Courses and Careers

Volume 32 Issue 1 SPRING 2012

Making it at 4Music

Sport Psychology

Staff insight

giving sport stars the edge

Be Your Own Boss

take charge of your own career

Join the Mad Men how to be a copy-writer www.courses-careers.com

www.courses-careers.com | 1

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contents 02 Why are graduates struggling to get paid?

08 Student debt – you’re not alone

As tuition fees soar to £9,000 a year (and more for international students) at most UK universities, saving money and finding funding is going to be priceless.

12 Sport psychology: Playing mind games

In this issue

It’s a hard time for students and graduates at the moment, and in this issue we look at the issues in the graduate jobs market and how to keep your student debt under control.

18 Be your own boss

With current struggle to find jobs a growing number of graduates are striking out on their own.

20 Interview: Victoria Grosvenor (4Music)

As the Apprentice returns to the BBC, we look at a growing option for graduates – becoming your own boss and how to join the world of the Mad Men by becoming an advertising copy writer.

A insider’s view for those interested in a career in music and TV

25 How to become a Copywriter 28 Accountancy:

Delving deeper into the business world

We also have the low down on stepping into exciting careers in music television and sports psychology.

34 MBA study in Europe 38

International Education Fairs and Exhibitions

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BigChoice Group Ltd. disclaim any responsibility for opinions expressed, which are those of the authors. The publishers receive all contributions and materials with gratitude, but cannot be held responsible for any damage, loss or failure to return, whether by ourselves or our agents.

JOBS

Why are graduates struggling to get paid?

Unemployment is at a record high. Graduates are being forced into useless work experience and unpaid internships are rife. The problems go to the very top, find Hanane Zahrouni and Karam Filfilan.

W

ith many new graduates struggling to secure their first job and being forced into unemployment, it is increasing hard for them to get their ‘foot in the door’ for that ‘oh so important’ desirable career.

The need to gain varied work experience has lead to students and graduates being exploited through unpaid internships with even the Government indulging in using young people for free.

Lacking appetite or just exploited?

According to a survey by the Interns Anonymous campaign group, a forum where interns share and discuss with others their experiences of unpaid employment, half of their interns have completed one or two internships and 86% of those who responded to the survey (647 people) mentioned that their internship lasted over a month. Just over 12% had taken on an internship lasting six months.

London mayor Boris Johnson recently attacked jobseekers for “lacking appetite” in finding work.

But according to our friends over at Graduate Fog, Johnson recruited his own unpaid intern to assist his ‘Back Boris 2012’ campaign for re-election in May. His full-time campaign assistant receives travel and lunch expenses only, despite being involved in data entry, administration and the dayto-day running of a busy office, according to the advert. Sounds fair? Graduate Fog owner Tanya De Grunwald thinks not, denouncing Johnson for taking advantage of the ‘desperation of young people in order to further his own political career.’

Even one-time student champion Nick Clegg is in on the act. Just over a year ago the Deputy Prime Minister called for employers to stop handing out unpaid internships, saying he wanted to stop people gaining an advantage on the career ladder purely on the 2 | www.courses-careers.com

Look for gaps in the market.

The UK has a desperate need for trained engineers.

basis of ‘who they know’, all in order to improve social mobility in the UK - even though he had previously advertised for a unpaid internship in the past himself.

It’s not just high-profile MPs who are taking advantage of young people. As part of a project on the exploitation of interns, journalist Rebecca Hughes has been mapping every unpaid intern advertisement posted by an MP since January 2011. Sadly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, every party and every area of the UK is represented.

Fight back

Unpaid internships limit the opportunities for people who cannot work for free and in particular industries limit roles to people who live in certain areas.

Unpaid internships limit the opportunities for people who cannot work for free and in particular industries limit roles to people who live in certain areas. A trainee journalist from Newcastle might just be able to move to London for minimum wage, but they won’t be able to take up a three month unpaid internship. Where is the social mobility in that? Overall, if an intern/worker is doing work for a company, they have every right to be paid – at least at minimum wage.

However, the fightback has begun. Graduates are increasingly standing up for themselves. Take Keri Hudson, who last year became one of the first interns to take on her employer and win the right to be recognised as a paid worker. After spending six weeks interning without pay at online review site My Village, often working from 10am-6pm, Keri quit and took her employer to a tribunal with the help of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). Keri won a landmark case and was awarded £1,205 for five weeks pay at the national minimum wage, plus pro-rata holiday.

Or take Cait Reilly, a job-seeking graduate who was forced to work unpaid at Poundland in order to keep her benefits, despite already finding her own work experience in the museum industry. Cait submitted a judicial review to the government, arguing that the work counted as forced labour as it bore no relation to the work she was hoping to get into. She hopes that the review will lead to a change in the law that commits the long-term unemployment to six months unpaid work.

What can you do?

There are some things graduates can do to help themselves, beyond simply standing up for their rights. As painful as it might be, you can start by realising that not all industries are equal. You might want to be a journalist, but it’s important to know the facts about the industry – more media graduates are churned out each year than total new jobs are made available and salaries are low. Instead, look for gaps in the market. The UK has a desperate need for trained engineers, according to industry leaders like Sir James Dyson.

Look into entrepreneurship (see page xx) and start your own business, utilising the current tax breaks and government support available.

Think about developing industries, like developing green energy and environmental resources. If all else fails, why not consider moving abroad?

Brazil’s economy overtook the UK’s earlier this year, while India and China are both thriving. Take control of your career. www.courses-careers.com | 3

EDUCATION

Inspiring...

Fulfilling...

Enjoyable...

The Bournemouth and Poole College is a leading provider of Further and Higher Education and we focus on providing you with the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to improve your future prospects, either for continued study or employability.

We have an impressive range of courses and qualifications and if you choose to study a Higher Education course you are investing in your future, boosting your skills, employability and earning power.

Impressive benefits...

As a student at The Bournemouth and Poole College you will enjoy learning in a creative, supportive and welcoming environment.

The College is exceptionally well

resourced within each of the specialist faculties, and our staff are highly experienced professionals, with a great deal of subject expertise and knowledge.

Our courses are endorsed and designed in partnership with employers, which means that you have the confidence of learning the right skills that employers want to see in their workforce. Indeed, an integral part of your course will be

a work placement or work based project, designed to give you invaluable experience to support your learning.

The majority of our Foundation Degrees are awarded by associate universities (mainly Bournemouth University).

This means that as a student enrolled onto one of our Higher Education courses you are automatically entitled to utilise the facilities and resources at the partner university.

Living and learning‌having fun‌

This part of Dorset is a great place to live, and a great place to learn.

There is everything you would expect from a thriving and lively coastal resort, lots of shopping, entertainment, good restaurants, fantastic beaches and a buzzing nightlife.

This part of the south coast is also within easy reach of London (approx 2 hours by car or train), and within minutes you can be at the World Heritage Jurassic Coast or in the New Forest National Park.

There are many cultural avenues to explore, including excellent libraries, galleries and museums, plus theatres and cinemas. The 4 | www.courses-careers.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Student Profile

Mike Skowron FdSc CGI Modelling and Animation Mike said “After graduating from the University of Art in Poland I decided to come to England to continue my studies. I have always had a passion for CGI, and friends in Poland advised me about The Bournemouth and Poole College’s reputation for CGI, run in partnerships with Bournemouth University. I resolved to come here to study and it was definitely the right decision as the course is brilliant and the facilities excellent.

I was very proud to be presented with the ‘Best Student of the Year Certificate’ in 2010 by the Dean of Bournemouth University for my 2nd year project “The Wizard of Oz: The True Story”.

I love everything about the industry, but my specialisation is definitely character and environment Modelling and Texturing. I enjoy creating character/environment concepts and after completing my studies next year on the BSc (Hons) Top-up CGI I hope to find employment within the artistic side of the industry, ideally as a concept artist and modeller.”

Bournemouth International Centre and Poole’s Lighthouse are both venues with a full calendar of shows and events, including many national tours for music gigs, comedy and leading shows. For when you are not studying, you are welcome to join the Students’ Union where you can get involved with events, social and leisure activities organised by The College’s SU team or those at the partner university.

High Tech Digital Design Centre

This Autumn sees the launch of the new Digital Design Centre a state of the art digital design learning space, created in response to the new national skills strategy.

Working with Bournemouth University we enjoy an excellent reputation for our Computer Generated Imagery technologies and creating this space gives our students their own dedicated learning environment.

www.courses-careers.com | 5

Artwork by Goldstone Primary School

Working for a diverse city.

Our city is amazing. It’s not just a beautiful place which offers a vibrant, attractive lifestyle right by the sea, but it’s also the kind of place where everyone’s opinion counts and diversity is celebrated.

That wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and dedication of our people. And in return, they enjoy a culture that is refreshingly free from barriers and stereotypes. Here in Brighton & Hove we don’t make assumptions, just opportunities.

For information on our initiatives or to apply for any of our current vacancies, please visit our website.

jobs.brighton-hove.gov.uk

Advertisement Feature

It never gets boring…

Why Nisha Bhakoo loves living and working in Brighton It’s not hard to see why Nisha Bhakoo chose to come to university in Brighton. Lots of people do. With its buzzing, cosmopolitan environment, thriving artistic and cultural life and cafe society, the City is a magnet for visitors and students from all over the world. When you’re tired of the beach and the pier, you can visit galleries, museums and famous landmarks such as Brighton Pavilion or explore the beautiful countryside of the South Downs. There really is something for everyone.

What Nisha likes most is the amazing music scene.

“I’m interested in music journalism and write regularly for a music website, so living in Brighton is great for going to gigs and discovering new music.”

Nisha joined Brighton & Hove City Council’s Communications team in November 2011. “ I wanted a career in journalism and this was a great chance to get some practical experience. My job involves media relations, internal communications and providing a new media service.”

One of the best things about the job has been the help Nisha gets from her colleagues. “The team have been incredibly supportive and welcoming. They’ve shown me how to issue press releases, deal with press enquiries and given me tips on conducting interviews.”

What Nisha likes most about her work is the fact that no two days are ever the same. “I really like the variety – from writing press releases to interviewing members of the public. It never gets boring.”

At the same time, Nisha is studying for an NCTJ Journalism qualification at City College Brighton. But that will still leave time for plenty of music gigs!

To find out more about opportunities at Brighton & Hove City Council, go to jobs.brighton-hove.gov.uk

MONEY

Student debt – you’re not alone

B

eing a student seems to be synonymous with being broke all the time.

More now than ever, students have to learn how to manage their money very quickly in order to limit the damage on their overall student debt. Which student account is the best for you? How can you avoid the temptation of high interest short-term loans? Most of all, how are you going to pay the bills at the end of the month?

Not alone

The first thing to be aware of is that you’re not alone. Students have always struggled with money.

However, the situation in the UK at the moment makes things even harder. Part-time jobs are hard to come by, you’re expected to intern for free once you graduate and you’ll be paying off debts for most of your life.

However, support is out there.

Student Finance England ran their second annual National Student Money Week in March, aimed at raising awareness of the financial issues facing students and the support they can find.

Thinking about studying in the UK? You’ll be thinking about money too, then. As tuition fees soar to £9,000 a year (and more for international students) at most UK universities, saving money and finding funding is going to be priceless.

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“It’s crucial that students know that they should apply early for their funding. We want to encourage students to find out more about loans and grants that are available to them, and to apply online to ensure their funding is in place at the start of term,” says Nichola Malton, assessment manager at Student Finance England.

Before you even consider applying to university, you should investigate your funding options. There are many bursaries, scholarships and grants available, but applying for them takes time and the deadlines are often well before term starts.

Think about what makes you or

Before you even consider applying to university, you should investigate your funding options

Ten (tongue-in cheek) ways to save money •

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•

•

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•

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•

Reuse teabags after making a cup of tea. If you’re feeling particularly frugal, you could always sew the teabag in half before using.

Call your friends, chat for a minute then hang up. Blame your phone when they call you back.

When shopping for fruit and vegetables, remove the stalks from tomatoes and apples to reduce weight.

Invite yourself for dinner at someone else’s house by pretending you really want to see them. Works particularly well on parents.

Keep your clothes on in the shower to save on both water and electricity. Double win.

Never pay for an umbrella when it’s raining. Instead, get one from lost property at university or the bus station.

Save electricity by switching off the fridge during winter and keeping food in a bag hanging from your window.

Go freegan. Supermarkets and sandwich shops throw away plenty of perfectly good food each evening. Help yourself. (Note: Maybe check with the shop first).

Save cash in pubs by being the last to buy a round. By the time it gets round to you, everyone will have forgotten whose turn it is.

Never have to buy sauces again by nipping into fast food restaurants and grabbing a handful of ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard sachets.

your course stand out. For example, textiles students can apply for undergraduate, postgraduate and individual awards from the Textiles Society.

There are scholarships available to Indian students wanting to study in the UK through the Chevening programme. There is even funding solely available to vegetarians through The Vegetarian Charity.

The basics

Choose your student bank account carefully. The temptation is to automatically go for a student bank account, but sometimes current accounts offer better benefits. Compare the overdraft limits, interest rates and fringe benefits of each account. Be honest with yourself – Is it more important to have a £1,500 interest free overdraft or a three year student railcard?

Think about planning your bills budget in advance. If you live in a house full of students, you won’t have to pay any council tax but you will have to make sure you send your tax exemption form as proof. Set up a joint account to use for direct debits on accounts to save money and share out food costs.

The extremes

If your finances are becoming a real issue, don’t ignore your bank balanceand go get help. Most universities have a hardship fund – also known as the access to learning fund - which helps students out in desperate times with paying rent or bills. You don’t have to pay the money back, but you will have to prove through your bank account that you aren’t going to spend the money on clothes and beer.

Secondly, make use of you student support service. Universities often have dedicated financial support teams who can help you manage your money by coming up with budget plans, benefit applications and even negotiate with people who you owe money. Remember, you are not alone. www.courses-careers.com | 9

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www.bwfceducation.com

info@bwfceducation.com

+44 (0)1204 673 670

HOW TO

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Using innovative teaching styles and tutors with backgrounds in elite sport, our courses focus on professionalism, teaching students what it takes to succeed in life.

Programmes focus on the link between skills and performance on the pitch, and how to achieve in everyday life and employment.

Through elite level coaching, students will develop their technical skills on the field, whilst working towards internationally recognised qualifications.

Education Programmes

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DEGREES

Sport psychology: Playing mind games It’s a fine line between defeat and victory, goes the saying.

With a summer full of sport at the 2012 London Olympics and football European Championships, we meet the people charged with giving sportspeople that extra edge.

S

port used to be a simple concept. If you were the strongest, the quickest or the most skilful, then you won. However, modern day sport is so competitive that athletes are striving for the smallest advantage – whether that is physical or mental.

Think about some of the most successful sportspeople of all time.

Muhammad Ali used psychological tricks and wordplay to wind up his opponents, causing them to forget their game-plans. Sir Alf Ramsey came out with one of the greatest motivational lines of all time during the 1966 football World Cup Final, when England conceded a last minute equaliser to Germany, telling his players “You’ve won it once, now go out there and win it again”. Modern day psychological master Jose Mourinho simply wanders around telling the media that he is the “special one”.

However, these tricks don’t just come out of thin air. Many teams and athletes employ dedicated sports psychologists, whose job it is to assess the mental strengths and weaknesses of their team – and those of the opposition.

“These days it is widely accepted that the psychological aspects of sports performance are just as, if not more, important than the physical aspects in allowing sports teams and athletes to perform to their best,” says Dr Andrew Manley, programme director of Leeds Metropolitan’s MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology course.

“By matching appropriate techniques to the specific needs of the team or athlete - such as developing a pre-performance routine to help the athlete feel confident prior to a big event or setting goals to ensure teams work together to achieve an ultimate target – sport psychologists use evidencebased principles that can improve not only the sporting performance of an athlete, but also their general approach, training and preparation,” adds Dr Manley.

How do I get in?

Taking a sports psychology degree or postgraduate isn’t about studying textbooks and just learning theory – a large proportion of your time is spent outdoors putting what you learn into practice. Core modules on 12 | www.courses-careers.com

What does a sports psychologist do?

• Prepares dossiers and information on the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition • Helps athletes to focus at times of high stress, such as competitions or events • Sets targets and goals for teams to work towards • Advises coaches on how to build team spirit and cohesion within a squad • Tailors individual training plans to each athletes’ specific needs

The psychological aspects of sports performance are just as, if not more, important than the physical aspects in allowing sports teams and athletes to perform to their best.

Dr Andrew Manley, programme director of Leeds Metropolitan’s MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology

Leeds Metropolitan’s MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology focus on putting theory into use, such as the sport psychology in practice module, which provides students with the tools necessary to apply theory into an actual sporting environment.

Students are also expected to take a module which requires students to engage in 80 hours of client-facing work and a minimum of 20 hours of peer supervision. Although the university does have partnerships with athletes and teams, many students find their own placements which can be beneficial when looking for work in the future.

Taking professional exams is key to progression in the sport psychology industry. Find a course which is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) in order to get ahead of your peers. An accredited undergraduate degree or conversion course will help you achieve the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBCM), while an accredited postgrad will see you get through stage one of the BPS’s qualification in sport and exercise psychology. Doing so will mean spending less time in the future studying, give you professional help throughout your career and bump up your salary prospects several notches.

Pay and progression

Speaking of salaries, sports psychology can be a lucrative career for the successful. Lower level sports teams are beginning to see the value of sports psychology and so jobs are on the increase. Newly-qualified graduates can expect a starting salary of around £28,000, which can rise quickly with experience. Many sports psychologists combine practical work with university lecturing. At a senior level, this combination of theoretical and consultancy work results in an average salary of around £55,000.

Even if you decide on a career away from sport, the techniques and skills you learn will leave you suited to a variety of alternative careers, including those in management, medical services and social work.

However, the big money in sports psychology comes from working with elite professionals. Psychologists at top level sports teams can earn salaries of £100,000 plus, as well as charging consultancy fees of up £1,000 a day when working during major tournaments such as the Olympics. This is an industry where expertise and experience are highly sought after.

Whether it’s counselling a footballer undergoing a goal scoring drought, helping a sprinter visualise winning a gold medal or simply forging team spirit, sports psychologists are increasingly involved in sporting success.

Get your qualification and get involved.

www.courses-careers.com | 13

2012 Open Days

Saturday 17 March Saturday 9 June Saturday 13 October Saturday 24 November

Become a chiropractor BSc-Msc Chiropractic

admissions@aecc.ac.uk +44 (0) 1202 436200

www.aecc.ac.uk

14 | www.courses-careers.com

Why Consider a Career in Chiropractic conditions and to provide holistic and preventative health care for all who need it.

Chiropractors enjoy the flexibility of being able to live and work just about anywhere in the world.

Although the majority of your patients will be consulting you for neck and back pain, the chiropractic profession is the authority on spinal care and musculoskeletal health.

You will also be able to give advice on all aspects of healthy living.

Becoming a chiropractor is a life choice.

Chiropractic is a major healthcare profession and comes with many expectations, particularly from your patients.

Many chiropractors also specialise in a particular field becoming experts at, for example, treating sports injuries. Indeed, most Premier League Football Clubs in the UK have chiropractors to advise and treat their players and in addition, the chiropractic profession is part of the medical team at the 2012 Olympics.

As a chiropractor you should not only demonstrate knowledge and expertise, you should also embody the ethics and philosophy of a healthcare practitioner and be particularly interested in wellness.

Rehabilitation and exercise for the elderly is another area of great interest, and as the population is growing older, this is another very worthwhile field in which to specialise.

If you decide on a career in chiropractic, you will have the opportunity to serve patients whilst enjoying the prestige, financial position, personal freedom and sense of achievement which most people can only dream of.

Typically you will work in a clinic with modern facilities and specialist equipment often with chiropractic colleagues but also sometimes sharing with other healthcare practitioners thereby providing integrated care. As such you will be regarded as a valuable and important health resource in your local community.

Almost 100% of AECC graduates have gone on to find employment as a chiropractor within six months of graduating.

Numerous opportunities exist for you to interact with people of all ages including children and the elderly, to provide care to patients with acute and chronic

Dr. Kenneth Vall, AECC Principal

The average starting salary for an AECC graduate is ÂŁ29,000 (average from 2010 graduates)

The AECC campus is situated in Bournemouth, just meters away from our award winning seven mile beach and surrounded by fabulous entertainment options and gorgeous countryside.

www.courses-careers.com | 15

admissions@aecc.ac.uk +44 (0) 1202 436200 www.aecc.ac.uk

STUDENT LIFE

Student life in Birmingham Obviously, the main reason for being at university is to study but Birmingham has plenty to offer when you aren’t spending every waking minute glued to a computer screen or chained to a desk.

Going out

Being England’s second largest city Birmingham has plenty of things to do. Cadbury World is a must for chocolate lovers, and the National SEA LIFE centre takes you on a marine voyage beneath the waves in the heart of the city. Here you’ll encounter everything from starfish to seahorses, sharks and rays.

The city also enjoys a vibrant nightlife, bustling with bars and clubs to suit every taste with most situated on Broad Street and in the city centre. Oceana and The Works are currently the most popular clubs with students. To enter a club, you need to be above 18, and some specify a certain dress code.

The city also has many cinemas for film lovers to enjoy.

Shopping

Birmingham has the quality of shopping you would expect from a major city. The major shopping district is the City Centre, where malls include the Bullring (one of the biggest in UK), The Pavilion and The Pallasades.

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There is a range of shops such as Marks and Spencer, House of Fraser (the biggest outside London), H & M, Adidas and so on along New Street and the Corporation Street Area. You can buy almost anything, from bargain basement £1 items at Poundland (in The Pallasades) to designer clothing at Selfridges (in the Bullring). The Mailbox claims to be Birmingham’s most exclusive shopping location.

Eating Out

Birmingham is a cosmopolitan city with a vast array of eating out options. Taste the authentic Chinese food to be found at the many restaurants in Birmingham’s China Town, or Japanese food at Mount Fuji in the Bullring Shopping Centre.

For a change of cuisine, you may want to try the Balti Triangle, an area of Balti houses clustered along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane and Stratford Road, to the south of the city centre. Birmingham is popularly believed to be the birthplace of the Balti curry.

留 学

Birmingham Business School is a research-led institution with over one hundred years experience in teaching business.

We strongly believe in equipping students with the skills and theories necessary to deal with the ever changing world of business, and as such our students are highly regarded by many top employers.

We are constantly striving to make developments in key areas of business, and have over 80 lecturing and researching staff, many of whom are internationally recognised in their field.

MSc Programmes n MSc International Accounting and Finance n MSc Economic Competitiveness and International Business n MSc Economic Policy and International Business n MSc Human Resource Management n MSc International Business n MSc International Marketing n MSc Investments n MSc Marketing n MSc Marketing Communications n MSc Strategic Marketing and Consulting MBA Birmingham Business School’s MBA has International Business and Global Markets at its heart. The Birmingham MBA is a high quality suite of programmes in a variety of flexible

formats to meet the needs of those wishing to study either full or part-time. With our long history of business education dating back to 1902 plus state-of-the-art facilities we offer a unique environment; a combination of traditional and cutting-edge. Ranked in both the FT and Economist and accredited by AMBA and EQUIS, the Birmingham Business School MBA is internationally acclaimed.

Flexibility is a hallmark of the Birmingham MBA. Study can be full or part time, the part time course is delivered in block modules.

We also offer a range of MPhil and PhD research degrees as well as a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA).

Careers in Business As a postgraduate student, you’ll want to use your Masters qualification to enhance your career development. Finding the right employment afterwards will clearly be an important objective and our aim is to help you do so.

Birmingham Business School has a dedicated ‘Careers in Business’ team who provide specialist advice to all Business School postgraduate students. From application and interview advice through to career events and workshops with a range of employers, the team provides a range of services to help you make the right choice after your studies.

For more information, visit the Careers in Business website (www.careers.bham.ac.uk/careersinbusiness).

Learn more Birmingham Business School University House University of Birmingham Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TT Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6225 Email: k.salter@bham.ac.uk www.business.bham.ac.uk

www.courses-careers.com | 17

5289 © University of Birmingham 2010. Printed on a recycled grade paper containing 100% post-consumer waste.

Postgraduate study at Birmingham Business School

The Chinese Student

CAREERS

Be your own boss The economy is going down the drain, you leave university with mountains of debt and jobs are hard to find. Depressed? There is a solution. Join the growing number of graduates who are striking out on their own.

E

ver had an idea that you thought could be the next big thing? That’s all you need to start to make it as an entrepreneur and become your own boss. With job numbers falling, getting creative and making your own position is actively being encouraged by the government, who have launched a number of initiatives aimed at encouraging young people to set up their own businesses and get the economy moving.

A year ago, the British government launched StartUp Britain, an initiative aimed at helping young entrepreneurs get their ideas moving through funding, advice and mentoring by some of the UK’s most successful businesspeople.

One of the founders of the project is Rajeeb Dey, a 26-year old rising star in the business world. Currently CEO at work placement start-up Enternships, Rajeeb has previously been named as O2’s young entrepreneur of the year and set up his first successful venture aged just 17.

“Entrepreneurs are the catalysts of our economy and by encouraging students to look at entrepreneurship as a viable career path, we can inspire graduates to become the job creators of tomorrow,’ says Rajeeb.

Rajeeb adds that the one of the most important skills for a businessperson to have is the ability to network.

“As clichéd as it sounds, business is not always about what you know, but about who you know. Share your ideas with others and make contacts with people from a broad range of industries.”

18 | www.courses-careers.com

Business is not always about what you know, but about who you know.

Share your ideas with others and make contacts with people from a broad range of industries.

THE APPRENTICE The Apprentice returned to our screens in March with a new set of hopefuls looking to step into business with Sir Alan Sugar, who has built a multi-million pound business empire since the 1960s.

After leaving school in Hackney aged 16, Sugar started selling car aerials and electric goods out of a van he bought for £50. In 1968, he founded Amstrad, and now, over 40 years later, he has an estimated worth of £730 million, and was ranked 85th in the 2010 Sunday Times Rich List.

Getting going

So where do you start on your big idea? For every Alan Sugar or Richard Branson, there are dozens of washed up suits bemoaning their lack of investment, so it’s important to make sure you get the right support and training.

The first decision to be made by any potential entrepreneur is what industry or economic sector do you want to be active in? Entrepreneurial postgraduate courses exist for a wide range of sectors, from the management and development of popular culture and the arts, to biotechnology and the development of new crops. Are you interested in designing ground-breaking phone apps or becoming involved in a social movement? Tailor your needs accordingly.

Sectors, Courses and Core Skills

Entrepreneur graduate diplomas and degrees now exist for a variety of specific sectors such as computer sciences, electronics, hospitality and tourism, banking and an increasing number of traditional and new business areas. Whichever area you want to go into, you need to make sure your course gives you the basics.

The core skills of business education should form the bedrock of any entrepreneurship Masters or diploma course, and should include finance, marketing and strategic management. Other subjects can include risk assessment and management, business start-up, innovation, technology applications, and perhaps an aspect of international business and markets where applicable.

Entrepreneurial Skills

However, the one skill area that can often make or break an entrepreneur is one that is difficult to teach – creative problem solving, otherwise known as lateral thinking. It’s not about taking loads of unnecessary risks, but more about being able to come up with new ways and styles of doing things.

Entrepreneurship is not always about high risk and high profit, but often managing and generating change. In other words, being innovative.

Entrepreneurs are those who are excited by development, change, opportunity and success. They see short-cuts, as well as understand the need to continuously monitor and manage events and effects. So what course is for you?

Traditional and non-traditional Entrepreneurship Courses There are a whole range of postgraduate courses that include entrepreneurship as part of their content, including some well-established graduate business courses and MBAs. There are also an increasing amount of new and specialised courses in specific sectors such as biotechnology, computing, and arts management. With the world in a global recession, many governments and universities are exploring the benefits of creating a new generation of entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators, so look for courses in entrepreneurship, business management, innovation and creativity.

Whatever your choice of sector or career, entrepreneurial training and skills are becoming more and more sought after by all employers. In a world where change seems to be increasing both in scope and speed, those who have been trained to provide new solutions and ideas will be well-placed whatever industry they enter.

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INTERVIEW

How can I get into music and TV?

Victoria Grosvenor has the answers

Victoria Grosvenor, Marketing Executive at 4Music, tells Joanna Abeyie what she loves about her job and passes on some wise words to those interested in a career in music and TV. Had you always wanted to work in marketing?

Actually no, I wanted to be a fashion buyer so I studied fashion management at the London College of Fashion. But I soon realised that it wasn’t about going around to all these fashion shows, it was actually about Monday morning meetings about figures and how many units you’d sold and I didn’t want to do that. My course also specialised in PR and marketing and so that’s how I was able to move to the marketing side over the fashion side.

Do you think your degree played an important role in your career?

My degree wasn’t strictly marketing it was more like fashion PR and marketing. But still, fashion is popular culture, just like music, fashion, TV - it’s all popular culture, so although it wasn’t directly marketing, it prepared me in that way. I think it is important that you do something that you enjoy, that is what will get you through university because eventually you will probably end up in a job (if you work hard) doing something you love to do.

How did you start your career?

So I went to the London College of Fashion and while I was still studying I did work experience at Sony Music for about a year or so. I did loads of things; photocopying, making tea etc. I was there every week so I used to do as much as I could. When Sony merged with BMG I went over and worked in the new office. At the time we were told that Sony couldn’t take on any work experience and so I went and did work experience with Song BMG for six months and then an assistant job came up. I applied for it, made it through the interview process and got the job! I was PA and marketing assistant to the head of Columbia records. It was great, it was good to be getting paid and I was doing similar things to what I was doing unpaid with a few more responsibilities. And to be honest, I was just happy to have money going into my account every month!

How did your job start at 4Music?

I was made redundant three years ago at Sony, then I temped for a few companies, Channel 5 being one of them, then I saw a job at Channel 4 for maternity cover for a month or so. I applied online and got the job and after working there for a year and a half, the role at Box television came up so applied for it and that’s where I am working now.

What do you love about your job?

The thing that I love is combining music with television.

You get to work with such interesting people. You get to go to some good gigs and there are definitely perks!

What could someone doing work experience do to impress you?

Definitely be eager to do anything. Most of the people who started in music or TV started at the bottom. Be willing to do the photocopying and make the tea and be enthusiastic, get stuck in and meet people. If you ever get asked to do something or go to a different floor make sure

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that you chat to people.

What could an applicant do to enhance their chances of getting a job?

Having an interest in the industry that you want to work in, so maybe if it’s in music, picking up on the current music trends and visiting gigs and have a real passion for it. Those things will show on a CV.

Pick up on the current music trends, visit gigs and have a real passion for it.

What qualities would you say a person needs to have to be a success in music marketing?

I think with this job things move at such a fast pace that you have to learn to prioritise and re-prioritise - it’s a very busy role. You need to be able to manage doing several things at the same time.

What challenges and struggles have you faced?

It was probably when I got made redundant at Sony.

Because I loved music so much, I worked so hard to get my job there and I worked for a couple of years for free. I honestly thought that was the end of my career in music. I thought I was going to have to go off and work in a little shop down the road from where my mum and dad lived. Jobs aren’t always for life anymore. You have to pick yourself up and carry on. I was really determined and ambitious and I just decided to put myself back to where I wanted to be. I literally kept making sure that I was contacting agencies, applying for jobs and sending out my CV, going for interviews and actively looking.

What advice would you give to a student graduating into the recession?

It is a difficult time for people but we will come out of this recession, so I would say that if you can’t get into a job that you want that is paid, then you work in your local shop and try and do lots of work experience in the meantime to keep your foot in the door with the industry that you want to be in. So eventually when we start to come out of the recession you will have a great CV and there will be lots of jobs that you will be able to apply for. Be actively looking and go through lots of agencies. I honestly believe that if you want something you will get it.

What would you say is the worst part of your job?

Well with marketing there is always admin and budgets to work on. That’s not one of my favourite things, like numbers and stuff, that’s probably what I don’t enjoy as much as the creative side of it.

If you were not a marketing executive what would you do?

I quite wanted to be a dancer. I wanted to be one of those dancers from Beyonce’s video, like one of the ladies from the Single Ladies video. I want to travel the world, go on tour with her and be in music videos! www.courses-careers.com | 21

COURSES

Modern Languages So you studied French, or German, or Spanish at A’ level, but what are your degree options now? It is common for many people to take a combined course with a subject like business or IT, but straight language courses are also available. What are the advantages and prospects of studying a so-called ‘pure’ Modern Language degree?

Advantages

The advantages of Modern Language degrees are two-fold. As well as gaining a mastery of the language and its culture, those who possess a Modern Language degree are considered highly employable.

Learning more about the language’s culture is a definite plus point. Most involve a field trip, or exchange to Paris, Rome, Madrid or similar European capital.

Prospects

It is this cultural context and understanding that makes Modern Language graduates so employable. In our global economy staff are expected to work with people from all over the world and employers are always looking for staff who can converse effectively with foreign clients.

The good news is that those equipped to speak a language, and understand those who use it, are increasingly valuable as employees. Most Modern Language graduates are employed by commercial and public organisations. So forget ideas of being limited to translation work or teaching.

Choosing a degree

So what degree course in Modern Languages can you choose? Besides single language courses, some degrees offer the ability to study two languages. Additionally, not all Modern Language courses insist you have studied the language at A’ level, although most do.

The best thing is to examine which course fits your learning style and needs most effectively. There are a range of options available on Language courses so it is best to research them all properly before making a decision.

More good news is that the choice of languages and cultures to study, are constantly increasing. Just within Europe there are now more courses in Czech, Polish, Russian, Hungarian and a whole variety. Add the rest of the world and you can choose a course to learn Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese and many more. The better news is that many British universities are acknowledged international leaders in both language proficiency education, and cultural understanding and expertise.

Acknowledgement Many thanks for his help with information to Professor David Trotter, Head of the Department of European Languages, University of Aberystwyth.

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Most Modern Language courses involve a conscious system of teaching and learning designed to ensure that a graduate is not just linguistically equipped, but also understands the society concerned

Aberystwyth University • No 1 for Student Satisfaction [Times Good University Guide 2009] • Top 10 for Research Quality [The 2008 National Research Assessment Exercise] • Guaranteed Accommodation for your first year • Up to £15,000 to support your studies in Awards, Bursaries and Scholarships • Excellence Bursaries to support Students with 300 UCAS points

Department of

European Languages

One of Europe’s leading centres for the study of European languages As one of the first universities to start teaching Modern Languages in 1874, we offer degrees in French, German and Spanish, with Italian as a subsidiary language. Our four-year courses include a full year abroad and we are constantly adding NEW ‘European’ modules which bring together aspects of modern society, culture, language, identity and literature; all within a truly European (and not just national) context.

Over the last few years, the Department has expanded considerably and now takes in about 50% more students than it did three years ago.

Our students have access to a state-of-the-art Language Resource Centre and high-quality computer/ library facilities, as well as having the National Library of Wales on the doorstep. The University st g and town offer a superb, safe location and environment in which to live and study, with excellent on n m accommodation, recreation and sporting opportunities. a der

“I had an absolutely amazing time undoubtedly the best year of my life so far. I look back and just smile!”

g o in ’ M nts 7 h e 0 ac ies tm 20 Te rsit par ay in e e M d niv es d n’ r 3 a d K u uag ardi e g U nk ll an Gu Ra a L e h

‘T

www.aber.ac.uk/eurolangs Phone: 01970 622552

www.courses-careers.com | 23

FESTIVALS MOVIES LIFESTYLE OFFERS

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WRITE FOR

Get involved with YOUR national lifestyle magazine.

Apply at www.thenationalstudent.com/ write_for_tns

HOW TO

How to become a...

Copywriter The job...

Copywriters are responsible for creating advertising copy – the words used in adverts to grab the consumer’s attention. “Can’t believe it’s not butter”? “Beanz Meanz Heinz”? “Because I’m worth it”? All created by advertising copywriters.

Entry...

Skills needed include artistic flair, attention to detail, a good grasp of the spoken and written word, persuasive skill, an understanding of consumer markets – and a certain level of wit and humour. You’ll also need a degree, whether it is directly related to the field (media, advertising, marketing) or in a broader subject.

Copywriting can be an extremely lucrative career if you get into a big agency or work with famous brands.

English literature, for example, is a popular choice of degree for those trying to break into the industry. You’ll also need a veritable mountain of work experience – advertising is one of the most fiercely competitive industries that there is. In the big advertising firms, copywriters will have spent weeks upon weeks (and a lot of the time during university) working unpaid in order to build up their experience. Start small; don’t approach big companies for experience straight away. Take your time and build up a portfolio, as this will be invaluable when it comes to interviews. During internships, make it clear where your priorities lie and ask for copywriting assignments.

If you can’t get internships, don’t be afraid of building up a few speculative ad campaigns yourself.

Think of it as an Apprentice style challenge. Mocking up a few posters with clear consumer focus and cleverly chosen words will prove to employers that you are self-motivated and willing to teach yourself about the industry.

Salary...

Copywriting can be an extremely lucrative career if you get into a big agency or work with famous brands. However, everyone has to start at the bottom. Junior copywriters earn beween £18,000-£22,000 a year.

After four years experience, a middle-range copywriter can expect to earn between £25,000 and £40,000 depending on how far he/she has progressed. At the top end, award-winning creative directors can expect salaries of around £120,000 a year. As with most creative industries, the majority of companies and reputable agencies tend to have main offices in London and other major cities.

Tell me more!

Look up the ‘Advertising’ pages on the Graduate Recruitment Bureau (www.grb.uk.com) www.courses-careers.com | 25

CARIBBEAN

St. George’s University

International School of Veterinary Medicine Snags AVMA Accreditation

St. George’s University students and faculty alike were delighted with the September news that the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education fully accredited the School of Veterinary Medicine. The accreditation follows a self-study by the School and a site visit by a team of AVMA appointed reviewers in April 2011. St. George’s is one of the few non-US schools to receive the distinction, which is the latest in a long list of St. George’s University programme approvals by governing bodies and authorities around the world.

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Global Mind-set

The University, located on the beautiful island of Grenada in the West Indies, has drawn students and faculty from over 140 countries and variety of cultural backgrounds throughout its nearly 35-year history, to enhance the international character of the students’ educational experience. In its 12 years of veterinary academic achievement, St. George’s School of Veterinary Medicine has contributed over 600 veterinary graduates who now practise around the globe. Similar to its sister School of Medicine, the St. George’s veterinary school includes a preveterinary medical programme and a four-year veterinary medical programme, leading to

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a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. All students complete their basic science work in Grenada before going on to clinical training in one of its 29 AVMEapproved affiliate schools in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland, or Australia.

School History

St. George’s University opened the School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999, to advance its mission of international education and improve health care across the world. The School places great emphasis upon clinical instruction as a method of formulating a Basic Sciences curriculum into clinical practice with the use of simulation models, case-based teaching and competitive 5:1 student to faculty ratios. Students are prepared for clinical training rotations and general veterinary practice with state-ofthe-art teaching and laboratory facilities.

The students work alongside veterinary tutors at St. George’s University’s Small Animal Clinic in Grenada during the four-year veterinary programme, a unique clinical opportunity often not offered at other academic institutions. In the third year of the programme, students advance to the introductory stages of their clinical work, which includes working with the horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats found in Grenada. Alumni often point to the early hands-on experience treating animals at St. George’s as an important educational advantage leading to their success.

Students may pursue integrated dual degrees (DVM/ MPH, DVM/MBA, DVM/MSc, DVM/PhD) to develop leadership skills needed to keep pace with changing challenges of business, public health, information science, and veterinary care. St. George’s MPH programme is accredited by the US Council on Education for Public Health and the University is only the fifth non-US institution, and the only school in the

Caribbean region, to be granted the coveted distinction.

The University’s students work in 80 practicum sites and have completed public health practica across most Caribbean islands, in most states across the US, and in countries that include Canada, Botswana, Cambodia, India, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Uganda, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe.

Research opportunities are available through the nearby Windward Island Research and Education Foundation, which maintains a Research Institute on campus and which draws internationally recognised scholars and regional scientists and partners with prestigious North American, Caribbean, European, and African institutions for interdisciplinary research projects on issues affecting the region, including medical and veterinary public health, marine and terrestrial biology, and ecology.

Beautiful Campus

St. George’s University campus covers the beautiful True Blue peninsula in the southwestern corner of Grenada overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The University’s $250 million campus includes state-of-art classrooms, an impressive medical library, lecture halls, laboratories, a student centre, health services centre and climatecontrolled student housing. The sprawling campus includes over 65 buildings spread out over 42 acres in a vibrant, tropical seaside location. The True Blue campus provides all the amenities and technologically advanced facilities of a world-class institution, while offering beautiful scenery and majestic views of the Caribbean Sea. The island of Grenada also presents students with a wide array of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to hiking the rain forests and tasting the local fare.

Information on the University is available at www.sgu.edu, and through YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter at StGeorgesU. St. George’s UK students are featured on www.sgu.edu/uk.

www.courses-careers.com | 27

CAREERS

Accountancy:

Delving deeper into the business world On the surface accountancy may seem to be a career focused simply around adding up numbers. However, in today’s modern commercial world, working as an accountant is more like being a business adviser to companies in different industries and the public sector, argues chartered accountant Arnab Datta.

I

first became interested in accountancy when I did work experience at a firm in my home town. I was given the chance to perform calculations and see how the firm functioned on a daily basis. This interest continued during my degree, where I studied Economics and Economic History at the London School of Economics (LSE). I attended careers fairs, where there were a number of high profile employers. When I spoke to the representatives of accountancy firms, I realised that this was the career for me.

Real experience

Arnab’s top tips Keep an open mind. Most people have a stereotypical view of accountants but in today’s rapidly changing world, accountants are valued for both their commercial and rigorous technical knowledge.

Attend insight days to gain exposure and learn more about the career. Also, find out as much as you can about the professional exams and what they involve, since they are a major part of your training contract.

When choosing a training organisation, do not only consider its reputation but look for somewhere where you will be comfortable and more importantly, enjoy working and learning.

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I completed a summer internship at KPMG in London after my second year at LSE, which gave me a real taste of the accountancy training life. I had the opportunity to go to clients’ sites and see how an audit is carried out first hand, learning from both juniors and managers. I was able to spend time shadowing a partner, which enabled me to see how decisions are made at a higher level. After a final interview and presentation, I was offered a graduate trainee position with KPMG, before I started my final year at university.

During my three year ACA (ICAEW) training contract, I have worked on and supervised audits of companies in different industries ranging from financial services to media and travel. Auditing involves going to clients’ sites and checking their accounting records to ensure that none of the numbers in their financial statements have been ‘materially misstated’. In the current

The career in itself offers a considerable amount of flexibility and means you can shape your own path, even during your training contract economic climate, many companies have experienced significant trading problems and performing audits has helped me to understand the underlying reasons why.

Although the work involves analysis in spreadsheets, one important part is building good relationships with clients to receive information promptly and get answers to questions. As you gain more experience, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior trainees and it is fulfilling to pass on your own knowledge and see them develop new skills. Indeed, soft skills are just as important as numerical abilities in accountancy and building good working relationships not only makes work more productive, but also more enjoyable.

Working life

Accountancy is not a profession which constantly requires long hours. There will be occasions when you will have to work beyond normal hours to meet project deadlines, but this is by no means the norm. Also, you are well rewarded for hard work, whether in the form of department social events, dinners with clients or even department away days where you can get involved in activities ranging from paintballing to go-karting.

The career in itself offers a considerable amount of flexibility and means you can shape your own path, even during your training contract. For example, I have gained experience of the wider firm with secondments to other business areas. These have included a role as assistant to the chief economist, where I analysed market data and attended the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Pre-Budget Report analysis. Also, I have worked in the Tax Department, preparing income tax and capital gains calculations for various clients.

My other recent experience has been in Forensic, where accountants investigate fraud and money laundering claims and resolve disputes between companies.

Progression

Once you have qualified as a chartered accountant there are even more possibilities. You can choose to stay on at an accountancy firm and progress through the ranks, which may involve projects and secondments overseas or moving between different business areas. However, you can also work as a financial controller in a bank or in industry and perhaps even become a CFO or CEO one day! Finance underpins the performance of any organisation and so chartered accountants are some of the key decision makers at board level of many well known international companies. www.courses-careers.com | 29

CANADA

Studying in Ontario Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, with over 400 towns and cities.

Ontario is home to the Canadian capital, Ottawa as well as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Niagra Falls waterfalls. Canada’s largest city, Toronto is in Ontario, often described as the ‘New York of Canada.’ Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city, full of fantastic shops, theatres and restaurants.

O

ntario is situated between Manitoba in the west and Quebec in the East. Interestingly, because Ontario is on the boundary between the Central and Eastern time zones, it has more the one time zone depending on where you are in the province. Ontario’s population is over 13 million people – it is a vast area of 415,000 square miles which equates to an area bigger than Spain and France combined. Some Canadians even find it tricky to appreciate the enourmous scale of Ontario!

you are and whatever the weather. Whether you are looking for outdoor sports such as skiing, kayaking, cycling, hiking or fishing, or art and culture including museums, theatres, galleries and live music; Ontario has something for everyone. Ontario also hosts a vast number of annual cultural festivals and events, some of these include ‘Caibana,’ the ‘Canadian Aboriginal Festival’ and the ‘Oktoberfest.’

Ontario is an incredibly welcoming province and actively encourages international students to undertake their education in Canada. Canada is a diverse county home to a great number of cultures and religions; which means international students in Canada usually profess to feeling very much at home.

How much does it cost to study in Ontario?

Like much of Canada, Ontario prides itself on being great value for money when it comes to education.

Higher education fees are usually considerably less than other popular destinations such as Australia, the US and the UK – whilst still offering the same, if not a higher standard of teaching, with the benefit of stunning surroundings! Individual costs will of course depend on the subject and institution you choose to study so it is advisable to do your research before making any final decisions What is the weather like in Ontario?

During the summer months, temperatures can rise to above 30°C (86°F) in Ontario, whilst winter can bring colder weather of as low as -40°C (-40°F). Like much of Canada Ontario has so much to do whatever the weather, you will never be stuck for activities!

What is there to do in Ontario?

Ontario has a varied landscape, made up of the rocky Canadian Shield, through to farmland, lakes and cities. This means there is plenty to do wherever 30 | www.courses-careers.com

British Columbia is a great place to both study and enjoy yourself.

For more information visit: http://www.canada.travel/selectCountry.html

Study in Canada: H a m i l t o n ,

o n t a r i o

We offer: • • • • • • •

English Language programs 2 and 3 year diploma programs 1 year post diploma studies university degree transfers offers of admission issued throughout the year opportunities for advanced standing in some programs Study Work programs

For more information: • •

Visit our website at international.mohawkcollege.ca Email: intered@mohawkcollege.ca

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m o h a w k c o l l e g e

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TOMSK

What students say about

Tomsk Polytechnic University We place special emphasis on advanced engineering education, generation of new knowledge, innovative ideas, creation of resource-efficient technologies, internationalisation and integration of research and academic activities. Our winning formula is synergism based on professionalism, creativity and harmony.

Martin Kalany, Austria I wanted to study in Russia because I was very much interested in Russia and the Russian culture and I wanted to learn the Russian language. Furthermore, Russia is a much more unique experience than most destinations in Europe.

I saw some information material in the International Office of Vienna University of Technology. For students of Vienna University of Technology, exchange programs are provided only in Perm and Tomsk. For me Tomsk is much more interesting and adventurous.

I also preferred Tomsk to Perm because Tomsk offered many courses in English language. Moreover social and guidance support was really good, especially through the first few weeks. Many people in Tomsk are friendly and eager to meet foreigners; there’s lots of snow – I like winter.

The University Profile: Location: Russia, West Siberia, Tomsk city Foundation date: 29th of April, 1896 Number of students: 25,000 Number of international students: 2,100 Number of graduates: 150,000 Language of instruction: Russian, English Number of programmes: approximately 220 European association membership: CESAER, CLUSTER Ranked third out of all Russian technical universities National Research University status since 2009 32 | www.courses-careers.com

Apata Oluwagbenga, Nigeria Choosing Russia to pursue my studies was a very easy decision because the education here is recognized globally. A friend of mine told me about Tomsk Polytechnic University. I have always wanted to study English language here in Russia and when I got information about TPU and the opportunity to have my studies in English, I made up my mind that the university was the right place to study. TPU was a good choice because I had lots of information about the accreditation status of the university and its academic partnership with other renowned universities. I saw this as an opportunity to maximize my potentials.

Also, the fees are quite affordable compared to other universities which offer the same opportunities in other cities. Next, I must give kudos to the social and guidance unit of the department; they do all they can to help students settle fast in the new academic environment. The level of training here is quite good. The academic process is up to international standards. A quiet and serene city conducive for academic growth. I love the beautiful wooden architecture of the city.

Jacob Joshua Demekaa, Nigeria

Katia Nedelec, Germany I learnt about TPU on the internet pages of the international office of my university (TUM). I wanted to study one semester in Russia and TPU was very attractive due to its visible interest towards exchange students. In several reviews written by students who had spent a semester of a year in Tomsk, TPU was always recommended as a cooperative university with an international environment in a beautiful town. As in Germany the reputation of the organisation in Russia is very bad, I was a bit surprised that there were few problems (most of them got solved very fast). The level of training is fine; the focus is more on the practical classes than in my university. The support is very good, the international office helps us and through the Buddy-Building club we have a lot of Russian friends.

TPU is situated in an interesting and beautiful city. It is not as big as Moscow, but due to the universities, there are many students, so it is easy to find friends. There are many things I like about Tomsk, i.e. excursions in the nature or just walking with some friends through the town and looking at beautiful houses.

Petr Lhotka, the Czech Republic

I learnt about TPU through the Internet. I came to realise that I would study at TPU when I learnt about its status in Russian system of education. I chose TPU because I saw it as one of the leading universities of technology in Russia.

The level of training is high and the relationship between international students and the guidance support is warm. When I first came to Tomsk, I had an impression of being situated in an ancient city. My favourite thing about Tomsk is “the people”, they are friendly. The warm relationships I share with the people around me in Tomsk make me feel I am at home and not in a foreign country.

I live at TPU international students’ hostel, which is comfortable. My roommate is from Mongolia, we live together in a room for two. I suggest that when we have extreme cold temperatures, we should be excused from lessons or teachers should come to give lectures to us in our hostel.

I wanted to study in Russia, because I wanted to improve my Russian language. But I don’t like big cities like Moscow or Saint Petersburg.

I wanted to visit Asian part of Russia. I learnt about TPU from my university’s website. Also my friends in Prague told me that TPU is a high-quality university with good reputation.

Level of training and the organization of academic process are o’key.

TPU has own Buddy-Building Club – it’s a very nice idea. Russian students can practice their language and international students can find new friends. I also enjoy good level of language courses.

I arrived in Tomsk in August. The weather was fine and I was enjoying my first time in Russia. I quickly got used to this student city. If you are kind and friendly, you will find many friends in Tomsk. And with good friends you never feel alone.

I live in hostel of TPU. It’s an awesome student’s hostel — everything is new and clean. The security is also very good. Students from Russia, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy and Austria live in this hostel. The atmosphere is outstanding.

Admission office | + 7 (3822) 563-304 | E-mail: iie@tpu.ru The Institute of International Education and Language Communication| Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30 Lenina Prospect| Tomsk, 634034|Russia

Joining us you have a great opportunity, besides having effective training in higher education, to make new friends from all over the world and get acquainted with different cultural traditions.

So, come and join us! www.iie.tpu.ru www.courses-careers.com | 33

BUSINESS SCHOOLS

MBA study in Europe

The US and the UK form the traditional stronghold of top quality business programmes.

However, as business diversifies and the recession bites, a degree from a European university could be the shrewd choice.

Many European Business Schools are currently enjoying international recruiting success as part of the current trend of students and lecturers moving away from American dominance of management education.

The 2010 MBA class at Copenhagen Business School, for example, included participants from 22 countries, 30% of who were women. Over 90% of students on the course came from outside Denmark, forming the basis of a formidable international network that means graduates made contacts from around the globe – contacts they could call on throughout their future careers.

The Copenhagen figures illustrate the growing trend for business students to travel abroad for their education, with European business schools among the most popular destinations as students look for value and something different to the regular UK/US grind of suppliers.

Much of the recent recruiting success enjoyed by European business schools comes from the emphasis on multicultural classrooms, not to mention the fact that most European MBA programs can be completed within one year, compared with the typical two years for American programmes. This makes them considerably less expensive and easier to fit in around careers.

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Financial Times’ Top 10 European Business Schools 1. HEC Paris (France) 2. Insead (France) 3. London Business School (UK) 4. Iese Business School (Spain) 5. IMD (Switzerland) 6. IE Business School (Spain) 7. Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands) 8. Esade Business School (Spain) 9. SDA Bocconi (Italy) 10. Essec Business School (France)

A study released last year by the Graduate Management Admission Council, which administers the GMAT (the test required for entry to most top graduate business schools worldwide), found that the proportion of test scores that internationally mobile students were sending to programmes in the United States had slid steadily from 75% in 2000 to around 42%.

As in Copenhagen, recruitment at Madrid’s Instituto de Empresa (IE) Business School shows 90% of students now come from outside Spain, with the biggest growth in numbers coming from Asian students. The picture is the same at HEC Paris, where most of the MBA students were French just ten years ago. In 2012, international students from 50 different countries make up 80% of the MBA programme, with the biggest increases have come from India and the United States.

Diversity

Global focus draws students to Europe. There is a feeling among potential students that American programmes, even when they claim to be international, lack the diversity of their European counterparts. On top of this, the idea of spending a year in Copenhagen, Paris, Rome or Madrid is very appealing to many potential students.

“We are more international naturally because our countries are smaller and English is not necessarily our mother tongue,” says the dean of one leading European business school.

“The diversity of Europe in a limited space interests people. If you are coming from Mumbai, Shanghai or Moscow, you can, in a five-hour drive, see five countries, hear five languages and see 15 landscapes.”

This is a huge part of the appeal of studying in Europe. Unlike the UK, which is cut off from mainland Europe or the US which is so vast, studying in Europe allows you to discover a variety of cultures and opportunities in a smaller area.

As well as this being useful for business and future contacts, it also makes your downtime a lot more interesting and varied. One weekend could be spent on the beach in Portugal, the next skiing in Austria.

Europe is a manageable size to get around.

Language issues

English is still the main language of most of the globally-oriented MBA programmes in Europe. The full-time MBA at Copenhagen Business School is taught entirely in English, but things are not the same everywhere. The first year of the IESE full-time MBA in Barcelona is taught in English, for example, while second-year electives are offered in English and Spanish. Similarly, the 16-month program at HEC Paris is taught in English, but international students are required to study the French language during one of four terms.

However, many of the world’s developing economies speak languages other than English. For example, Brazil recently became the world’s sixth largest economy, overtaking the UK, so expect to see a spike in the number of people learning business Portuguese.

Although not European languages, Mandarin, Cantonese and Hindi are increasingly popular amongst businesspeople as they look to develop skills that make them attractive to the businesses of the future. www.courses-careers.com | 35

EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY

European University

One of the world’s top business schools, European University (EU) is internationally accredited and recognized for the excellence of its programs, faculty and students.

EU was established in 1973 and has developed a business education model that delivers high-quality instruction, a competitive learning environment and a network of international campuses.

Programs offered at EU includeBachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorateof Business Administration programs (BBA, MBA and DBA), and the opportunity to specialize in different management areas, including business administration, communication & public relations, leisure & tourism management, international relations, sports management and global banking & finance, e-commerce, and more.

EU brings the American education model to Europe by applying classroom theory to professional skills.

The courses are taught in English using the case study method, making business theory accessible and practical.

This pragmatic approach to business education is proven to effectively prepare students for leadership positions in business and industry. EU is recognized for excellence by variousinternational accreditation institutions, including ACBSP, IACBE and CEEMAN. EU’s renowned faculty is made up of full-time academics holding doctorates in their specialties as well as part-time instructors drawn from the international professional community. This combination brings together the best from both the academic and business worlds in a way that supports a unique and exceptional quality of learning. EU faculty members are entrepreneurs, consultants and business leaders and bring business practice closer to the classroom. Their modern interactive teaching methodology and small class sizes

36 | www.courses-careers.com

ensure students’ involvement in the learning process.

Professors and corporate sector advisors regularly update EU’s curriculum to reflect the latest developments in the business world. Additionally, students attend seminars on innovation and creativity that further develop their analytical and communication skills. With modern facilities and locations in some of the world’s most attractive cities and economic centers, the university embodies an international and cosmopolitan spirit with student and faculty body comprising of more than 100 nationalities. EU prepares its students for success in the global marketplace by providing them with keen analytical skills, refined cultural awareness, multilingual skills and clear strategic vision through traditional as well as cutting-edge business programs.

This focus on a multicultural atmosphere provides anideal environment to nurture intercultural communication and the opportunity to develop international business contacts. Transfer opportunities with a global network of EU campuses and close cooperation with some of the leading business schools in the world mean that EU students can easily transfer between countries and continents. For example,students can start their studies in Barcelona, continue in Geneva and finish them in Munich or London.

EU has an excellent employment record, aided bycareer service offices which provide personalized counseling and assistance to each of the students, in addition to organizing annual on-campuscareer and internship fairs.

EU students graduate with the knowledge and skills to excel and innovate in the professional world.

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Serious Serious Creativity Creativity Serious Creativity

AIU London is a private international university in central London offering industry focused British and American Bachelor degree programmes. Students can study one course and earn two degrees, one British and one American.

AIU London is a private international university in central London offering industry focused TheBritish Schooland of Design offers degreesdegree in Fashion Marketing Students & Design,can Fashion American Bachelor programmes. studyMarketing, one course and earn Interior Design and Visual Communication.

The School of Business offers an undergraduate two degrees, one British and one American. degree in International Business and an MBA degree in International Management.

The School of Design offers degrees in Fashion Marketing & Design, Fashion Marketing, Interior Design and Visual Communication. The School of Business offers an undergraduate degree in International Business and an MBA degree in International Management.

AIU London is a private international university in central London offering industry focused Fashion Interior Design Visual British and American Bachelor degree programmes. Students can study one course and earn Design Residential Communication two degrees, one British and one American.

Marketing Commercial Graphic Design Retailing Retail The School of Design offers degrees in Fashion Marketing & Design, Fashion Marketing, Fashion Interior Design Visual Illustration Interior Design and Visual Communication.

The School of Business offers an undergraduate Design Residential Communication degree in International Business and an MBA degree in International Management.

UK BA (H ons ) Marketing Commercial

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+ US Bachelor’s (BFA or BBA)

+44 (0)20 7467 5650

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+44www.aiulondon.ac.uk (0)20 7467 5650

admissions@aiulondon.ac.uk Contact AIU London to learn more:

+44 (0)20 7467 5650

Contact AIU London to learn110 more: Central London location: Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4RY

admissions@aiulondon.ac.uk

www.aiulondon.ac.uk

admissions@aiulondon.ac.uk www.aiulondon.ac.uk Central London location: 110 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4RY

AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student nancial obligations and more at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures

Central London location: 110 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4RY AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student nancial obligations and more at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures

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AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student nancial obligations and more at www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures

Volume 32 Issue 1

CLIENT INDEX Aberystwyth University

23

American Intercontinental University

40

Anglo-European College of Chiropractic

14

Birmingham Business School

17

Bournemouth & Poole College

05

Brighton & Hove City Council

06

Bolton Wanderers Institute of Sport

10

European University

37

Mohawk College

31

St Georges University Tomsk Polytechnic University

OBC IFC

www.courses-careers.com | 41

©2011 St. George’s University

THINK LIKE A DOG. TREAT LIKE A VETERINARY SURGEON. In 2011, 100% of our students passed the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Statutory Membership Examination compared to only 44% of all other candidates.

• • • • • • •

Nearly 11,000 University graduates Students and faculty have come from 140 countries Clinical training in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Ireland Large animal experience at Large Animal Resources Facility Pre Clinical hands-on experience at our on-campus small animal clinic $250+ million technologically advanced campus Approved to award US Department of Education Loans

Contact SGU Project Manager, Fiona Thomson at: +44 (0) 7403245683 42 | www.courses-careers.com

sgu.edu/future-students • SGUEnrolment@sgu.edu

Grenada, West Indies