After the first stage, you’ll have achieved the CIM Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing. The second stage involves a work-based assignment, to be completed within nine months. Note that this course is only available to those who reside outside of the UK. CIM Marketing Leadership Programme (Advanced, Level 7) You’ll take a combination of mandatory and elective modules over a minimum of 18 months, either face-to-face or in blended learning format including online courses. The Leadership Programme is designed for strategic and managementlevel marketers, owners of small and medium companies looking to grow their businesses or level 6 Diploma holders looking to achieve the highest CIM qualification.

PURCHASING AND SUPPLY CHAIN GOOGLE ANNOUNCES CIRCULAR ECONOMY GOALS ACROSS SUPPLY CHAIN Google has announced it wants to move to a circular economy in its supply chain as part of wider efforts to improve sustainability. The Circular Google Strategy aims to “maximise the reuse of finite resources across operations, products, and supply chains, and enable others to do the same”. The technology company has begun applying circular economy principles through reuse of materials and waste management in five key areas within infrastructure, operations and products, including data servers, workplaces, consumer electronics and supporting consumers and suppliers to adopt similar principles. Google’s global data centres are on the path to becoming zero waste to landfill, with 91% of waste of operations diverted from landfill in 2017 through reuse and reselling initiatives. The company aims to build its first zero-waste campus by 2021.

SUPPLY CHAINS FACE THE ‘DISRUPTION ERA’ Supply chains are facing an era of disruption with increased risk from Brexit and fragile supply networks. A report by data and planning consultancy Vuealta called Future of the Supply Chain says almost 90% of UK business respondents have experienced supply chain disruptions in the last five years. For UK firms Brexit uncertainty caused more disruption than natural disasters and cyber-attacks combined.

The resource and waste challenge is a “data problem”, says Google, and it highlights that in order to reach a circular economy, materials across the global supply chain need to be “identified, tracked and managed”.

Vuealta describes the current business climate as the “disruption era” due to constant prevalent issues such as trade wars, political and economic instability, cyber security threats, and natural disasters. Ian Stone, CEO at Vuealta, said: “UK businesses want to grow, yet they’re at risk of seeing critical supply chains and logistics disrupted by events outside of their control. They know they can’t control the weather for example, or what may or may not happen over Brexit, so it’s clear they need to focus on what they can manage. That means planning for all eventualities and being able to respond in real time. “This requires a connected supply chain ecosystem with transparency and collaboration between partners. Those that achieve this will create sustainable and significant competitive advantage and will lead the race in the search of new markets and profit streams,” he added. The report found that most businesses that experienced cyber-attacks were turning to technological solutions to mitigate against future threats. Almost half of the respondents highlighted the importance of access to real-time information across the supply network. JU LY | U NI V ERS I TY & COL L EGE EDIT ION 61

INFORMATION & TECH CODING WITH YOUR EYES: UK UNIVERSITY USING MICROSOFT AI GRANT TO HELP PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THRIVE IN THE TECH SECTOR A UK university is developing technology that lets people code using their eyes and voice, in a bid to boost the number of people with disabilities who work in the sector. Birmingham City University has been awarded an Al for Accessibility grant from Microsoft to build a system that could make it easier for people with limited mobility to gain employment in web development and computer programming. The move could also help to fill a digital skills gap in the UK that could cost the economy more than £140 billion in growth over the next decade, according to a recent report. “People who are unable to use a mouse or keyboard can often find themselves excluded from certain technical professions, and we are exploring ways to remove some of those barriers,” said Dr. Chris Creed, Senior Lecturer in Human-Computer Interaction at Birmingham City University, who will lead the research project. “This is a fantastic opportunity to make certain professions much more inclusive.” Dr. Creed – who works in the School of Computing and Digital Technology – is part of a team of researchers who are currently developing the first version of the system. They aim to remove the need for a mouse and keyboard by using eyetracking technology to allow users to select specific parts of code just by looking at it, and voice commands to enter the code. While research has found that 808 million people need to learn new skills for their jobs by 2020 and 40% of employers said skill shortages have a negative impact on their business, those with disabilities face additional challenges in entering the workplace. According to the latest Government figures, 46.3% of working-age people with disabilities are in employment compared with 76.4% of working-age people without disabilities. This 30.1 percentage point gap represents more than two million people. Global consulting firm Accenture has suggested that a failure to close the digital skills gap in the UK could cost the economy as much as £141.5 billion in growth over the next 10 years. Its report suggests that most of the skills needed for the future workplace are best acquired through practice and hands-on experience, meaning experiential learning techniques should be prioritised.

UK’S DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IS 25% LARGER THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT New findings reveal that the UK’s digital technology industry is 25% larger than previously thought according to 2019 Digital Technology Census. Companies previously classified as manufacturing for example are now also embracing new technologies such as IoT, Digital and Fintech. Taking this into account, the 2019 Digital technology Census, published by Data City, finds that the digital technology industry in the UK is over 25% larger than previously thought. The Data City is a Data as a Service (DaaS) company that uses open data, the web and artificial intelligence to create robust, real-time data relating to the economy and innovation in the UK. It uses a brand-new approach, with unique technology which enables it to map, for the first time, emerging UK sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT). The 2019 Digital Technology Census shows the true number of companies active in digital technology by measuring emerging sectors which have previously not been quantified. 62 w w w . c are e rsu k . or g

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES A PLANET-HUNTING ALGORITHM HAS FOUND STARS THAT COULD HOST HIDDEN WORLDS Studies from an algorithm have shown at least 9% of nearby stars have planets orbiting outside of them and the stars chemistry could help find them. Astronomers think that 290 stars within 500 lightyears of the sun are hosting planets whereas over 4,200 of them don’t. Natalie Hinkel, a planetary astrophysicist, taught a machine-learning algorithm about thousands of stars and their chemical compositions. The algorithm works by analysing the chemistry of the stars and then based on those results, it can estimate whether the stars in the other groups do host planets. The algorithm is like the streaming service Netflix as it recommends shows and films to watch to the viewer. Hinkel says “If I watch a bunch of movies, Netflix learns that I like science fiction, martial arts movies and British period movies.” Netflix will then use the information it has learnt on the users viewing habits and recommend shows that it thinks they may like. This is how the planet-hunting algorithm works too.

PARASITES ARE EATING THROUGH THE BEAKS OF FINCHES Parasites are swarming the Galapagos Islands and are eating through the song-singing finches which is causing them trouble in finding mates. The parasite named Philornis downsi fly, invades the finch’s nests and lays its eggs in it. The fly larvae will eat through the baby birds’ tissue and blood which wounds the chicks and can cause over half of them to die. The baby birds that do survive will have damage to the beaks which ruins the way they sing. Sonia Kleindorfer, a behavioural ecologist, stated: “What’s heart-breaking when you’re walking through this beautiful forest, is to hear these medium tree finch males just singing and singing and not being able to attract a mate.” The parasite was first recognised in the Galapagos Islands in the 1960s. The fly larvae will live inside the bird’s beak and will eat away at the keratin and soft tissue which leads to the birds having holes in their beaks.

VACCINES AND AUTISM In the UK, there is a high risk in young adults that were not vaccinated when they were children in getting measles. This is due to the disgraced doctor Andrew Wakefield’s discredited claims that the MMR vaccine causes autism. Even though Wakefield’s studies were completely discredited, people still believe that there are links to autism through the MMR vaccine. Studies show that 20% of the UK’s citizens believe that the vaccine does cause autism with many of them not vaccinating their children. Jenny McCarthy, an actress and anti-vaccine activist regularly talks about how she has heard many other mothers say, “I came home, he had a fever, he stopped speaking, and then he became autistic.” Although measles was mostly eradicated throughout the world, parents are deciding not to vaccinate their children has meant that measles is making a comeback. JU LY | U NI V ERS I TY & COL L EGE EDIT ION 63

PUZZLES AND BRAINTEASERS RIDDLE ME THIS 1. Paul’s height is six feet, he’s an assistant at a butcher’s shop, and wears size 9 shoes. What does he weigh? 2. In 1990, a person is 15 years old. In 1995, that same person is 10 years old. How can this be? 3. What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it? 4. Can you decipher this? ‘Busines’ 5. A man stands on one side of a river, his dog on the other. The man calls his dog, who immediately crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or a boat. How did the dog do it?

GIVE THESE RIDDLES A GO. NO PEEKING AT THE ANSWERS! 6. How many sides does a circle have? 7. If you have three oranges and you take away two, how many will you have? 8. Which one does not belong... 8.1. Trigononmetry, Geometry, Cirrus, Calculus 8.2. Comic Book, Atlas, Novel, Brain Teasers 8.3. Otter, Shark, Dolphin, Sea Lion 8.4. Pen, Pencil, Eraser, Chalk 8.5. Golden Delicious, Bartlett, Granny Smith, Jonathon

Our brain tends to jump to conclusions and sees what it wants to. These riddles force you to take a step back and double-check yourself. If you get into the habit of teasing your brain and start to switch up your thinking process and patterns, who knows what you could be capable of!

ZOOM IN FOR ANSWERS TO RIDDLES 1. Meat 2. The person was born in 2005 BC 3. Short 4. Unfinished Business 5. The river is frozen 6. 2 sides, the inside and the outside 7. The answer is 2. You take 2, you have 2 8.1. Cirrus, because the others are mathematics 8.2. Atlas, because the others are for leisure reading 8.3. Shark, because the others are marine mammals 8.4. Chalk, because the others are desk tools 8.5. Bartlett, because the others are types of apples

ANAGRAMS GALORE

Can you re-arrange the letters to work out the jobs & famous entrepreneurs?

CAREERS:

ENTREPRENEUR:

1. TARTRATES HIP

1. LEGITS LAB

2. RIGHTER FIFE

2. MELONS UK

3. COUNT SLANT

3. OSCAR MILLS

4. DISCHARGING PEER

4. KA JACM

5. ENIGMA AZ JAILORS TUN

5. HARRIDAN BRONCS

6. TACHISM PAR

6. ARYL GAPER

7. STATESMANLY SYS

7. BESTS JOVE

8. GHOSTS POLICY

8. MOO TICK

MAZES

ZOOM IN FOR ANSWERS TO ANAGRAMS CAREERS: 1. Art Therapist 2. Firefighter 3. Consultant 4. Graphic Designer 5. Magazine Journalist 6. Pharmacist 7. Systems Analyst 8. Psychologist ENTREPRENEUR: 1. Bill Gates 2. Elon Musk 3. Carlos Slim 4. Jack Ma 5. Richard Branson 6. Larry Page 7. Steve Jobs 8. Tim Cook

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