May 2006

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FO EE R INS JO ID BS E !

CAREER ADVICE + INSPIRATION + JOBS + GRAD NEWS + YOUR FUTURE www.realworldmagazine.com

MAY 2006 FREE TO STUDENTS

CV CLINIC

BUILD AN AMAZING CV

SOCIAL WORK HOW TO GET TRAINED AND SECURE A JOB

JOBS IN SALES & MARKETING WHAT WILL GET YOU AHEAD?

STA R QU ALIT Y

GOING GLOBAL ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR

A TRAVEL CAREER

HE’ THE S WO YEA N £ R. W 10,0 HA 00 A TM SO AKE UR KIR ILL S K GRA MA IRIL DU L SO AT KH AR SPE E OF INS CIA KY L?

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We are an equal opportunities employer

YES, I’D LIKE TO SPEND 10 YEARS POURING OVER SPREADSHEETS, EXAMINING PROFIT AND LOSS, LOSING NOT ONLY MY WILL TO SUCCEED, BUT ALSO MY WILL TO LIVE. NO, I’D RATHER JOIN ENTERPRISE, WHERE I CAN RUN MY OWN BUSINESS WITHIN 2 YEARS, AND BECOME AN EXPERT NOT ONLY IN FINANCE, BUT SALES, MARKETING, CUSTOMER SERVICE, STAFF MANAGEMENT...

Will most industry-leading companies really make the most of your talent? Years at university only to become an expert in photocopying. Hanging round the boss’s desk waiting for instructions. And a pay rise. Better join the Enterprise Management Training Scheme to make sure that’s not you. We’re an international car rental company with a multi-billion pound turnover, that teaches you to run your own section of the business in as little as two years. You’ll learn about everything from sales, marketing and customer service to operations and finance, so you can make crucial business decisions and reap the rewards.

You could be promoted twice in one year. Earn in two years what could take you five elsewhere. We’re here to make the most of your potential, not let it wither and die. To apply visit www.enterprisealive.com/rw or call 0870 850 1232.

R

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MAY | 2006

Contents On the cover

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COVER STORY 6

G raduate of the year 2006: Who has walked away with £10,000? Meet the winners who have demonstrated that they’ve got what it takes. z

UPFRONT

6

10

E ditor’s letter Letters: What can I do with a low UCAS score? Will a

11

postgraduate course boost my employability?

Competition: Win 8 Weeks in Africa!

5

BRAINFOOD 12

Going global: Do you want a career that involves

travel? Read this first! z 14 CV booster: If you are hankering after a career in television, a free course in Edinburgh might be your ticket to a great job.

I ’ll do that job: How to run your own voluntary organisation.

16 Class of 2006: Soon they will be out in the wide, wide 15

12

world. How are our final year graduates surviving?

RW FEATURES 18

V clinic: Does your CV need some serious work? All C the tips and advice you could need are here. z

very social career: The social care profession A doesn’t have the best image but closer inspection reveals a tough job that is surprisingly high on reward, both personal and financial. z 34 Sales and marketing: One career is loved by graduates the other is frequently reviled. But do you really know how the two professions differ? z 22

IN THE NEXT ISSUE

y T he Real World survival guide: what are you going to

22

do after uni?

yC areer fair special: Where can you find the best jobs this summer?

34

Register ONLINE @ realworld and Win the summer of a Lifetime!

8 Weeks in Africa!

For more details turn to page 11 WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW

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The latest jobs to your inbox Constructive career advice you can use Overview of the sectors you want to work in

Get it all at www.realworldmagazine.com

If you’re looking for a great job, start here.

Whether you want to browse jobs or search for an employer, location or sector we’ll find the job for you.

Straight to your email inbox: the latest jobs tailored to your profile, news on the companies that are hiring, along with competitions, and up-to-date careers advice.

Fed up with jobs that don’t suit you? Tailor your job hunt in My Real World.

Create your personal profile, save jobs ads, and track your applications.

Essential tools and knowledge that will prepare you for the job hunting process.

We'll help you identify your strengths and show you how to stand out from the crowd!

The lowdown on the industry sectors you could work in.

Find out about current job vacancies, what employers are looking for and which careers match you and your degree.

Looking for the employer of your dreams?

Check out the online profiles for all the info on who they recruit, where they recruit, how you can apply for them.

A new online experience.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Photograph: Oxford University student, Kirill Makharinsky, winner of the Real World Graduate of the Year Competition 2006. Shot on location at Tooting Bec Lido by Ed Miller.

Editorial: 020 7735 2111 Editor Zoë Roberts Art Director Jennifer van Schoor DESIGNER Yang Ou Sub Editor Joy Persaud

Time of your life?

H

ere at Real World we believe that university is about so much more than getting a degree alone. That’s why for the last three years now we’ve been running the

Graduate of the Year competition, aimed at celebrating students who have made the most out of their time at university. Whether it be volunteering, running a business or getting involved in campus life we think it’s worth taking the chance to develop, get out there do some things and get to know yourself in those short years at uni.

So take a look at the students on page 6. The aim is to inspire you to get out and do something. If you feel time poor, which many students are, think about small changes,

SALES: 020 7735 4900 HEAD OF SALES Paul Wade SALES Josh Marshall, Harmesh Sansoa

DISTRIBUTION: 020 7735 4900 DISTRIBUTION MANAGER James Lynch

ADMIN: 020 7735 4900 Managing Director Darius Norell

Real World Magazine 22-26 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJ Tel: Advertising 020 7735 4900 Editorial 020 7735 2111 Fax: 020 7840 0443 www.realworld.jobs Real World is published in the UK by Cherry Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written permission of the publishers. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs or for material lost or damaged in the post.

perhaps volunteering once every fortnight or changing your part-time job to something a bit more interesting. Building skills now will make a big difference after university and you’ll find that it’s not necessarily those that spend all their time studying at uni that thrive once in the real world.

Start by doing what is necessary, then what’s possible and suddenly you’re doing the impossible, says St Francis of Assisi, who despite being a 12th century saint seemed to know something about these things.

Talking of the impossible: building a CV from scratch or turning something a bit shabby into something which will attract employers can often seem like a mammoth task. Turn to page 18 where Manchester student Edwin Broni-Mensah did exactly that and read our tips on how to make your CV into something to be proud of.

On page 22 we’ve reviewed a career which is in the process of serious change. The social work profession has never had a great image but have you, like many graduates, underestimated what it has to offer?

Two other misunderstood careers are investigated on page 34. Journalist Julie Ferry takes a look at sales and marketing and finds they are quite different to how many graduates expect them to be.

Finally don’t forget our great competition on page 11. If you want to win a summer in Africa with Madventurer then get onto our website www.realworldmagazine.com and register for our e-zine, you’ll also find loads of great jobs and career advice on the site.

Zoë, Editor zoe@realworldmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS

JULIE FERRY

MARINA KAMENEV

Julie Ferry gave up her life under the bright lights of London and left her 9-5 job to set up as a freelance journalist in Bristol. A regular writer at Real World, she also scribes for a number of other publications, including London’s daily paper The Evening Standard.

She reports on careers in sales and marketing on page 34.

Aspiring travel writer Marina Kamenev hails from Australia and is now an English student at the University of Royal Holloway. While writing our article on careers that involve travel she took the chance to interview a number of travel writers and found that while it’s undoubtedly exciting, a job that takes you out of the country for most of the year can have its disadvantages (see Going Global page 12).

WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW

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RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

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COVERSTORY

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lly moti vates m back to e is the society desire to ,” says that I h Kirill Ma give so ave nev methin kharinsk e r waste g and ha y. “I ge d a mom ve touc nuinely ent of u hed the believe the pro niversit lives of cess.” y life many in a positi It was K ve way irill’s de in dicatio really g n to the rabbed enterpri the atte se He was n a ti g o e n of the nda tha a found judges t ing me Oxford . mber a Entrepre nd is no neurs so has gro w preside ciety. In wn to b nt of th just thre ecome e UK with e years the big more th the soc gest ne an 3,00 iety tw program o rk 0 mem o f it s me boa k bers an ind in th sting th d a spe e Dame A e likes aker nita Ro of Sir A ddick. lan Sug He has ar and also se t up an Enternsh online st ips™, a udent c social e for stud lub and nterprise ents, as providin well as Govern g top in advisin ment o ternship g start-u n enterp s p comp Entrepre rise poli anies a neurs h c y. “ nd the as brou My com those a g mitmen ht man round m t y bene to Oxfo e,” he sa fits both as man rd ys. “I w y peop to me a ant to m le as po nd to I think th a k ss e ib a differe le and at I hav nce to by work e alrea In addit ing as h dy start ion to th ard as ed to d I am is, Kirill o that.” tennis, h as repre water p olo and sented solo pia th skiing, e unive no con and ha rsity in cert in s playe founda the Oxfo d the fi tion for rd rst ever U d n is io abled R n, raisin Kirill pla ussian g mone ns to use orphan y for a some o continu s. f the £1 e fundin 0 g ,0 a 0 0 prize nd exp the valu a money able ex nding h to is busin perienc three ye esses. “ e I have ars to c I will ap accum ontinue ply in the fu ulated pushing over the ture,” h and ch e says. last allengin He beli eves un g myse lf iversity like-min life is a ded pe unique o p le only liv o a p n p d o tr rt y as ma e once unity to so you ny thing meet offer to should s as po you. Do take all ssible. “ n’t be fa th You e oppo zed by rt unities setbac on ks.”

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THE REA GRADUAL WORLD YEAR COTE OF THE IN ASSOCIMPETITION IS ATION W ITH:

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THE RunnerS-up (winning £3,000) Name: Jennifer Lambert Age: 24 Subject: Medicine University: University of Leeds ‘To meet people and be inspired’ was Jennifer Lambert’s ambition when she started university. But she’s achieved much more than that, serving as a source of inspiration herself.

One of her proudest achievements is her research to produce internationally relevant guidelines on child abuse detection. This project, which Jennifer started herself, was sparked by a lecture on the difficulties of detecting child abuse and the lack of standards around the world. Within a year she had arranged and made visits to South Africa and the Caribbean to research the issue.

Her proposal received the University of Leeds’ Joan McKinnon award for research related to child health and the community, and was also accepted for presentation at the BMJ Quality Assurance Conference in Prague this year.

Jennifer also gathered acclaim for her research in cardiology and was awarded a Physiology Society-sponsored summer internship, taking on a research project into ECG (electrocardiogram) changes in heart attacks. She later presented the project at a conference in the Netherlands, and in a number of journals.

She says she is very proud to have been selected as an advisor for the General Medical Council Quality Assurance team, consulting on issues affecting the future of the country’s healthcare.

“I think that I do have a lot of ideas and find that when I come up against hurdles I deal with them by just trying to get the ball rolling,” she says. “I find I can achieve my ambitions by setting small goals, which quickly add up to something much bigger.”

mething and so in ed lv o v in be if you really want to more likely to succeed you enjoy it, you are

“

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Name: Jonathan Bailey Age: 21 Subject: History University: University of Oxford During his time studying, Jonathan has thrown himself into all sorts of activities – in particular debating, drama and journalism. “I’m passionate about encouraging debate through the education system and believe that learning to listen and debate an issue is just as important as essay writing,” he says.

This passion has taken him around the world: few people can say they have debated at the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower in front of government ministers and on national television. But Jonathan experienced both when he and a fellow debater became the youngest team to reach the grand final of the World Universities Debating Championships, competing with 1,000 pupils from 50 countries and finishing as runners-up.

He has also used these skills to teach debating to schoolchildren in Thailand, Romania and inner-city London, and has organised debating for 1,500 Oxford Union Society members.

Jonathan says his approach is to seize opportunities that are open to him and to create them when they are not. This is reflected in the number of activities and organisations he has been involved in, from re-founding his college’s croquet club to working his way up to the position of news editor at the student newspaper, Cherwell.

His advice to students is to do things that they love doing, not just because they want something to put on their CV. “If you really want to be involved in something and you enjoy it then you are much more likely to be a success and get something out of it,” he says.

RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

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COVERSTORY

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THE FINALISTS (winning £1,000) Name: Shazia Saleem, Age: 21 Subject: Economics University: University of Warwick

Name: Adam Taylor, Age: 24 Subject: Manufacturing Engineering University: University of Warwick.

Shazia says her experiences at university mean she’ll leave a changed person. She packed in plenty, pursuing interests through societies and community groups.

When asked what achievement at university she has greatest pride in, Shazia struggles to choose between her role at the Sports Federation Committee and her voluntary work.

Having been elected chair of the Sports Federation Committee at the Student Union, Shazia is organising the first Warwick World Cup this year, which brings the 100 nationalities at the university together through sport, and will raise money for charity through corporate sponsorship. “I’m proud of the Warwick World Cup because it’s not something that you can achieve overnight or even in one year, it’s something I broke down and achieved step by step.” Volunteering is also important to Shazia; she has worked with the Junior Windsor Fellowship, which helps underprivileged ethnic minority children in London, with teenage asylum seekers at Coventry Refugee Centre, and with businesses abroad affected by the tsunami.

Name: Harjeet Taggar, Age: 20 Subject: Law University: University of Oxford University for Harjeet Taggar has been about seeking out new challenges and roles to gain new experiences and learn new skills. “I don’t want to be typecast,” says Harjeet. “With every challenge I get the chance to develop new skills and move out of my comfort zone.”

While studying a demanding law degree, Harjeet has managed to set up his own business, www.boso.co.uk, the first online marketplace exclusively for students in the UK. The site now has more than 2,000 students signed up from across 20 educational institutions. Harjeet says he is proud of helping students to save money.

He has also been elected for several positions at the university including admissions representative for Merton College Student Body, treasurer of the Oxford Majlis society and events officer for the Future Flyers Committee, the largest studentrun careers society in Britain. He was also recruited as PR officer for the Oxford Entrepreneurs society, securing coverage in national papers including the Guardian, the Times and the Sunday Telegraph.

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even failure brings rewards, it’s simply a matter of finding them Name: Sadiq Jaffer Age: 22 Subject: Computer Systems Engineering University: University of Warwick

”

“Hectic” is how Sadiq Jaffer describes his years at Warwick University. While studying for his degree he started up an online T-shirt business, which generates more than £30,000 a year in revenue. The business, Syswear, now receives more than 350,000 website hits a month and has customers across North America, Europe, Australia and Japan.

Sadiq is also president of the Computing Society, which has around 250 members.

Other achievements include leading a successful campaign across the campus to ban smoking in the Student Union bar and forming part of the England team at the Robot Football 2005 World Cup in Singapore. “I’m motivated by a sense of adventure – I’m always trying to find things to do and new skills to develop,” he says. “Even failure brings its own well-hidden rewards, it is simply a matter of finding them.”

Sadiq has been rewarded for his academic achievements with an Engineering Leadership Award from the Royal Academy of Engineers and was selected for IBM’s Top Student scheme in its EMEA region. In fact university has been such a good experience for Sadiq that he plans to take up the PhD he has been offered.

As a budding entrepreneur, Adam has set up three student services while studying for his degree. These include a not-for-profit website to link local businesses and students, a coachleasing company to save student societies money for transport, and a service that provides safe, cheap, fun events and nights out for fellow students. “I’ve learnt that I love providing services and products to people and helping communities,” says Adam. “It’s something that I’d like to pursue as a future career.”

At university, Adam worked as a day manager for One World Week, the world’s largest student-led event, to help promote cultural diversity. Proceeds went to the tsunami relief fund. He also sits on the executive of Warwick Entrepreneurs and was voted staff-student liaison committee officer of Warwick Business School society.

Adam believes that you have to get the most out of university, even if it means taking a risk. Having originally started studying mathematics at Warwick, he changed to do engineering. Although he had to start his course again, he used it as a chance to start his businesses. “I’m particularly proud of making something good out of something that I could have seen as a set-back,” he says. “It’s so important to get the most out of university. It’s a unique opportunity to better yourself and to develop lifelong skills but you have to seize the chance as your time just flies past.”

************* Could you be the Real World Graduate of the Year 2007?

Next year we’ll again be looking for outstanding students who think they have stood out from the crowd while at uni. “It’s taken almost a year to sink in,” says Hazel Mowbray, who walked away with £10,000 after winning Graduate of the Year 2005. “It’s been the most amazing experience and is a real chance to show that university is about so much more than just studying.”

If you are about to enter your final year and think that you’ve made the most of your time at uni send us an email to pre-register for the launch of next year’s competition.

We’ll send you details to alert you to the start of the competition next year.

Send an email titled ‘Real World GoY 2007’ with your contact details and university to info@realworldmagazine.com

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LETTERS

Fed up, excited, want to request information, pass on a good job-hunting tip or just have a general whinge?

Don’t hesitate to email us at Real World.

emailz@realworld.com

Send any emails to zoe@realworldmagazine.com Please specify if you don’t want us to include your full identity

Letter of the month

INTERVIEW ANGST Since I graduated in English last year I’ve had several job interviews. However, I’ve found them really hard as I get very nervous and consequently think I come across badly. Can you offer me some strategies so I can prepare better for next time?

Jonathan, Edinburgh.

POSTGRADUATE PAIN I graduated last summer with a geography degree (2:1) and am having absolutely no luck with my job hunting. Can you advise me whether a postgraduate degree will improve my job chances?

James, Manchester

Not everyone finds it easy to relax during such pressurised situations, but, clichéd as it sounds, practice makes perfect. Having experienced failure, you’ve now got a head start. Look back at your interviews and learn from what went wrong. How did you undersell yourself? Contact all the companies who interviewed you so that you can get some feedback.

Composure is also born of confidence, and the golden rule of interviews is to carry out good preparation. Your first step is to do your research thoroughly. You then need to decide why you want the position, how the job fits your skills and interests, and how you’ll express your passion for it.

Remember, interviews are about selling yourself, so identify realistic reasons as to how hiring you will benefit the company.

Anticipate the kinds of questions you will be asked and practise responding clearly and concisely. Be ready to expand on any item on your CV. Many candidates assume that a few failures will define how other employers will feel about them. This is simply not true.

ANTICIPATE THE QUESTIONS YOU WILL BE “ ASKED AND PRACTISE RESPONDING CLEARLY ”

RW: It depends. According to research, in the first year after graduating, only two per cent of postgraduates are unemployed as opposed to five per cent of undergraduates. But some employers are sceptical about the value of postgraduate degrees, so it is essential that you choose the right course, can justify why you took it and explain how it has made you more employable.

Funding a postgraduate course is also expensive and the workload is demanding. When choosing your course, talk to tutors and look at what transferable skills you will gain from it.

Postgraduate students often forget that during an academic course it is essential to develop interpersonal and rounded skills that employers look for.

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Finally, if the rejections are piling up, it could be that you lack experience, or aren’t marketing yourself sufficiently.

There are other ways to improve your chances, such as gaining relevant work experience, which is becoming a more common entry route.

PRESSURE POINTS I’ve worked hard towards my degree (I think I will get a 2:1) but I have poor A-level results. All the companies I want to apply to (retail banks) require at least 22 UCAS points but I only have 16. What should I do?

Sarah, Biology, Edinburgh RW: Most large graduate recruiters use UCAS points to sift out candidates when they are overwhelmed by applications (i.e. several thousand people competing for a handful of positions). The other reason, particularly in areas such as

Photographs: StockXchange, Madventurer | Illustration: Mo’Mint Studios

accountancy, where your first few years will be spent taking exams, is that A-levels are seen as a good indicator of future performance.

While some employers won’t make any exceptions, others are flexible, and sometimes their criteria changes throughout the academic year. It’s worth checking if this is the case to avoid wasting your time on fruitless applications. Contact the company (try the graduate recruitment department), and ask. Your case will be strengthened if you are armed with a good degree and can prove your commitment through plenty of relevant work experience. When applying, emphasise your competencies: as well as business awareness, retail banking is big on people skills such as communication, team playing, and so on.

Register ONLINE @ realworld and Win the summer of a Lifetime!

8 Weeks in Africa!

**** www.realworldmagazine.com **** Real World and Madventurer have come together to provide you with the experience of a lifetime: a five-week rural community project in Kenya and a 21-day East Africa beach and bush adventure.

Current projects are based around the rural villages of Ngumo and Ngecho in the stunning Rift Valley, where breathtaking scenery stretches for miles. The work is to help with the renovation of rundown village schools and bring to life the learning process.

After five weeks, you’ll head off on a beach and bush adventure, travelling through Kenya. This amazing trip will take you on a journey through some of East Africa’s best game parks and most stunning landscapes.

All you need to do is go to the Real World website, which is at www.realworldmagazine.com and register to receive our regular e-zine.

On 5 June 2006 we’ll email you to let you know who the lucky winner

An incredible… “ awe-inspiring… self-enquiring… people-meeting… lentil-eating… culturally astounding… sun-scorched... summer

”

– Richard King, Kenya

is. Good luck!

(Flights are not included as part of the experience.)

Madventurer offers the chance to combine volunteer projects in rural communities with adventurous overland travel. Projects typically include building and teaching, but medical, conservation and coaching schemes are also frequently run.

WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW 11

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BF BRAINFOOD

NEWS y VIEWS y ADVICE y STRATEGIES

GoingGlobal Do you want a career that involves jetting around the world?

Before renewing your passport ask yourself some serious questions says Marina Kaminev

Before you pack Make sure your reasons can support your ambition. “It is really important to get a sense of what you are talking about,” says Liz Wilkinson, head of college careers service at Royal Holloway, University of London.“Working overseas is not a holiday and you can be bored in any country and in any language.” Think about what you want from the experience, she advises, whether it’s to brush up your language skills, have a change in landscape, or find a more dynamic pace of life. You’ll need to research both your country of choice and area of work thoroughly, and consider everything from climate, language and economic situation, to visa requirements, customs and food.

The Travelling Writer

Finding employment

David Else has written and co-written more than 25 Lonely Planet titles. His most Many British organisations have offices across recent publication is Lonely Planet’s Guide to the world, so target multinational firms during Great Britain. In general, his guides focus on two very your job search. Careers that clock up air different areas: Northern England and East & Southern miles include management consultancy, Africa, and he has written around 20 books for visitors to Africa. He has also worked as a tour leader for travel advertising, finance, engineering, policompanies and specialist mountain trekking operators.

tics, and, of course, the armed forces.

But don’t expect to fall immediately into the jet set. When Liz speaks

“I always wanted a job that involves travel, but did not quite know how to find one.

After doing English and education at university the natural progression was teaching.

But like most students I went traveling after uni and ended up staying abroad for three to students who want travel as part years, coming home to do menial jobs so that I could go overseas again. of their career, she explains that My career started when I wrote to a publisher of a guide book to correct information that was obviously wrong and they responded by asking me to update that section in the book. they might be looking to achieve I was then offered to write a chapter and eventually got to write my own book. this within three years rather than For about two decades, I travelled for at least half the year. I knew the consequences straightaway. “In general you will of being away from my friends and family but still found it very difficult. The guidebooks have to establish yourself in your I wrote were mainly about Africa, but after a while I realised that if I kept writing about workplace. The company must get to Africa the gloss would wear off and more importantly it would have an impact on the quality of my writing. know you, and get to trust you, before As a result, Britain became my new area of expertise. Living in the centre of the they allow you to represent them overcountry means that the most northern part of Scotland is only five hours away. I seas,” she says. You’ll also need to show can go out and do my research quite easily in the week. This works out a prospective international employer that perfectly for me as I enjoy writing about my own country and I enjoy you have some cross-cultural awareness being home at the weekends. It’s a dream job but it can be draining. For all those aspiring travel writers I’d recommend and sensitivity. Kevin Cusak consultant at the visiting www.lonelyplanet.com/help/guide.”

World Service Enquiry, which advises those wanting to work in developing countries, has this advice: “The most misguided type of graduates are often the

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The Global Engineer Alex McKie has a degree in civil engineering from the University of Surrey. She is currently doing a PhD in environmental health engineering with the university and is working on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to research the standards of drinking water in developing countries.

“Being able to travel has definitely been a major factor in selecting my job with WHO. When I am overseas I am quite lucky as I do get to do lots of sightseeing, meet great people and have a fantastic time. I have just spent four months in the Caribbean researching their water quality. This was very hard work but I felt that I still got to experience a lot of the country. As a team we meet every six months in a different part of the world to learn more about water supplies in that part of the world and to educate water supply stakeholders and policymakers on WHO best practice. Traveling so much can be exhausting, ones that have done geography and but it is quite evenly interspersed, so that I do have time to settle back in between trips. then a Masters in development studies.

However there are times when it’s very hectic. When I came back from the Caribbean That’s not enough: agencies aren’t I only had two weeks to prepare my research for a presentation that was being held in looking for that, they are looking for skills Alice Springs, Australia.

The people I encounter are quite varied. I meet a lot of politicians, which is quite and work experience.” Evidence of formal, but at the same time there are always other PhD students around to go out independent travel can often be useful to with. Although I love all the opportunities I have had it would be ideal to be a little convince employers that you will be able more settled. I am currently looking at a position to work in New York and then to cope overseas. travel every five months or so for three weeks at a time.

Also consider that, as a UK national, you The combination of work and travel is as good as it sounds. After a big trip the most difficult part is coming back to the office and have the right to look for work, take up employadjusting to a much less exciting routine. I am lucky that ment and set up your own business (subject to I really do enjoy my job. Engineering is a great field normal local regulations) in any of the EU member to be in, especially if travel is on states, without a work permit. But do think about the pracyour agenda.”

ticalities, especially if you are left to make the arrangements yourself without assistance from an employer. For example, the US, Australia and Canada have some elaborate immigration rules. EU countries are logistically much easier today but language may be an issue.

Does it fit your lifestyle?

While a job with lots of traveling can mean meeting lots of new and interesting

The Flying Executive

people, it can also mean saying goodbye to old friends. It might seem like a dream job but “I have very few friends,” jokes Lonely Planet writer, David Else. After being away for a trip he says the first month back in the UK is spent calling people saying, “remember me?”

Isobelle Rossi studied English Literature and German at the University of Kent. Now working as a marketing support Even short trips can take a toll on your social life. officer for ING bank she travels internationally So, are you ready to live in a different culture? four times a year, and makes many frequent domestic Even in a bigger city with internet access and trips within the UK. “Travelling makes a big difference about how you feel about English speakers the culture will always be forwork. It is a great incentive to work harder when you know that you have a trip eign, says Kevin. “Whatever the degree of to a foreign destination to look forward to. The trips are within Europe, usually in change is, you need to think about how it will Holland and Eastern Europe, and usually for two to three days at a time. When I am affect you.” Plus do consider whether you away it is very often back-to-back meetings on at least two of the days. This can be have the skills to work in that country. English quite exhausting, and most of the trips are mid-week so I don’t really get the opportunity to stay for the weekend and have a look around. can be easy to get by on, but is it enough?

I deal with so many of my international clients on the phone; actually meeting them Not always, according to Liz. In some EU diminishes some of the problems that are caused by a cultural barrier. Because of the countries you won’t be able to get by unless language differences, sometimes an email can appear brash but after meeting a you know one, if not two, languages. person you are more acquainted with their mannerisms, and can build a much warmer relationship from that point onwards.

Depending on where you’re going, not I particularly enjoy meeting clients from places such as Romania, as the knowing the language can be very isolating. country is only recently established on the global market, and the people are But if you do decide that a career with travel very interested and enthusiastic about how they are perceived in the UK, is for you then the chances are you won’t look and are also very involved in their own political surroundings. back.

Working abroad or traveling frequently The travel aspect of my job can be perceived as glamorous on the job, is an enriching experience, highly and I do really enjoy it; but there can be nothing more tiring then leaving home to go to the airport at regarded by employers, says Liz. Even with all the 6am, only to be on the returning flight at challenges mentioned, she confirms that the hardest part 10pm the same night.”

of working and travelling is always coming back. And our three case studies would agree.

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BF BRAINFOOD CV BOOSTER

Your foot... in their door

Looking for a way to get into TV? History graduate Katie Mokhtar, 22, talks about a free scheme that gave her the chance she needed.

International TV Festival, runs a five-day training course for 150 people.

The scheme aims to give young people the chance to learn skills from presenting to scriptwriting. Speakers range from industry figures such as BBC director Jana Bennett to TV presenter Vernon Kay. Competition for places can be stiff. The application questionnaire asked Katie to name her dream job in television and list which television programs she found most inspirational. “I think what really gave me

“I think that people in the TV industry find

the edge was that I knew what I wanted

that many graduates wanting to work in

to do, which was work in programme

the sector are vague about what they want to do. Just saying, ‘I want to work in

development,” she says.

At the end of the course all participants

TV because I think it’s cool,’ isn’t going to

had the chance to apply for TVYP at Work,

be enough to get you a job,” says Katie, a graduate of Warwick University.

which is a six-month work placement.

As a result, Katie is coming to the

Now working as a programme developer

end of a position as a development

at Living TV, she says that her edge came from a combination of work

researcher at Living TV, where her job is to develop new subject areas for

experience, tenacity and a free five-day training programme.“After grad-

new programme formats.

“It’s great – exactly what I want to do,” she

uating in 2005 I worked at hospital radio in Brighton and also got

says. Her advice is to get as much experience as you can.

some experience presenting for TV Brighton, which was

“Aim for longer placements – a month, for example, will give you

a community channel that was launching at the time,” she says.

Her big break, however, came when she spotted a leaflet for Television and Young People (TVYP) at her uni careers service. Every August TVYP, the charitable arm of the Edinburgh

a real experience.

“And talk to people!

I found that just asking people about their jobs proved invaluable to helping me decide what I wanted to do.”

For more information on TVYP visit www.tvyp.co.uk

VOX POPS

SecondChance What would final year students at the University of Leicester do differently if they went to uni again?

Sam Illingworth (BSc physics with space science). I think if I was to go through university again the first thing I would do would be getting involved with university activities right from the first year and not the last!

I feel as though I’ve got a lot out of my time here in that I’ve worked for the paper and the radio, been a member of the squash club and the choir – it’s just a shame I left it a bit late.

Apart from that I feel that I’ve got everything that I’ve wanted to out of university.

Francis Shine - BA human geography. If I could go back in time I would probably do a business course instead because I think that potential employers would look more favourably on this.

At university we might know what human geography is all about but that is not the case in the job market. It’s a shame because I find the subject very interesting but I worry that it will not help me in the long run.

Titiyawadee Punmanee BA geography with tourism. I’ve really enjoyed my time as a student and can’t believe it’s nearly over! There are small things that I might do differently; I didn’t like my halls in the first year very much and I know there were times I could have worked harder.

On the whole, it’s gone how I wanted it to.

Interview: Marina Kaminev

5Steps toCareer Clarity 3

skills

1

Visit your careers service. Contrary to popular belief you don’t have to know what you want to do before you visit your careers service. Most will employ professionals with years of experience who can talk to you about ideas for life after graduation.

Take a test. A computerised guidance programme, Prospects Planner, aims to help you develop a profile of your

2

and

values, and

your

interests

and motivation, matching all of that to a graduate job. For advice on using it head to your university careers service or see www.prospects.ac.uk Learn what others have done with your degree. You might be surprised since almost half of all graduate vacancies are open to people from any degree discipline. To source the information find out who runs your university alumni scheme.

Get creative. Peter Hawkins runs the Windmills Programme. He suggests listing what you don’t want to do then working backwards from that point. www.windmillsprogramme.com

4

By Keith Ruffles

“

THINK – IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY NEXT WEEKEND WHAT WOULD YOU DO FROM DAY TO DAY – WHAT REALLY INTERESTS YOU?

”

5

Get some work experience. This can help you to define your likes and dislikes and narrow down your career options. Even shadowing someone for a day can spark off some useful ideas.

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barometer

I’LL DO THAT JOB

Volunteer

What made you organise your own volunteering project in Pakistan?

I went to help in Thailand through a scheme that was organised at my university in South Africa. I was supposed to go home in three months, but found myself really enjoying the work. I then made the decision to take a gap year from uni. During that time a group of the tsunami volunteers organised themselves and went over to Pakistan to help with the earthquake response. Despite originally planning to stay in Thailand I was convinced that Pakistan was a more needy cause.

But why not go with an organised group?

Most of the larger aid organisations wish only to recruit professionals (engineers, doctors, nurses). Although we are undergraduates we wanted to help so we decided to go in as ‘independent volunteers’. Later we plan to set up an non-governmental organisation similar to the Tsunami Volunteer Centre that we have been working with, so that we may collect corporate funding and be able to recruit more volunteers in the longer term.

Isn’t that a lot of work?

Yes but it’s worth it. We’re undertaking fundraising through a blog website (http:// pakistanvolunteers.wordpress.com) and emailing our friends, family and all other

contacts. It is difficult because our team consists of people that hardly knew each other before we started with fundraising.

There are 11 individuals from seven countries ranging in age from 22-40 years old.

Sometimes we are on a different page, but we know that we all want the same thing.

What are you going to do when you get there?

The plan is to visit the Islamabad markets to get winter clothing, tents and supplies and then move into the camp at Muzaffarabad.

The type of work will depend on what is needed, but judging from what the others have been doing, there’s work such as digging drainage ditches, and still distributing blankets and supplies. When I get there winter will be nearing its end, so ideally I hope that we can start to get involved in rebuilding homes and schools.

Do you think volunteering will help your career in the long term?

Yes, as an architecture student, it is difficult to be taken seriously in the industry without any experience on-site. The opportunity to physically rebuild a destroyed community has given me great experience. Now when I do apply for jobs, I have an understanding that will make me an asset to my employer.

Photograph: Yang Ou; Stock .XCHNG

Interview: Marina Kaminev

WALKING IN BRITAIN

TWENTY SOMETHING

A book giveaway for those of you who like the outdoor life. This updated edition provides all the practical know-how for exploring Britain by foot, from the idyllic Lake District to the wilderness of north-west Scotland.

Read Real World’s interview with David Else, one of the book’s authors, on page 12.

This debut novel from 24 year old author Iain Hollingshead recounts a year in the life of Jack Lancaster, a go-getting fast track graduate in the City.

Jack succeeds in getting sacked from work and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. We have a limited number of copies to give away in April.

BO GIVOK AWA EY!

Email zoe@ realworldmagazine.com to request a copy.

First come, first served!

Recruitment fairs. It’s getting to that time of year when the recruitment fair circuit starts hotting up. Keep an eye on your university careers service website for dates of fairs near you. They are one of the best ways to find graduate jobs in your area, meet employers and get more ideas about which career you’d like to choose.

Last minute work experience. While most big employers will have filled their summer intern places for 2006, it’s not too late to get some experience. If you’re sending in a speculative application emphasise how you can give the organisation your time!

Voluntary work is another way. Visit www.do-it.org London calling? Although still top choice for the majority of graduates, increasing numbers are starting to look elsewhere for their first graduate job, according to a survey by credit card firm Capital One. Spurred on by the high cost of living about 40 per cent of graduates say they will be looking for jobs elsewhere, in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham.

Arts degrees no use? Too many students are wasting their time and money on traditional arts degrees that are likely to leave them jobless, according to a paper by Cornerstone, a group of Conservative MPs. The paper suggests that vocational degrees in subjects such as media studies provided students with better employment prospects.

FREEZING LUKEWARM

Nikki Greenberg, a 22-year-old architecture student, took some time out of uni to help with rebuilding in Thailand in tsunami-affected areas. She is now co-ordinating non-profit organisation Pakistan Volunteers in Muzaffarabad, which is helping with earthquake relief.

SCORCHIO!

REAL WORLD REVIEWS THIS MONTH’S TRENDS...

Social skills Employers are struggling to fill vacancies because of the poor social skills among graduates.

A survey of employers found many graduate positions will go unfilled because of a lack of soft skills such as “team working, cultural awareness, leadership and communication skills”.

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BF BRAINFOOD

Classof2006

A job offer, some assessment centres and a change of plan... the latest from our six final-year students.

1

The Plan: Heather is currently looking for jobs with media-production companies, but is also considering pursuing a career as a drama therapist.

Story So Far: Heather is very busy with her final-year project and is holding a number of workshops at a local school – good experience for a budding drama therapist. She has applied for a number of unpaid work experience posts but is concerned that her student debt will mean that she’ll have to start earning as soon as she graduates. “I’ve been browsing the papers for paid work and have seen a number of things which interest me,” she says. “ I think there are quite a range of jobs open to me as I’ve got good research, presentation and writing skills.”

What’s Next? Job hunting! “It’s not been easy to realise that becuase of student debt I’ll have to start job hunting,” she says. She plans to knuckle down over April and start applying as soon as possible.

3

NAME: Wing Yee Li DEGREE: English Literature UNI: University of Edinburgh

The Plan: Following a summer placement with Cancer Research, Wing wants to find a job which will allow her to give sback to society, possibly social work or working for a charity.

Story So Far: Wing has got through to the interview stage with Cancer Research and is waiting to hear back from them. She’s had some exciting news which is that she has been chosen to be a Parliamentary Ambassador and will be shadowing Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson for the next six months. Linked to Operation Black Vote the scheme aims to match MPs with young people who are closely involved in community work in an effort to start to re-engage black and ethnic minority communities in the voting and political process.

What’s Next? “I’ve already shadowed Jo in Parliament and will make the most out of this opportunity over the next six months, it’s amazing!” says Wing. “Maybe it will inspire me to go into politics.”

NAME: Lawrence Freeman DEGREE: BA Politics & Sociology UNI: University of Exeter The Plan: Lawrence has decided to apply for internships after uni rather than going straight into a full-time job. He’s particularly interested in an internship abroad.

Story So Far: Lawrence has an interview with the Civil Service through the Employment Opportunities internship scheme. The scheme is aimed specifically at students with disabilities and Lawrence, who is dislexic, is eligible to apply. He’s deciding when to do a three week school work experience part of the Student Associates Scheme, a government-sponsored programme that introduces higher-education students to teaching.

What’s Next? “I’d like to travel in the summer and also perhaps work abroad, but my priority is setting up internships,” he says.

“That and finishing uni.”

5

NAME: Paul Raven DEGREE: Bsc Managerial/Administrative Studies UNI: Aston University The Plan: After a sandwich year at LogicaCMG Paul felt store management or operations would be his career of choice. During the course of the year he’s realised that more general graduate management programmes would suit his ambitions.

Story So Far: Paul is waiting to hear back from energy company E.ON following a telephone interview. “I think it went better than previous telephone interviews,” he says. “I’ve learnt to slow down and not rush things.” University work has taken up a huge amount of time recently, particularly final coursework assignments.

What’s Next: Paul is to meet with the head of marketing at LogicaCMG to discuss possible opportunities later in April. Once his coursework is out of the way he plans to relaunch into the job market. “I simply haven’t haven’t had time for any further applications recently,” he says.

2

NAME: Emma Barker DEGREE: BA Philosophy UNI: University of York

4

The Plan: Emma’s keen to get into consultancy or onto a graduate scheme.

Story So Far: Emma is the strange limbo where she has accepted a job from PWC but still has several months and exams before she starts. Her offer is dependent on her final university grade so she’s working very hard but can’t wait to get started in the real world. “I’ve moved home to finish my essays and revise for my exams,” says Emma. “It’s actually been a bit tougher than I expected. I have to keop motivated but I just don’t want to do uni any more!”

What’s Next? There are some social events coming up over the summer which have been put together by PWC to enable the new graduate intake to meet their future colleagues. “I have a feeling it will be a little like the start of university with so many graduates coming together at the same time,” says Emma.

6

NAME: Alick Varma DEGREE: Bsc Maths & Economics UNI: University of Warwick

The Plan: Having completed an internship at Accenture and run his own business Alick was split between striking out on his own or applying for jobs in management consultancy Story So Far: Alick has had some good news about his job in the strategy consulting division of Accenture. “I’ve been told that becuase I did my internship with them I can start as a second year analyst rather than a first year,” he says. “This means that I’ll be working with more responsibility, which is brilliant news.” His job with Accenture will start at the end of August.

What’s Next? Alick is deeply involved in preparing his business Interns Experience, a networking business for London-based interns, to run over the summer. The business was a success last year and Alick hopes it will be even bigger this year. He and his team have been pitching the idea to a number of big corporates, aiming to secure sponsorship.

Photographs: Ed Miller

NAME: Heather McLarty DEGREE: BA Media Performance UNI: University of Luton

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    

    

         

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+CV CLINIC

There is no single right way to write a CV but there are many, many things you can do wrong.

BEFORE... *

2 1

The candidate Edwin Broni-Mensah is a final year computer science and mathematics student at the university of Manchester. His academic record is great but it’s been a while since he’s updated his CV. At present he’s considering a few alternatives for his future, including applying for jobs in financial risk management or continuing his education with a maths PhD. One option, because of his experience and background, is to apply for IT-based jobs in finance, and it’s for this purpose Edwin has worked on his current CV.

3

4 5

The careers adviser Brian Reeve is a careers consultant at the careers and employability division at the University of Manchester. Of Edwin’s finished CV he says, “If only more students could achieve such a good standard as this, which many cannot even after several tries.”

6

7

8 4 Proof read your CV very carefully and then get someone else to read it very carefully. It’s amazing what details can be missed (did you spot GSCE instead of GCSE).

* Edwin’s details have been changed

8 Sloppy layout 7 Passive. Note the start of each statement, such as : ‘Ability to’. It’s a very common mistake that students use passive language to describe their achievements. ‘Responsible for’ and ‘involved’ are other typical passive phrases that students overuse. Go for action phrases like ‘Took responsibility for’.

doesn’t make a good impression

6 Was this paid? What exactly did Edwin do and how is it relevant to his ambitions to break into the world of finance? Descriptions of work experiences, interests and achievements lack evidence to support assertions, says Brian.

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FEATURE | CV CLINIC

AT Every single point on your CV should

9 Another opportunity to

1 Edwin’s address and

RW

be focused on trying to sell yourself to the employer. Look at everything through the eyes of a recruiter. Ask: ‘How is this relevant to the company I’m applying to?’. For example, here the fact that Edwin has gained a deeper appreciation of the film and media industry is of very limited interest to a financial recruiter.

demonstrate commercial skills, but what exactly did Edwin do?

Ability to negotiate what?! How big was the company and does he have any figures to demonstrate that he was successful in the role?

contact details take up much too much space, says Brian. The same goes for his A-level results.

9 2 The overall impression of the CV is that it’s rather empty.

While an overly busy CV can be just as off-putting for recruiters you want to impress them with your experience not highlight the lack of it.

AT

AK 3 Listing your modules can be useful but don’t just include a shopping list – it doesn’t say anything about you and your abilities. Whittle it down to show courses that are relevant to the job that you are applying to.

If, like Edwin, you are doing well academically, let it shine through!

AL

AM AL Does playing in a amateur football team really constitute working under ‘immense pressure’ compared to working in the financial markets? Be wary of exaggeration.

AN

5 Layout is inconsistent. See the use of capital letters for ‘Manual Labour’ but lower case for ‘junior graphics’.

Plus, there is an inconsistent use of bold throughout the CV. Do spend time on the layout as it can let a great CV down or give a recruiter the impression that you don’t pay attention to detail – not a good selling point.

AN Too much white space!

AM You don’t always need to list your referees as the employer will usually ask for them further along in the recruitment process.

AK This sounds interesting but what does it actually involve? Don’t miss the chance to list an achievement. How many people are in the team?

What deadlines?

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RW

FEATURE | CV CLINIC

AFTER...

1 Edwin’s personal details take up much less space and the layout is neat and clear. “The overall impression is attractive and professional,” says Brian.

“Sections are clearly separated, headings are in a distinct format and separated from the remaining text, and sub-headings are avoided when they would unnecessarily add to clutter (e.g. address). The use of bullet points generally adds to clarity.”

1 2

3

3 Edwin’s impressive academic achievements at university immediately stand out. Rather than listing every module Edwin has taken he’s focused on subjects and projects which will emphasise her suitability for a job in marketing.

4 It’s only usual to include

4 5

6

GCSE grades for maths and English but Edwin has also included computing as it’s relevant to his career aspirations.

5 A fantastic piece of work

7

experience. Edwin has really made the most out of showing what skills he gained from it by using plenty of figures and numbers as evidence.

8

6 Note the use of active verbs: “Good use of language, particularly verbs and phrases such as: designed and implemented; led a team; was promoted; took the initiative,” comments Brian.

7 An excellent piece of impressive voluntary work, which was not mentioned on his original CV. Voluntary work is very popular with employers. Although it’s not paid employment it shows that you are proactive and self-motivated. Again Edwin has emphasised not only what he’s done but what skills he’s developed while doing it. “Like many of the entries it includes detailed factual material used to illustrate many competencies and skills exercised, developed or gained - this is the major strength of the CV,” says Brian.

8 Edwin has focused on what he achieved in his previous jobs, which makes them look much more impressive, as well as demonstrating a range of skills, such as good commercial ability and innovation.

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FEATURE | CV CLINIC

RW

2 A mission statement listing some key achievements or attributes can give a CV a sense of direction and tailor it to a specific job role.

However Edwin’s CV is already very focused so he’s decided not to give space to such a statement.

9 Edwin could include some

9

AT

figures on the savings made or the cost of the project that he worked on. For example, ‘Promoted to work on the ‘Hell Raiser...’ This £10,000 project was successfully delivered on time…’

AT By including the open days and employer events he has attended Edwin has shown that he is focused on a career in finance and has taken steps to get to know the industry.

AK

Do

AL

…make sure the overall look is clean and professional. On average your CV will be scanned for 20 seconds before a decision is made so you need to make a good first impression. …type and laser print your CV. If you are sending out hard copies then go for a heavy, high quality paper.

Don’t

AK

Edwin is able to demonstrate that he has strong programming skills by listing his achievements under one heading.

AL “This makes very clear his interest in finance, a quality looked for by potential City employers,” says Brian.

….spend so long procrastinating about your CV that you never send out any applications. …send the same CV to everyone.

Tailor the CV to the role you are applying for. …play hard to get. Put all your contact details in and make sure you are contactable. Also, change any funky email addresses such as stupid@hotmail.com as they won’t impress anyone ….send off the CV without a covering letter or email. Why miss the chance to sell yourself and reiterate your suitability for the job?

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Name: Katie Bennett, 24 Degree/University: BA(Hons) Theatre Performance job: High dependency care worker for elderly and adult disabled service users

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FEATURE | SOCIAL WORK | CASE STUDY

A very social career Looking for a job that directly impacts on the lives of society’s most vulnerable? Read on for the lowdown on the caring profession

“S

ocial work is about people, it’s as simple and as complicated as that”.

That’s the strapline for the government’s current social care recruit-

ment campaign, which aims to increase the numbers of people going into the sector. If you haven’t thought about social work as a career – and many graduates haven’t – it may be time to think again.

It’s a profession which, despite a poor image, is experiencing change, with new training and education set to put it on par with other registered professions such as doctors, teachers and lawyers. And it’s a career in the front line that is emotionally rewarding as well as mentally challenging, say the professionals.

The profession There are 1.4 million workers in the UK, comprising more than five per cent of the workforce with at least 30,000 employers in the public and private sector.

Social workers are a professional group within the sector: only people who are registered and have a formal professional qualification can be called social workers. “Social workers often work on quite complex cases: helping people to assess and interpret the problems they face, and supporting them in finding solutions,” says Julie Wardle, careers adviser at the Department of Health-funded Social Work and Care Careers service. “They will liaise regularly with other professionals – teachers, doctors, police, lawyers – to mobilise other services to get that person back on their feet and be independent.”

y Photographs by Domenico Pugliese

RW

What does your job involve? I’m a care worker with Agincare, a domiciliary care agency. I visit people at their homes and provide the support that will help them live an independent life. In a week I’ll see between 20 and 25 clients from a variety of backgrounds.

My youngest client is the same age as me and suffers from brain damage, my eldest client is 99. The service I offer them will depend on their disability or needs but much of my job is about personal care, which includes helping with domestic chores, shopping and cleaning.

I also help people deal with the emotional side of things as I’m often working with people who have had a lot of change in their lives, such as a dehabilitating illness.

What was your motivation in choosing this career? It’s such a vital and important profession and is so often underestimated. At school and university I had no idea that this might be a career for me. Once I’d graduated I’d planned to do a PGCE and go into teaching, which had been a lifelong ambition.

After university I returned home to work and raise money but during that time my mother had a serious accident which required me to help care for her for a period of six months. It was while I was doing that a light went on and I realised that this could be the career for me.

What do you enjoy about your job? I’ve never had such a passion for anything in my life – I always wanted a job where I could give something back and that’s what I’m doing now. I also work as a ‘care ambassador’ and go into schools to talk about the career. I’ve a real desire to improve the perception of the sector and expel myths. I’m also in a great position to consider my future: there are so many options that I could take such as training to be a fully qualified social worker.

What is the most challenging part of the job? It can be physically and mentally stressful are working with people who have problems in their lives, which are either physical or mental. If you aren’t careful you can carry other people’s problems around with you. Sometimes people are frustrated by the fact that they have got to a situation where they need care but 99 per cent are very happy and appreciative of the help.

And the worst part? The job isn’t that glamorous and the pay can be low, around between £14,000 and £15,000 depending on your hours. I find the early mornings difficult as I start at 7am and work until 2pm, I then work from 5pm until about 10pm.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO READERS CONSIDERING A JOB IN YOUR FIELD? There are many misconceptions about this career. This is a changing profession, which is moving forward rapidly, and it is great to be a part of that.

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Positively rewarding Children and Young People’s Service This is a time of positive change at North Yorkshire County Council.

We’re working towards becoming one of the UK’s top performing authorities, and have a clear, strategic mission to continually improve services and ensure Best Value for the 500,000 people we serve.

Developing our staff is central to this, demonstrated by a vigorous commitment to rewarding achievement and enabling progress, including: • A positive, dynamic approach, especially in Children’s Services • Commitment to our Child Placement Unit ensuring its largest ever investment and growth, resulting in huge increases within the Adoption and Fostering teams • Future plans include increased co-operation with partners plus enhanced opportunities for staff development through improved access to IT, accelerated progression and opportunities for post-qualifying training • As a newly qualified graduate you will enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, relocation package (where applicable), membership of a final salary pension scheme and essential car user allowance

In this high achieving and rapidly expanding environment we have a range of rewarding opportunities in the following areas:

Social Work Residential Work Fostering Adoption North Yorkshire is England’s largest county, stretching from the East Coast to the edge of the Lake District, and offers an excellent living environment. We are surrounded by some of the UK’s most attractive countryside, including the famous Yorkshire Dales, yet Leeds, York and Newcastle are all easily accessible. Affordable housing and education choice, and a wide range of leisure opportunities are also available.

If you have a positive and energetic attitude and are able to demonstrate an imaginative approach to challenging situations, we’d like to hear from you. For an informal discussion you can call Karl Podmore, General Manager on (01609) 772127 or the Recruitment Bureau on 01609 778404 (24 hours). To find out more about a career with North Yorkshire County Council visit

www.careers.northyorks.gov.uk

For information about living and working in North Yorkshire visit www.oneplacenorthyorks.com We welcome applications from all sections of the community; we appoint on merit. www.sector1.net for more vacancies within this organisation.

A responsive County Council providing excellent and efficient local services

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FEATURE | SOCIAL WORK | OVERVIEW

Social care workers, on the other hand, provide practical

some relevant experience. “Other routes include finding a train-

support, ranging from care home assistants to members of outreach teams, and don’t need formal qualifications. “The sector

eeship or an employer who will hire you in a support role and will put you through the postgraduate course.”

has a lot of careers to offer, whether it’s working in family sup-

See socialworkandcare.co.uk for universities offering courses.

port, or working with drug or alcohol misusers,” says Julie.

And don’t forget about the less obvious opportunities that are

Bursaries of up to £3,000 are available for students not funded by employers. Routes into social care are less structured, says Julie,

available adds Richard Banks at the workforce strategy body

who advises looking for jobs online or in local newspapers.

Skills for Care. “The social care profession employs a lot of graduates in other areas such as

Working conditions

policy, strategy, audit and

Like

planning,” he says.

A changing profession But social workers have bad PR to overcome. High profile cases like the Victoria Climbé murder haven’t show the pro-

“

Not one day is the same you are working with human behaviour which is unpredictable And that is the best part of the job for me

fession in a good light.

“It’s very easy to form a

”

any

profession

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that

involves supporting the vulnerable, it can be stressful, particularly where people are involuntary users of the system, say if they have been sectioned under the mental health act or are under child protection. “There is no doubt that working with

negative view if you just take these incidents into account,” says

people who are at very stressful times of their own lives can have

Bob Bielby, acting service manager for the access and assessment service at Hounslow Council in London. “But the profession has

an effect on the people that are doing it,” says Richard at Skills for Care. “One of the skills of a well-managed social worker is to

come a long way and the poor image is unfair as it doesn’t portray any of the good work that is done.”

In the last two years there has been a major government in-

not get drawn into that stress but to be calm and professional and to give the person the assistance that they need.”

“I think that people go into social work because they want to

vestment in education and training for social workers, which is helping to increase the status of the profession. As of 2005, social workes have to be registered with the General Social Care

empower people to change their lives,” says Julie. “For the majority of social workers there is a satisfaction in that. Social workers are at the front end and may not be thanked for what they

Council (GSCC).

“This is important because it means everyone who works as a social worker in England will join the register and must abide by

do. They have legal powers and duties to protect vulnerable people so there will always be tough decisions to be made.”

our code of practice,” says Mike Wardle, GSCC deputy chief executive and director of strategy. “It recognises that, like nurses and doctors, social workers are professionals and need to keep their training up to date, and this is helping to build confidence in the profession.

The Pay Starting wage levels, particularly in shortage areas like London, are often between £19,000 and £25,000. “Wage levels are improving but are still not always on par with wages for similar professional groups such as nurses and teachers,” says Bob Bielby.

“The good thing about social work today is that whereas once it was once treated as the poor relative, it is now considered to be a professional practice,” says Bob.

“However, there are a whole range of different routes to progress some of which do lead to very good salaries and there are also lots of incentives and retention packages aimed at keeping social workers with certain employers.”

Getting in Another key change is the route by which people go into the profession. Since September 2003 the route in has been a threeyear full-time degree course or a two-year full-time postgraduate course. (The courses can be taken part-time.) “This change means everyone entering the profession will have an honours degree, which has involved at least 200 days in a practice situation,” says Mike at the GSCC. “This makes a major difference in terms of how prepared people are to work in the sector.”

Andy Kay, careers adviser at Salford University, says: “As a graduate you would normally go into the profession through a full-time two-year MA in social work, which includes the professional qualification.” But getting some experience is important to ensure that you are right for the profession says Julie at the DoH information service. If you are applying for the MA course most universities ask that you have

Who do you have to be?

“This jobs tests you,” adds Bob, “We want people who will come in, look at things and try to understand why they are the way that they are.” Mike Wardle says people who are successful in social work have the right value base. “You don’t need to have masses of life skills or experience but it’s important to come to the profession wanting to help people to help themselves and become independent,” he says. Read on for more case studies.

RESOURCES Department of Health information site: www.socialworkandcare.co.uk Department of Health helpline: 0845 6046404 General Social Care Council: www.gscc.org.uk Northern Ireland Social Care Council: www.niscc.info Scottish Social Services Council: www.sssc.uk.com Care Council for Wales: www.ccwales.org.uk

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NCYPE.PDF

★

upportive s g in e b e k li You We like being supportive

★

Social Workers £25,602 - £33,303 (Adult Services) per annum inclusive £25,602 - £35,799 (Children’s Service) per annum inclusive You’re a social worker because what matters to you is helping people and understanding their problems. To ensure you can perform to your best, we’re busy introducing a caseload management system.

It shows how much we value your commitment.

9/3/06

17:23:57

Inspired opportunities...

NCYPE, based in Lingfield, Surrey, is a unique charity dedicated to providing specialist services for young people with epilepsy and related learning disabilities.

We can offer…

• Career opportunities in a challenging and rewarding environment.

• Excellent training and development.

• Work experience to develop your career.

In positions such as:

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• Residential Care.

• Teaching.

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We’re committed to nurturing ability – through internal and external courses, development programmes and qualification sponsorship, run by dedicated staff development officers. And our benefits package compares with the best. We’ll even reimburse your GSCC registration fees.

Benefits include:

We’ve opportunities waiting for experienced social workers – and it’s an incredibly exciting time to join us. If you want to work with people who are genuinely on your side, visit us today at www.merton.gov.uk/jobs

www.merton.gov.uk/jobs

• Generous holidays and term-time only working.

• Affordable on-site accommodation for some posts.

For more information about the above and other opportunities please visit

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Untitled-3 1

13/4/06 10:53:48

FEATURE | SOCIAL WORK | CASE STUDY

RW

What do you do in your job? After gaining my diploma I worked in child protection for the boroughs of Bedfordshire and Camden, where I progressed from a social worker to a senior practitioner and finally to a manager. After gaining experience in these roles I decided to become a freelance team manager and am currently working in Camden and Enfield. In the leaving care team, we work with someone who has come through the care system and assist them to develop the skills they need to live independently in the community. We work with them from the age of 16 through to 24 (if they are engaged in higher education).

What was your motivation in applying? I took a degree in electronics management and worked with London Underground before returning to Bedfordshire due to family circumstances.

There, I took a research job investigating low take-up of social services among ethnic minority groups. I’d been an assistant youth worker before university and still had interest in the area. I enjoyed the work and decided to remain with Bedfordshire social services who sponsored me to do a diploma in social work.

Name: Afzal Ahmed, 38 degree: Electronics Management, University of Middlesex; Diploma in Social Care, University of Luton Occupation: Freelance Team manager/social worker (Leaving Care team)

What do you enjoy about your job?

Not one day is the same; you are working with human behaviour, which is unpredictable and that is the best part of the job. I have an important role to play in helping young people become good citizens. It’s really important that they get the best start so they can fulfil their potential and have the skills to maintain a stable life. I’ve also been involved in going to Pakistan to do kinship assessments. This arises when a family in the UK cannot look after a child. If the next of kin is in Pakistan we send someone over to assess whether that family is suitable to care for the child.

MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE JOB? It can be difficult when you have young people who are aggressive and violent.

When this happens they are usually angry at the system. You have to develop strategies to deal with the anger and at the same time try and have a meaningful relationship with the young person, in order to move them on in life.

Worst part? Being under resourced.

Advice to readers considering a career in your field: Consider what you want to get out of a career in social work. It can be can be stressful as you are responsible for the client – whatever action you take has an effect on their life. You need to be a good problem solver as young people expect you to have the answers without giving you the question.

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www.jobsatessex.co.uk

expect not what you’d

Social Workers – Children and Young People’s Service Salaries to £28,928 Cash incentive package up to £5,640 Fringe Benefits Car lease/Car loan Formal and structured training and development Talent Management Local Government Pension

Essex is full of surprises. Did you know that we’re the country’s second largest county, with the longest coastline? That we have the oldest recorded town in the British Isles? Or that radio was invented here?

As a Social Worker you’ll be consistently surprised; surprised at how much Essex has to offer, astonished by the quality of training and development, gobsmacked by the urban and rural diversity and bowled over by the range of opportunities at your fingertips.

For an informal chat, please contact Matt Baty on 01245 436656.

Find out more by visiting www.jobsatessex.co.uk where you can apply online or, for an application pack, please contact the Essex County Council Recruitment line on 0870 169 9722 or e-mail essexcc.jobs@capita.co.uk Minicom number: 0870 169 9734. Please quote ref: GRA001D0.

Closing date: 12 June 2006.

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FEATURE | SOCIAL WORK | CASE STUDY

RW

What do you do in your job? I work with unaccompanied asylum seekers under the age of 18. When children and young people arrive in the UK without any family they are referred to asylum teams, like the one I work for. We meet them and assess their needs, and work with them over a longer period to ensure that they are properly cared for.

This can range from finding appropriate accommodation and ensuring that their educational needs are looked after to assessing whether they need therapy to deal with any trauma. My job involves using a wide range of non-verbal ways of communication to overcome any language barriers.

What was your motivation in applying? After university I worked as a legal adviser. I was heavily involved in the advocacy side of things, representing asylum seekers in Oakington Reception Centre in Cambridgeshire, which is a facility run by the Immigration and Nationality Department (IND) of the Home Office, to process asylum seekers.

I enjoyed giving people a voice and became interested in social work because I wanted to support people through the asylum process. After taking a two-year diploma I applied directly to Hounslow Council for a job on the asylum team and was accepted.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy doing creative work with young people. For example, arranging a sports event, or a party. Because English isn’t their first language it’s important that they are given a chance to interact, to meet people in a similar situation and be involved in something active or social. It can be really rewarding to see young people expressing themselves and being included in a positive activity.

Name: Rachel Green, 30 Degree/University: BA Law and Welfare, University of Kent; Diploma in Social Work, Anglia Polytechnic University Occupation: Social Worker (Asylum Team) Borough of Hounslow, London

Most challenging part of the job?

It can be very difficult dealing with people through the immigration process.

Ultimately that process will decide whether they stay in the UK or not and it’s a big thing hanging over someone’s head.

Worst part? There can be a lot of administration. The area is heavily monitored and we have a lot of forms to fill out to ensure that all the assessment is standardised.

Advice to readers considering a career in your field? If you decide that you want to work with people you need to make sure that you like them. So get some experience. Don’t do it if you aren’t a calm person as you’ll always need to be patient.

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12/4/06 5:34:12 pm

If you are looking for a challenging career in Adult or Child Care Services, an opportunity to make a

difference to peoples lives and a friendly place to live and work, then look no further.

We have excellent opportunities for social care

professionals at all levels and offer a range of benefits.

Log onto: www.rochdale.gov.uk

Or, if you would like an informal chat, call Sharon Leech within our Personnel team on 01706 925266 (answerphone Mon, Tues and outside office hours), who can put you in contact with a relevant manager.

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FEATURE | SOCIAL WORK | CASE STUDY

RW

What does your job involve? The child assessment and family support team receives all the childcare-related concerns from public and other agencies. The referrals are looked at by the manager who will make a decision as to what happens next.

Either it will be decided that a social worker needs to visit the family to make an initial assessment within seven days, or advice and information will be sent to family, the same day, to let them know what help is on offer. One week in three, I’m on duty, which is when I’ll pick up new referrals and spend the following two weeks working with them.

The assessment is the start of the process of identifying what support a child or family may need. This may involve support from other agencies, such as Home Start, a charity helping families with young children, or we might need to engage with the school.

We may need to call a partnership meeting of professionals to discuss concerns raised and if we identify a significant risk to the child we’ll call a child protection meeting to decide what move to make next.

What was your motivation in choosing this career? After my A-levels I took a year out and worked as youth support worker at a housing organisation. This made me look into social work as a career and that’s where I decided I wanted to be. My final placement while doing my university degree was in a child and family setting and that inspired me to apply for my current job.

Name: Camille Ginnelly, 24 Degree/University: BSC Social work with Diploma in Social Work, University of Plymouth Occupation: Social worker (child assessment and family support team), Essex County Council

What do you enjoy about your job? It’s a hugely satisfying job. Working directly with children and families means that my job is always different. I spend about 50 per cent of my time out of the office. Other bonuses are that I work in an extremely supportive team and there are loads of opportunities to learn and take further training.

What is the most challenging part of the job? It is stressful at times but I try not to take it home with me. Working with a strong team is a major part of being able to do that. Obviously when you are working with a case where there is a child at risk it can be quite upsetting.

And the worst part? There are sometimes long and late hours. The paperwork is one of the downfalls of the job – there’s plenty of it as you have to keep a record of every visit.

However this is important to ensure that accurate records are kept for both families and professionals.

What advice would you give to readers considering a career in your field? Get some experience. Had I not worked at youth support I would have found it tougher going on to social work. You need to think on your feet and be a clear communicator.

n

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Rachel Palmer is 17. When she and her friends were leaving school, she didn’t know what she wanted to do.

All she knew was that she was confident and chatty, and she got on well with people.

So when her mum saw an advert for a Modern Apprenticeship with the opportunity to gain NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care, she decided to go for it.

Now she’s a highly regarded member of the team at one of Sheffield City Council’s resource centres for older people.

“I do all the usual care work things – getting people up in the morning, and helping them with everyday tasks.

The hands-on element of the training appealed to Rachel, who goes to college once a week and is regularly observed at work by her tutor.

She has good prospects and she knows that when she completes her training she can work in residential care or home support. Or she can carry on with further training and progress into nursing or social work.

The future’s bright for Rachel. And she knows that this isn’t just a routine drudge – there’s real value in what she does.

“They’re great our residents. If we’re not here to help them, who is?”

But the best bit is having a chat with the residents. We have a laugh and do activities like singing and quizzes.

It’s nice, getting on with people. I don’t always see it as a job because it's so much fun.”

jobs.sheffield.gov.uk For information on social care opportunities with Sheffield City Council, call Human Resources on (0114) 2734975.

Social Workers and Occupational Therapists Up to £31,860

Change comes from having choices, from being empowered to make decisions about your life.

We believe it’s time you had choices too. For too long, you’ve had limited opportunities to progress, or you’ve been asked to leave behind the work and people you care about in order to further your career. And for too long, you’ve lacked the financial recognition your profession deserves.

Things are changing in Fife, where you’ll find an increased focus on your frontline professional skills, knowledge and experience. We will give you increased autonomy, responsibility and decisionmaking, together with training, development and management support.You’ll provide the highest quality service. You’ll be rewarded for your skills and experience – with three years’ post-qualifying experience and an accredited PQ award, you can apply to become one of our Senior Practitioners, with an annual salary of up to £31,860.

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Whatever your area of expertise or interest, we can offer you a range of opportunities for your continuous personal development. Vacancies exist throughout Fife in Children & Families, Criminal Justice,Adult and Older People’s Services.

For more details and an application pack, visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/careersinsocialwork or give our recruitment team a call on (01592) 413742 or email them at swrecruitment@fife.gov.uk for more information on working in Fife and current vacancies.

Prior to confirming appointment, we will undertake an enhanced criminal records check through Disclosure Scotland in addition to which you must be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council.

13/4/06 11:03:37

Cardiff is a great place to live. We’re the fastest growing Capital city in Europe; we’ve got loads of bars, theatres, restaurants and clubs - and brilliant shops. And we’re near the sea and the mountains. Transport’s good too - you can be in London in two hours, or on a sandy beach without a soul in sight a lot sooner.

Social Workers

And our Children’s Services are improving and growing to meet the needs of this dynamic city.

Sian is one of our care leavers: “I went into care when I was 11. I’m 18 now and being helped to leave care. I’ve got a great life, a job and I’m planning to go to University. And it’s all thanks to Cardiff social services.”

Long-Term Fieldwork Nick Bryning - 029 2057 8918.

It’s not just the opportunity to work with people like Sian that makes Cardiff such a good place to work. We provide: • Competitive salary and managed workload.

• Comprehensive induction package & ongoing training.

• Regular supervision and performance review.

• Performance led team planning.

• Professional development through the career grade.

• Family friendly and flexible working.

• Low vacancy rates in fieldwork.

• Developing partnerships with the voluntary sector.

• Comprehensive family support service.

Ref. CH5003641 SP30-38 £23,952 - £29,859 (subject to job evaluation) We have vacancies for qualified and registered social workers. For an informal discussion with a service manager contact:

Intake and Assessment Helen Anderson/Laura Scale - 029 2053 6400.

Leaving Care Debbie Martin-Jones - 029 2023 9827.

Interviews will take place week beginning 15 May. We welcome applications from students who will shortly qualify as Social Workers.

Download the Application Pack today...

Visit www.cardiff.gov.uk or contact: C2C, The ‘Help Centre’, Marland House,Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1EP. Tel: (029) 2087 2087 Fax: (029) 2087 2086 E-mail: C2C@cardiff.gov.uk

Closing Date: 5th May, 2006 Cardiff Council operates a Smoking Control Policy. Applications for Job Share as well as full-time working are welcome, where appropriate. Day Nursery facilities at County Hall and City Hall (subject to availability). A Summer/Easter Playscheme is also in operation. We are happy for Typetalk users to contact us quoting our telephone number (029) 2087 2000.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE AFFORDED TO ALL APPLICANTS. APPOINTMENT WILL BE MADE ON MERIT.

Cardiff, making things better for children.

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13/4/06 3:21:55 pm

Sales and marketing are like two peas in a pod, they always seem to turn up together. At careers fairs, in newspapers, even in business courses, you could be forgiven for thinking that they were the same thing. But while marketing has to turn away graduates in droves sales is crying out to attract them.

Both professions, say careers advisers, are seriously misunderstood by graduates. While marketing is just about the most popular graduate job in the universe most graduates don’t have a clue what it actually means. Sales, on the other hand, is often perceived as soulless: a career for wheelers and dealers. So what is the reality of these two industries?

Marketing is consistently one of the top careers chosen by graduates. It is the link between a product or service and the consumer and is all about finding out what the consumer wants and how to provide something desirable. Sounds simple, however it is a complex and broad field and some graduates tend to miss the point, as Ann Preston, careers adviser at Warwick University explains: “Marketing is considered to be an attractive career to large numbers of students however there can be confusion about the differences between marketing, brand marketing, advertising and public relations. You can’t market

Sales and marketing: two very similar says Matt Hague, sales manager at sales and marketing recruitment company, Pareto Law. careers but one is top “We have an old mentality in the UK and Europe that sales isn’t a career for high-flyers, choice for graduates, however if you look at America, sales people are really well-respected.

We are beginning to see a change here now and graduates should remain open-minded as it can be a the other is frequently fantastic career.” reviled.

JulieviewFerry Ann agrees that relying on the stereotypical of sales may cause graduates to limit investigates their options too quickly. why.

“It is easy to form stereotypes but

yourself effectively to employers if you are not clear what would be expected of you.”

The scenario for graduate recruiters for sales positions is a lot different than for their marketing counterparts. A career in sales is not held in the same regard as marketing amongst graduates, a mistake that could be costly

y Photographs by Yang Ou

students should look at sales more broadly and delve a bit deeper.”

Sales and marketing: two very similar careers but one is top choice for graduates, the other is frequently reviled. Julie Ferry investigates why.

PHOTOGRAPHS

BY YANG OU

Think DIFFERENT 34 RW WWW.REALWORLD.JOBS

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FEATURE | SALES & MARKETING | OVERVIEW

RW

Time to think: Juliet Eastham is a brand manager with Royal Mail. To read her case study turn to page 41

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ARE YOU DET ERMI NED?

http://careers.bloomberg.com

IF YOU ARE WE WANT YOU If you are looking for a challenging career with training opportunities at one of the world’s leading financial companies, look no further.

We’re Bloomberg and we’re looking for you.

Find out more about the diverse opportunities we have to offer you at careers.bloomberg.com

©2006 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved. 17065305 0106 EOE/M/F/V/D

17065305 HR_determined.indd 1

2/15/06 2:04:10 PM

FEATURE | SALES & MARKETING | OVERVIEW

RW

SALES

When people think about a career in sales, one of the first images to pop into their heads is that of a salesman with a suitcase. Or perhaps they will think back to one of those times when they have been hassled by a sales call... Whatever your preconceptions about sales careers, forget them. Sales has changed and it is now offering graduates an exciting career. The only criteria is that you have to have bags of drive, plenty of confidence and a willingness to put in the hours.

For those that can demonstrate these qualities, the sky’s the limit.

“I think the main quality that makes a successful sales person is something that you can’t teach and that’s attitude,” says Matt Hague at Pareto Law. “If you want a sales career enough, you can go and get it and progress quickly through the business. In our graduates we don’t look at academic achievements – what we are really interested in is the person. The way that people impress us is with confidence, good communication skills, tenacity, their ability to be persuasive and, because it is a face-to-face role, appearance is also important.”

Being confident doesn’t have to equal arrogance as Jenny Fernandes, internal recruitment executive for sales recruitment consultancy BMS is keen to point out: “Sales people have got a reputation as being bulldogs and kind of pushy but I don’t think that is true. You need the right attitude and you can adopt your own way of selling. You also need to be able to motivate yourself, as in any career in sales you are going to get peaks and troughs.”

The ample rewards are what attract lots of graduates to a career in sales, and even though a graduate can only expect a basic salary of around £18,000 in their first year of the job, this can be substantially increased by commission and other perks.

“Sales is one of the very few career paths where you are rewarded for the work you put in. You need to see year one as a big learning curve, where you are spending time understanding the company, the product and how you can sell it. Even so, in year one our graduates can earn somewhere in the mid to late twenties. The real key is looking long-term, there is no reason why after a few years you couldn’t earn somewhere between £40,000 and £60,000,” Matt explains.

One of the key changes to graduate sales roles in the last few years has been an increase in the number of high-end jobs available. The economic climate has had a dramatic effect on the way companies do business and sales people are considered a key factor in helping organisations to retain their competitive edge.

As Matt says: “The markets across the UK and Europe are becoming more proactive so you have to have good sales people in your organisation creating opportunities.”

MARKETING

Always a top choice for graduates and sometimes seen as an easy option, but make no mistake, there’s nothing fluffy about marketing.

There are many reasons why a career in marketing is so popular. One of the most important factors is the variety that it offers graduates. It can be a creative or scientific role, you can work for a large blue chip company or a not-for-profit organisation, your customers can be diverse, ranging from children to pensioners, and the possibilities are endless and can be very rewarding.

David Thorp, head of insight at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, says the industry will continue to grow in the next few years, offering plenty of opportunities for graduates to build up successful careers.

“I think marketing is a great career for graduates who are really serious about it. I don’t think you should look at marketing in a purely commercial sense, but look at it more broadly as disseminating ideas. In the future I think we will see the face of marketing change into a discipline that presents company ideas, covering a wider range of areas within an organisation.”

Marketing can offer relatively low starting salaries. For example, a graduate starting a marketing assistant post in London can expect to earn around £15,000. However, it isn’t all doom and gloom on the financial front, David insists that salaries do even out, and if you are persistent and find the right organisation you could be earning an excellent salary within five years.

So how do you get one of the much-coveted graduate roles? The first thing is to do your research, know what the industry is about and be clear what about what a marketer does. You don’t have to have a business degree to do well in the discipline, graduate recruiters are looking for lots of different types of people with varying strengths.

“Marketing is a curious discipline as it attracts and needs both creative and scientific people,” says David. “Whereas in the past we have seen a lot more creative people who are good with words and ideas go into marketing, I think increasingly employers are looking for more scientific marketers who are comfortable with the analysis side of things.”

One of the most important things to do before applying for a job in marketing is to gain plenty of work experience. University is a marketer’s dream and you will find plenty of opportunities to become involved in marketing activities. Whether it be promoting events or becoming a student brand manager for big companies on campus, getting involved will help you to decide whether it is really the right career for you.

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RW

FEATURE | ACCOUNTANCY | CASE STUDIES

NAME: Michael Taylor DEGREE/UNIVERSITY: Physiology, University of Sheffield, 2004 OCCUPATION: Sales Co-ordinator, Corus International Projects WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR JOB? I work as a sales co-ordinator for Corus International Projects in their international division. The company is involved in the steel trade and basically sells steel to large engineering and procurement companies. My job is to track building projects around the world, identify the key decision makers and put together a package for them.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? One of the nice things about this job is the opportunity for international travel. Since I have worked here, I have been to Iran, Hungary and Egypt. When we are abroad we meet with clients, talk about their steel needs and then return to the UK and work out how we can supply them. It isn’t a typical sales role as I am selling something that the buyer wants.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR APPLYING? The fact that the position was an international role really caught my eye. Having been travelling before, I wanted to make sure that I was involved in an area of work where that was an integral part of the job.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE JOB? The level of detail that you need to have in a job like this is quite daunting. There are so many supply options and specific terms that we have to use when buying and selling materials; it can be quite confusing.

WORST PART? It is not the type of job you can do from nine to five – you have to immerse yourself in your work because it is quite a complex environment.

ADVICE FOR READERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD? There are plenty of opportunities in the export field and sales is just one of them. Investigate all the options.

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IT IS VERY VARIED, EACH DAY BRINGS A DIFFERENT CHALLENGE AND I ENJOY THAT NAME: Maria Paice DEGREE/UNIVERSITY: Agri-business Management and Marketing, Newcastle University, 2000 OCCUPATION: In Store Support Manager, Solanum Ltd WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR JOB? Solanum are the potato category managers for the supermarket, Waitrose. I work closely with selected branches to ensure that potatoes are marketed to shoppers in the most effective way. I am responsible for merchandising projects, promotion of the potato category, consumer education of different varieties, communication of advanced promotions and linking back to the factory with any quality issues that are raised.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? It is very varied, each day brings a different challenge and I like working in a retail environment.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR APPLYING? It is a unique job and was something very different ... so I could really make my mark. The supermarket relationship and account manager roles that I might want to go into later in my career have such a large marketing role within them that I thought a marketing job would stand me in good stead for the future.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE JOB? Trying to think of different ways to market what people perceive as a very core vegetable. It isn’t like a new product launch of a perfume, it is part of people’s everyday shopping.

WORST PART? There really isn’t a bad part of this job. I believe you adapt to whatever situation you are in and I thoroughly enjoy what I do.

ADVICE TO READERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD? I would recommend doing a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) course after university. I went on one while I was working and I learnt so much from it.

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Whilst other Graduate programmes may cage you in... …our Graduate programme will release your potential and set your career free!

We aim to develop our graduates, through a blend of training and business exposure, with a view to creating the key business and professional competencies that you will need to drive your career forwards.

In order to provide you with the best foundation possible, we use a mixture of: Team based work Cross company interaction Project work Technical and business skills/training ‘Soft skills’ development

The Logic Group manages both information and transactions securely for large and medium sized businesses. The Company operates across Europe, counting many of the world’s largest brands as clients.

The group manages loyalty schemes with more than 25 million subscribers, as well as processing over £100 billion (€145 billion) worth of card payment transactions.

This year, we will be offering graduate opportunities in Development, Managed Services, Client Support, Professional Services, Sales Support, HR and Commercial.

For information on graduate opportunities starting in September 2006 please visit our website.

The Logic Group I Logic House I Waterfront Business Park I Fleet Road I Fleet I Hampshire I GU51 3SB T +44 (0)1252 776700 I F +44 (0)1252 776718 I careers@the-logic-group.com I www.the-logic-group.com

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FEATURE | SALES & MARKETING | CASE STUDIES

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NAME: Tristan Butt DEGREE/UNIVERSITY: Law, Birmingham University, 2001 OCCUPATION: Senior National Account Manager, L’Oréal WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR JOB? I manage our business and relationship with Boots the Chemist. It is very much like running your own business within a business. You have x-million pounds that you have to spend with Boots and you are then fully responsible for the profit and loss for that account.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I particularly like working at L’Oréal as it moves at a very quick pace and gives you massive levels of autonomy and responsibility and they like to push you on – just what I was looking for.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR APPLYING? After running branded student nights at university, I wanted to move into the commercial side of business.

What attracted me to L’Oréal was the structure of the company and the way I could accelerate my career.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB? L’Oréal allows for very quick decision-making and we have the ability to react to changing market forces very quickly. Retailers want to plan a long way ahead, so reconciling those two approaches can be very challenging.

WORST PART? I guess this job isn’t for everyone because you work very hard but at the same time you are rewarded both financially and in terms of your career progression.

ADVICE TO READERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD? It is important to be truly entrepreneurial in a role like mine and also have an appreciation of business and how consumers fit into it. I would definitely recommend trying to get into an internship or a work placement.

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l’orÉal gives you massive levels of autonomy and responsibility NAME: Juliet Eastham DEGREE/UNIVERSITY: German and Management Studies, Leeds University, 2002 OCCUPATION: Brand Manager, Royal Mail

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WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR JOB? I manage the Royal Mail and Royal Mail Group brands, which means that it is my responsibility to preserve the integrity of those two brands by ensuring that everything we do has a consistent look and feel to it. This includes anything from ensuring letterheads are consistent to reviewing uniforms and the livery on delivery vans.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB? The variety. The Royal Mail brand is at the heart of all the projects we undertake, which means that I get involved in a whole range of work.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION IN APPLYING? During the German part of my degree, I had the opportunity to work abroad in the marketing department of a company, which gave me a real feel for the discipline.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE JOB? Royal Mail’s size is the most challenging part of the job. The enormity of the task is sometimes daunting as there are so many different areas of the business where customers come into contact with the brand.

AND THE WORST PART? With any high profile organisation comes negative press coverage and that can be quite difficult.

The relatively infrequent, negative stories get all the coverage whereas the positive achievements are ignored.

ADVICE FOR READERS CONSIDERING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD? I would really focus on getting some sort of work experience while at university. I drew a lot on the experiences I had in Germany and that really helped when I was applying for jobs.

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You’d be surprised what we get up to…

Graduate Opportunities Nationwide – Autumn 2006 Not everyone realises the sheer breadth of activities we get involved in at PricewaterhouseCoopers. In fact we offer an enormous range of services, from providing personal tax for high net-worth (and extremely high profile) clients to overseeing the voting for the Oscars. And that’s just entertainment – one of the multitude of industry sectors we cover. But that’s not the only surprise you’ll find here.

Another big surprise is that careers at PwC are about much more than simply number-crunching. Whether we’re auditing a company’s financial results, identifying the commercial risks they face, helping with tax planning or assessing the implications of strategic business decisions – it’s about getting beneath the skin of other organisations.

So wherever you join us, you’ll be dealing directly with clients right from the start, while working towards a professional qualification. And since the challenges we face span virtually every industry sector, the depth and breadth of experience you’ll gain will equip you for an exciting career.

Even more surprising, you don’t need a business or finance degree to join us. Yes, you’ve got to be comfortable dealing with numbers and you must have a strong academic record.

But the subject of your degree is less important than your willingness to contribute and your eagerness to learn.

Find out more at www.pwc.com/uk/careers/ Go on, surprise yourself.

© 2006 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (a limited liability partnership in the United Kingdom) or, as the context requires, other member firms of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

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