CCUK - Issue 5

AIM HIGH Leaving home to study is a big step.

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Study with the University of Newcastle, Australia.

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FIND OUT MORE

To view the available study options visit www.international.newcastle.edu.au or to ask us a question, go to www.newcastle.internationalstudent.info/ CRICOS Provider 00109J UoNi2010/0028

CCU

CONTENTS

Welcome to CCUK

ARIAL BLACK

s the start of For thousands of students, this October mark ts behind to become paren the g leavin s mean which rsity unive freshers special a fully fledged fresher. Our student scoop those who are settling provides essential reading on page 2 for into new surroundings. g fab on this issue’s cover and on We think you’ll agree that Pixie Lott is lookin ey to stardom. journ ss’ prince pop the out page 6 you can find d to The Longines Royal International This year we were lucky enough to be invite show jumps we speak to een Betw x.

Susse in Horse Show at Hickstead how you can start a career with out find professionals in the equine industry and 20. page horses. Details on

Pixie is a Lott of fun

06

Adam K with Rickie, Melvin and Charlie

08

Swiss 721 Black

CCU

important than ever to start thinking In this competitive job market it is more experience placements are a great way Work on. early about your career options what an 18 year-old student on a to help you decide. Turn to page 14 to hear of his experience. And to help you made Group ing Bank s placement with Lloyd CV guide on page 12. a ed provid get placed with a company, we’ve

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE? 16

02 The student scoop Freshers special

ing to the breakfast show with Rickie, Listeners of KISS FM wake up every morn behind the scenes that makes it all man Melvin and Charlie but do they know the cer Adam K reveals what goes produ KISS with 8 page on iew happen? My interv radio. in r caree a for on in the studio and some top tips if you can’t wait until the next issue to CCUK is now on Twitter and Facebook so to. Find out how you can join the have have your questions answered, you don’t 18. discussion on page

06 Pixie Lott

Good luck with your first term!

18 What’s happening?

Princess of Pop

The latest from CCUK Facebook and Twitter

08 Giving your day a KISS start

20 Horses for courses

In the studio with breakfast show producer Adam K

12

Why you should still consider studying finance

Choose your equine career

22 St. George’s University: A Global Medical Programme

CV hints and tips

14 Work experience at Lloyds Banking Group

24 What’s on?

Emily Crane emilyc@srmedia.net

Cover image courtesy of: Mercury Music Group

STAFF LIST Editorial Manager

Emily Crane | emilyc@srmedia.net

Editorial Contributors

Laura Proto, Rebecca Smith, Maddie Darnton

Designer

Stephanie Foley | designer@srmedia.net

Web and E-magazine

Nazira Lakhoo Stephen Bignell

Financial Services

N. Vijayarajah A. Elahi

Response Manager

Frances Stanley

Global Business Development Manager

Sylvano Clarke | sylvano@srmedia.net

Consultant

Paul Weller | paulw@srmedia.net

04

Preeya Kalidas

06

Careers in beauty therapy

WHAT’S INSIDE THIS ISSUE?

Chief Executive Officer Shailesh Naik Executive Director

Luke Turnell | luket@srmedia.net Student Recruitment Media Ltd 101 Southwark Street London, SE1 0JF Tel: 0207 401 7333 Fax: 0207 401 7233

Printed in Dubai (UAE) by: Emirates Printing Press L.L.C.

© Sandringham Publishing Ltd. 2010 - All material appearing in this magazine is the copyright of Sandringham Publishing Ltd. and cannot be copied, electronically stored or reproduced, except for the sole purpose of individual careers advice. S R Media Ltd. disclaim any responsibility for opinions expressed, which are those of the author/s. 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.

12

06 A career with prospects: Beauty therapy Fast-track your employment with LCBT

10 Social care Making a positive difference to people’s lives

Apprenticeships at Carillion

Constructing your future Meet the man behind apprenticeship training at Carillion

04 Xcel’s one to watch: Preeya Kalidas

12

16

Reach for the sky Start your cabin crew career with Lewisham College

20 Inspiring, Fulfilling, Enjoyable The Bournemouth and Poole College

22 Get the career you’ve always dreamed of!

Courses and Careers ONLINE EDITION: If you would like to receive email alerts for future online editions, please send your request to: ccuk@srmediamail.net

STUDENT SCOOP: FRESHERS SPECIAL

The student Freshers special

Now the dust has settled on Freshers week it’s time to get down to the business of being a student. For those who have spent their first weeks at university busy getting to know people and signing up for classes, there may be some key things that have been overlooked. CCUK reporter Laura Proto addresses these issues and gives advice on student survival essentials.

Protect yourself against student crime The Home Office states that young people aged 16-24 are three times more likely to be victims of crime, and one in three students find themselves as a victim of crime each year.

Students own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population, with student insurer Endsleigh estimating that the average student owns £6,000 worth of belongings.

Don’t become another statistic! By taking a few basic precautions, you can ensure you don’t become a victim of mugging, burglary or vehicle related thefts. · Make sure that you lock windows and doors when you go out, especially if you’re the last person to leave the house, as this is usually how burglars gain entry. · If you’re living in halls of residence, be careful who you let into the building or who

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follows you in. Whenever you leave your room, always make sure you lock the door even if you’re only going across the corridor. · Mark your belongings with your details using a UV pen. If they are stolen and recovered by the police, they can be returned to you. · Don’t leave keys or valuables on display in your home or in your car, as it may encourage burglars to break entry to obtain them. · Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re on your own. Don’t flash your

mobile phone or iPod about, as it will make you an easy target. · Never write your PIN number down and shield your PIN when typing it in at a cash machine or at a till. · Always keep your bag zipped.

With girl’s handbags, try to have the zip facing towards you rather than away. That way nobody can get into your bag without you realising. · Always get a licensed taxi home at night, or travel home with friends. If you insist on walking, ensure you walk in a group and always in sight of other people.

The main way to ensure you are always protected against crime is to take out an insurance policy. Endsleigh Insurance is specifically designed for students, so that everything from your laptop and television to your clothes and watch is covered. By taking out a student insurance policy, you’re even covered for walk in theft (when entry hasn’t been forced), which is a common occurrence within student crime. Take a look at http://www.endsleigh. co.uk/Student/Pages/studentinsurance.aspx to see how little a year’s insurance will cost you.

scoop How to make some extra cash alongside your studies If you’re a student and want to make some extra cash whilst you study – read on! It’s no secret that students are hard up on cash, so here at CCUK, we’ve devised a list of ideas to help you earn a bit of extra money whilst you study.

Sell your junk online. Everyone has stuff they don’t really need or want lying around at home.

So rather than pushing it aside, stop and think who might be able to make use of it. Take a look on eBay and see how much your item is selling for.

If it’s worth it (remember, you have to pay a small fee to list the item and pay eBay 10 per cent of what you sell the item for) list it and wait for the bids to come rolling in.

Become a private tutor.

Children in the local area may need a little extra help with their schoolwork, and this is ideal for you to use your skills (and make some extra cash!).

You could join an agency or be completely independent, advertising in local schools and community centres. Put together a list of what subjects are your strengths and what levels you would be happy teaching, and you’ll be on your way to making anything from

£10 an hour. And remember, demand will be higher in exam periods and school holidays.

Become a mystery shopper.

If you love to shop, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Sign up with an agency and they will send you available mystery shops in your local area. The rate of pay is relatively low, but you’re able to claim back what you spent, so depending where your shop was, you may get a dress or evening out free!

Start dog walking. If you love man’s best friend, get into dog walking. You could earn up to £10 an hour and the exercise will be great for you too.

Get a part-time job in a restaurant. Waitressing is a great way to earn some extra money, as on top of your hourly wage, you’ll take home the tips you make. You’ll hit the jackpot in the Christmas period, with tables full of work parties. Just remember that service with a smile goes a long way!

And finally, one for the girls – become an Avon lady. The great thing about this is you can be your own boss in terms of the hours you work, which is perfect to fit around your studies. Once you sell £76 worth of goods, you’ll earn £1 for every £5 you sell, and once orders exceed £144, you’ll earn £1 for every £4.

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STUDENT SCOOP

Tackle homesickness head on Many students going to university for the first time feel homesick. Research shows that an average of 50-70 per cent of students suffer from homesickness in some way within the first couple of weeks at uni - even those who didn’t expect to miss home. It may be that you miss your family and home comforts, that you haven’t spent much time away from home before or that you’ve left behind a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Common symptoms of homesickness include: · Increased anxiety · Feeling very emotional/ frequent crying outbursts

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·D ifficulty sleeping and change in eating habits ·F eeling unwell (nausea, dizziness and headaches) ·L ack of concentration ·F eeling lonely Whatever the reason, being homesick is completely normal, but if you’re wondering how to curb these emotions, here are some things you can do help: Tips to overcome homesickness ·K eep busy by focussing your attention elsewhere. Join a club, sports team or society, and throw yourself right into it. It will help you to make lots of new friends, and with more company around you, the less likely you are to feel lonely and homesick. Your new friends may even feel homesick too, so you can all support one another.

· Keep a journal. Rather than keeping all your emotions pent up, write down how you feel. You’ll be surprised how much better it makes you feel. ·M ake your new room something you’re happy with by decorating it with familiar things from home. Photos are a great way to personalise a room, but don’t put up too many, as you’ll be more conscious about missing home. · Stay in touch with your family, but keep phone calls limited. Hearing a familiar voice may make you feel even more homesick, so use an alternative like Facebook or MSN. Invite your family and friends to visit you after a few weeks so you have something to look forward to.

· Make sure you get enough sleep each night and try to eat healthily and drink lots of water. If you feel refreshed, you’re likely to be in a better mood and generally feel happier. · Keep a positive attitude.

Although it may not live up to your immediate expectations, it will get better and you will enjoy your time at university. You’ll have plenty of time to visit home, with the Christmas and Easter holidays each being over 4 weeks long!

Most students find that homesickness fades, but if it persists for longer than a few months and is affecting your studies, consider speaking to someone at your universities counselling service.

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COVER FEATURE: PIXIE LOTT

Pixie Lott

Princess of pop 06 | www.courses-careers.com

Last summer, Pixie Lott stormed the UK singles chart with her energetic debut single Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh). Her potent, rich and addictive vocals feature all the depth and maturity of a soul diva but are uniquely packaged with the vivacity and teen spark of a pop princess. Over a year on and it is still hard to believe that such a belter of a voice comes from this stunning and very cute 19- year-old.

The secret of Pixie’s success is that she is a 19-year-old singer who, refreshingly, sings as a 19-year-old. Hers is a fresh, expressive, fun and free attitude with a vocal style to match. If you’ve been keeping up with Pixie’s lively and occasionally rather deranged YouTube video diaries you might have a fair idea of how the last couple of years have panned out, packed with songwriting sessions, nights out and gatecrashed parties. But let’s rewind for a minute and talk about the young Pixie growing up in the sleepy suburbs of Kent.

Unlike so many famous ladies with unusual names (for which we can blame two of them on Bob Geldolf), Pixie’s name is not actually Pixie. Victoria Louise Lott was born 12 January 1991 and found herself nicknamed Pixie at a young age. Only when she misbehaved would her real name be used. Under her mother’s musical tastes, Pixie was subjected to hours of Take That and Diana Ross. When Pixie was old enough she started picking out her own favourite singers - Mariah was an early passion - and at school her interest in singing and dancing had led to an audition for Italia Conti. She bagged a rare scholarship for the stage school which let her pursue her singing and dancing dreams and opened doors to an oddly diverse range of opportunities, from West End appearances in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to recording with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters.

When she was 14, Pixie found herself flicking through The Stage newspaper and spotted

a classified ad that would set everything in motion. It’s sometimes hard to look at these ads and think that anything would ever come from these oddly-worded, sometimes quite suspicious looking requests for young girls and boys, but before long this particular ad had taken Pixie to New York to begin writing and recording demos. From that point in, things began to snowball.

As time went by and more demos were posted on Pixie’s MySpace a bidding war broke out, eventually leading Pixie to sign with Mercury in the UK and Interscope in America. The results, right now, are good old classic teen songs

alongside Justin’s Cry Me A River, telling someone they have to accept the blame, that ‘the tears are fallin’ mean nothing at all’.” Gravity, meanwhile, is a No Air-style belter about how easy it is to drift apart, how difficult it is to stay apart, how quickly we’re pulled to people and thrown away in the opposite direction.

It’s basically a song about love on a bungee rope.

Pixie’s tracks fizz with excitement and represent a good 18 months spent working around the world with the cream of pop’s top tunesmiths. Along with Thornalley and Hauge, Pixie’s been holed up in the studio with Cutfather and Jonas Jeburg

“There has to be an emotional strength and an honesty in what I’m singing, whether they’re lyrics I’ve written by myself or not. I need to mean it to sing it.” about hearts skipping and hearts breaking, about crushed dreams and dreamy crushes. Turn It Up tells the story of a teenage couple breaking up but staying friends, while at the other end of a relationship, at the point when belongings are being unceremoniously hurled out of windows onto the street below, we find epic, Alicia Keys-esque ballad Cry Me Out: “Cry Me Out is a song which says, ‘it’s really time to get over yourself’,” Pixie says. “You could put it right

(who’ve worked with everyone from Kylie to the Pussycat Dolls), Red One (Lady Gaga Just Dance), Lily and Beck collaborator Greg Kurstin, hit songwriter Ruth Ann Cunningham, Toby Gad, the NYbased producer and songwriter behind If I Were A Boy and Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Kara DioGuardi, superstar songwriter and American Idol judge. Pixie herself recently tried her hand at being a guest judge on The X Factor covering for a pregnant Dannii Minogue.

As far as her own musical taste goes, Pixie’s is as diverse as they come. She admires the style of Gwen Stefani and Rihanna, for example, and she’s fascinated by the songwriting craft of Alicia Keys. Then she’ll be rocking out to The Strokes and The Kooks.

On stage she loves Mariah for the vocals and Britney for the moves and showmanship; off stage she admires Lauryn Hill’s independent spirit and Christina Aguilera’s commitment to quality. Then to the older school the big voice and dance pop of Whitney Houston to Evelyn Champagne King as a favourite.

Representing the boys is Stevie Wonder, with his catalogue of songs still performed and loved around the world decades after they were written.

Pixie the artist makes music that is fun but not stupid, sharp but not overbearingly cutting edge. Her music has genuine substance and soul but doesn’t hit you round the head with how staggeringly ‘important’ it all is. At the very heart of it all, Pixie’s just Pixie: “There has to be an emotional strength and an honesty in what I’m singing, whether they’re lyrics I’ve written by myself or not. I need to mean it to sing it,” she says. n

Follow Pixie on Twitter: @pixiesongs Pixie on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pixielott Official website: www.pixielott.com

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INTERVIEW: ADAM K

“We’re good mates anyway.

We’ve been working together for three years and we have a laugh.”

Left to right: Melvin, Charlie, Adam K, Rickie

Good music, catching up with the news and listening to some hilarious banter is why so many people start their days listening to the radio. Loyal listeners of KISS 100 will know that the breakfast show with Rickie, Melvin and Charlie is one of the best but few know the man behind the scenes who makes it all happen. Enter radio producer and DJ in his own right, Adam K. The larger-thanlife producer shares beauty tips, who he rates in the charts, how he got into radio and what the ‘K’ in Adam K is all about.

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Giving your day a KISS start In the studio with breakfast show producer Adam K Words: Emily Crane

Realising that I have been addressing Adam K as simply ‘Adam’ in emails leading up to our conversation, I feel a little embarrassed. Every good interview must start with getting the person’s name right so to avoid further confusion I cut to the chase and ask him about the K. AK: “It’s actually a bit geeky, are

you sure you want to hear this?”

EC: “Of course.”

AK: “At school I used to sign off projects with my imaginary production company, Kaz Kommercials. Did you ever do that?”

EC: “Urm, no.”

AK: “Well, I’m a massive dance head, dance is the new pop.”

EC: “Is that official?”

AK: “Yes. Flo Rida, Tinie Tempah for me is wicked, David Guetta…I like Ellie Goulding, Kelly Rowland and of course, JLS. Katy Perry is a lot of fun.”

EC: “Who has surprised you most?”

AK: “Timbaland wasn’t as energetic as I wanted him to be. You know when you meet someone who you idolise and they don’t meet expectations? He was half asleep. I’ve got a lot of time for 50 Cent; he’s got stories, charisma, swagga, talent and good business brains. We asked him how much money he had on him that moment and he pulled out 15 G’s from his pocket.”

Adam K’s day starts with his alarm going off at 4am, closely followed by a substantial application of face cream: “It’s an industry secret that half of a breakfast producer’s wage must go on moisturisers and creams to get rid of wrinkles caused by lack of sleep.” Looking ten years younger, Adam K is ready to leave half an hour later when he is picked up and driven to the studio. On his way to work he polishes off some food and catches up with breaking news that has happened overnight: “As a producer you need to know about everything and be a fountain of knowledge.

If someone asks if you have heard this track or this story then you need to be able to say ‘yes’. It is your job to bring news to people, especially on a breakfast show so you have to keep on top of what is going on.”

As soon as Adam K has digested the news and his breakfast he’s printing off scripts, sorting out competitions, getting grips with sponsorship material and bringing things up to date. But arguably one of the

most important jobs Adam K performs is to ensure that all of the presenters are actually there and ready to be on air for 6am when the breakfast show starts. Organising the presenters is a challenge which includes making sure they don’t talk over each other during the show.

Adam K assumes the role of director and colour codes their scripts so that Rickie, Melvin and Charlie know what they’re going to say and when.

Whilst managing three people who all want to talk at once, Adam K is also busy making sure the commercial messages run when they should, that the news bulletins are on time and that sponsors are getting their coverage. He also takes calls from listeners and edits as he goes along. Clearly there is much more to being a producer than just pressing the buttons: “It’s three hours of pure concentration and focussed attention.” Adam K tells me the secret of making sure all of this runs smoothly are what he calls the three P’s: Planning, Preparation and Performance.

And there was me thinking it was Plenty of Pro Plus.  

AK: “The logo was a flying ‘Karrot’ because I’m a red head and it seemed appropriate.

So Kaz Kommercials was established in 1992 when I was 12. Then it became Kaz.com and shortened further to just K and it has stuck ever since. Everyone calls me Adam K, even my mum and dad.”

Well if it’s good enough for the parents, it’s good enough for me. Outside the day job, Adam K is a signed DJ and producer making his own records so I’m keen to learn who does it for him musically.

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INTERVIEW: ADAM K

“Cheryl Cole was awesome, she even said she got up extra early to look good.”

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ADAM K

Adam K rates David Guetta and Kelly Rowland

Adam K evidently works hard behind the scenes to make the show run seamlessly and it’s obvious on air that producer and presenters are having fun, which is key to the show’s success: “We’re good mates anyway. We’ve been working together for three years and we have a laugh, especially while the records are playing. We talk about things off air just as we do on air.” When the show is over at 9am, Adam K’s working day does not stop there. During this time he works on prepping the next day’s show and all of the promotional stuff which could be meeting competition winners, conducting interviews, meeting clients or editing: “Basically in this time I do everything I can to make the next show sound slick.”

at a student radio station at Loughborough University. Whilst he wasn’t a Loughborough student, Adam K took this opportunity to learn from people, learn the trade and ultimately, present some shows. He presented the ‘Weekend Workout’ show on Wednesdays and ‘Weekend Warm-Up’ on Fridays.

It was while he was working on Loughborough Campus radio that Adam K got his big break and he’s adamant that this is where others should start: “If you’re passionate then get involved in your local radio stations, there’s so much to do and learn. Go out to them, approach them, start local. There are some really talented people at student and local radio stations.”

But Adam K hasn’t always been so slick. He refuses to tell me which show or radio station he was working on but there was a time long ago when he made an on air gaffe. In an enthusiastic attempt to get as many people playing against each other on air as possible, he underestimated the capacity of the radio station to take calls from the public. By patching some calls through to another studio, a resulting ‘technical hitch’ meant that some players were never going to be able to win because of a huge time delay in broadcasting their responses. Adam K tells me it was a bit like London calling Australia: “I put it down to the inexperience of youth. So long as you learn from it and never do it again then I think you’re allowed one mistake.”

After sending out several demos and CVs, a few lucky breaks later, Adam K finally got a gig at Capital Café working with his friend Matt down in Leicester Square, London.

On Saturday afternoons he would interview artists and celebrities which gave him the material he needed to make a fresh new demo earning him a full-time spot at Capital FM working with Ali B and ending up producing well-known prankster Steve Penk. From there he gained yet more experience and put together a showreel which got him a position at BBC Radio 1.

During his stint at Radio 1 he got to work with some big names including Sara Cox, Pete Tong and Dave Pearce. His next big move in radio was to KISS producing Robin Banks on Drivetime and specialist show Friday Night Kiss with Steve Smart. The rest they say is KISSTORY!

Adam K started his career in radio via a friend who was working

But this success didn’t come overnight. Adam K has worked

“I’ve got a lot of time for 50 Cent; he’s got stories, charisma, swagga, talent and good business brains.” hard over 12 years to become an established name in the business.

He is quick to remind me that he thinks it’s best if nobody goes in at the top, prospective presenters and producers must learn the principles of radio first: “Learn the trade thoroughly from tea maker to broadcast assistant to assistant producer, climb the ranks. Think of ideas. Work hard through the levels, it makes you appreciate the job more. I fully appreciate the people who do work experience because I have been there myself.”

In a field as competitive as broadcasting, you have to be prepared to do some ground level work for a few years and support yourself with something else if necessary. As Adam K says, “You’ve got to have a plan B”. For him it was retail management, working at Homebase while he studied and got a foot through the studio door. It’s good to be realistic about the current job market but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dreams:

“Think about why you want to get into radio. It will help if you have always listened to radio. If you want a career in it, it should be your dream. It’s not enough to say you love music. Everybody loves music, that’s why we go out and buy it in the shops. You’ve got to be passionate about broadcasting, you’ve got to have an opinion and be prepared to stand up and say it, and stick to it.”

Adam K is not a shy man, he says what he thinks and I have enjoyed taking to him. He ends our conversation with these parting words of wisdom for those wishing to follow in his footsteps: “Be confident, be clear from the start, be brave and ask questions, even if they seem obvious. You have to believe, be focused and be confident.” n Adam K on Twitter: @AdamKLMP Adam K on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AdamKDJ Listen to KISS live from: www.totalkiss.com

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CV GUIDE

CV hints and tips Whether you’re applying for an internship, graduate scheme, work experience placement or a holiday job alongside your studies, you will need a CV to showcase your experience and qualifications. Our guide tells you how to sell yourself to employers by writing a stand-out CV. 12 | www.courses-careers.com

Personal details First up, you don’t need to write ‘Curriculum Vitae’ at the top of your CV – it’s pretty obvious what it is. Make sure your name appears at the top and is in a larger font than the rest of your CV so it stands out.

Beneath, all you need to include is your home address (and term address if you’re still at uni) and contact information. Don’t include a novelty email address - boozyfloozy@hotmail.co.uk doesn’t sound very professional.

If you have a blog or a website of your own, record the address here.

Career aim/Profile This is optional but if you do include it, make sure it isn’t vague or generic. Keep it brief (three or four lines max).

Demonstrate your career focus and perhaps evidence of two or three main strengths that describe your work ethic or ability. This part of your CV should be tailored to the role

and company you’re applying to. However, to save space, this could be included in your covering letter.

Education and qualifications Start with your most recent education – your degree or A Level qualifications. If you are currently at university include the dates, name of university/s, degree title e.g. BA (Hons) Philosophy, and the grade you are expecting. You may also want to add any modules you are studying or have completed that are relevant to the job application in addition to dissertation research or project work. Time spent abroad or work placements attended as part of your course should be mentioned.

Further Education qualifications should be included with the details of the college you are attending, the dates of your course, the level and any expected/achieved results.

For school education, include dates, name of school/sixth form college and A-Levels studied with grades. Unless specified, it is not normally necessary to list every subject studied at GCSE level.

The number of passes achieved is enough but state the grade you got for Mathematics and English.

Work experience This is a very important part of your CV. Employers are realistic about the fact that students have mostly done part-time and summer jobs that may not relate to the career they want to pursue. However, employers will still expect you to be able to show the responsibilities and skills you got out of your work experience.

The most common way of presenting work experience is to do it in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

However, if you have very relevant experience in the career field you are applying to e.g. a work experience placement with a company, you may wish to include this first under a separate heading such as “Relevant Work Experience” and list less

relevant jobs under “Other Work Experience”. This will immediately show an employer that you have taken the initiative to gain knowledge of the sector and have experience of that work environment.

Don’t despair if this isn’t the case for you. Thousands of students don’t have that head start but still get the position they want because they capitalised on the experience they did have.

Remember, employers are looking for the skills you have used and developed, and more specifically they are identifying links between your experience and skills and the requirements of the job. Here are some tips to help you: •T arget your CV to the specific job advert. Read over the terminology used and the skills mentioned in the advert and where appropriate, use these words in your CV. • Back up your claims. Avoid writing bland content; if you have “good communication skills” demonstrate how you have used them effectively to get something done.

• Identify the contribution you made. Rather than just stating a list of duties you had, think about ways of demonstrating success in a particular role, e.g. “Implemented visual merchandising of books which led to an increase in sales by 17 per cent.”

Positions of responsibility/ Achievements/Interests These are all relevant sections to include because they demonstrate that you’re motivated to pursue other activities and are a wellrounded individual. Positions of responsibility and achievements can be extra-curricular, for example, significant involvement in a student union, organising events in a social or sporting club, spearheading charity fundraising at school or university etc. Stating your interests doesn’t mean just writing a list. Try to indicate your level of involvement and what you gain from the activity.

Additional information/ Skills This where you include any additional languages, IT skills and whether you have a clean

driving licence. For IT skills, list the software packages and applications you use and your level of competency for each.

References/Referees If you don’t have space on your CV, a simple “References available on request” is acceptable. If you do have space, it is very common to give the details of two referees: one academic and one employer. Give their names, position, address, phone numbers and email addresses. Always ask for their permission first and remember to keep them informed of your career aspirations and achievements to date.

One last thing….

Remember that a CV is the first step in the application process and its purpose is to get you an interview, which is where you can provide more detail. Keep your CV concise and punchy, avoid large blocks of text and present it in a clear and uniformed way. A CV should be substance over style so don’t spend hours making it look pretty; it’s what you write that counts. Good luck!

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WORK EXPERIENCE: LLOYDS BANKING GROUP

Work experience

at Lloyds Banking Group

Work experience placements are all about getting a taster of what a career in a particular industry is all about. For those interested in banking, we speak to Hang Yik H’ng about what he has learnt from his experience with Lloyds Banking Group.

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BANKING

Hang Yik H’ng is 18 and has just finished his first year of studying A Levels at Greenshaw High School in Surrey. Hang is currently on a sixweek work experience placement in the Group Operation Divisional Finance department for Lloyds Banking Group. Hang is working in a team of around 13 people who he describes as being like the backbone of Lloyds.

Hang has been entrusted with compiling Excel spreadsheets which give details on the costs of different units within the business. Among other things he has learnt, Hang has enhanced his knowledge of Excel: “I already knew the basics but then I came here and there’s loads more to it like learning shortcuts but everyone’s really helpful and teaches you. Oh I’ve definitely learnt more about how to use Excel.”

One example of an important piece of work that Hang contributed to the team was to do a cost expense analysis of everybody who works for Lloyds Banking Group in the UK totalling up what each person costs and what section they are working in: “I gave that to someone and she put it into a presentation which was presented in a meeting. I think that really helped her.”

Apart from learning what it’s like to be in a workplace, one of the key things that Hang has observed is a welcoming and positive environment: “Everyone is really polite, that’s the first thing that I noticed. On my first day people who I didn’t know would just say hello and be nice to me. At school it’s not like that.”

Coming out of school into a large organisation like Lloyds Banking Group may have been daunting at first but Hang emphasises that he has been offered support and guidance from the team: “People who have worked here for a few years know what they’re doing and they know you’re new but they always talk to you and make sure you understand. They are very approachable and really helpful.”

Hang thinks that one of the reasons why the staff at Lloyds Banking Group are so keen to help is because they are enthusiastic about their work: “Everyone is really passionate here, when they explain their jobs to me I can really feel it, they want you to know what they’re doing and they keep asking you questions if you don’t know.”

Three weeks into his placement and Hang is already thinking about possibly coming back to Lloyds Banking Group for an internship or graduate scheme: “I am really enjoying it. I would definitely like to come back; the placement has been really good. I knew I’d be working in an office but I didn’t know what it would be like and I thought I’d get a job and just do that all day but there’s actually a lot of freedom. You have to be really independent I would say.”

a lot of people have told me to just do what I enjoy.”

Work experience placements like those offered by Lloyds Banking Group can help inform students of their university and career choices.

Hang’s placement was organised through the careers academy at his school. After completing an application form detailing his skills, aspirations and experience, Hang was invited for an interview.

For Hang, the interview process was the biggest challenge: “I found it quite tricky and I was quite shy.

I was asked what my strengths and weaknesses are and about the banking industry. The last question was about the current economic situation; the problems Lloyds Banking Group might face and how they could be overcome. I just couldn’t answer that question.”

“On my first day people who I didn’t know would just say hello and be nice to me.

At school it’s not like that.”

Like so many students his age, Hang is thinking about his options after school. He is currently studying Maths, Business Studies, Psychology and ICT at A Level and hopes to go to Exeter University.

Originally, Hang planned to study Accountancy and Finance but his placement at Lloyds Banking Group has made him reconsider: “I’ve been getting a lot of advice and tips from people from Lloyds and outside so I’m really not sure now.

They’ve suggested I study Business Studies or Economics at university so I can keep my options open but

“Two weeks before, I had been given some interview tips and I was advised that if you’re asked a question you don’t know the answer to then just say sorry I can’t answer that. Sometimes you’re deliberately asked really difficult questions to see if you are honest enough to say you don’t know.”

It seems Hang managed to recover from a potentially awkward situation because he was honest and professional. These are valued qualities in potential candidates at Lloyds Banking Group. n

For more information

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If you would like to know more about work experience placements, internships or graduate schemes available, please visit: www.lloydsbankinggrouptalent.com

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: ICMA CENTRE

The low down on getting a top job in the City

By Martin Drage, Career Development Manager at the ICMA Centre A career in the City and especially investment banking and securities, is the first choice of many bright, well-qualified graduates. It is not hard to see why; starting salaries can be as high as ÂŁ40,000 pa while some lucky first year graduate trainees in the major global investment banks might receive as much again in bonuses. There is also the exciting prospect of working on transactions you read about in the press, or watching while the markets move in response to breaking news. Of course, all this comes at a price. Most people will know about the long working hours and dedication expected of new recruits.

Employers are well aware of the ups and downs of City careers and work hard to ensure graduates they recruit understand the industry and demonstrate real talent and commitment. To stand a realistic chance of getting past the first stage and being invited for an initial interview, there are some important things you must be able to demonstrate on the application form: a) Excellent academics. You will need to possess (or aim for) at least an upper second with 320 or more UCAS points. b) A clear proven interest in finance and the markets. For example, are you involved in a student investment society? Do you run a shadow portfolio of securities?

Do you read the financial press? c) Relevant work experience. Try to obtain vacation employment in a financial institution or, better still, a summer internship before your final year if you are an undergraduate. Many larger investment banks use internship

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schemes as a way to pre-select graduate recruits. d) Do your research! Most banks have careers pages that explain the various opportunities available, what qualities are sought and how the selection process works. Try to understand how investment banks differ from one another. Find out about their history and culture.

Recent City surveys suggest the number of opportunities for new graduates is rising after taking a tumble since the economic downturn two years ago.

Competition remains fierce however, with perhaps 75 applicants chasing each vacancy in very popular areas such as Trading. This should not discourage you if you are ambitious and motivated, so here are some suggestions.

Top tips to start you off‌ 1. Where should I look?

Financial institutions based in the City and Canary Wharf include all the well-known national and global investment banks, retail banks,

building societies and insurance companies. The City also plays host to many hundreds of foreign banks, as well as brokers, commodity traders and fund managers.

with independent trading firms, commodity houses, large oil and gas companies, ship brokers or the corporate treasury divisions of large multinational corporations.

2. Direct entry It is not necessary to join a large investment bank as a graduate trainee in order to have a successful career in the City. Many hundreds of firms are too small to operate a graduate scheme. Find ways to network with professionals and use your university Careers Service who are expert in helping students undertake their job search.

4. Start your search early This all takes time and you need to balance your job search with study and examinations so start early. Visit your Careers Service and ask for their help. If you wait until graduation you will certainly miss out on many good City opportunities.

3. Be flexible The City offers a huge variety of different jobs. For some roles specialised degrees are necessary, but most are suitable for graduates of all disciplines. There are often more jobs than strong candidates in fields that are less well known such as Compliance or Product Control.

Alternatively, think about how you might be able to do the same type of job in a different environment.

For example, if you want to be a trader there are opportunities

Whatever the ups and downs of the economy, the City is well positioned to remain one of the key centres in the global financial services industry for years to come. There will continue to be a strong demand for bright, enthusiastic graduates. If you possess the right qualities, you can undoubtedly look forward to a challenging and rewarding career.

For more information about the BSc Finance and Investment Banking degree offered at the Centre please visit www.icmacentre.ac.uk/topjob.

Ranked 2nd for employability by The Times Good University Guide 2011 State-of-the-art dealing room facilities World renowned faculty Dedicated careers service Part of the tripleaccredited Henley Business School

Master the

financial markets With our BSc (Hons) Finance and Investment Banking or one of our nine Masters in Finance degrees including the flagship MSc International Securities, Investment and Banking.

As Europe’s leading business school for financial markets, a degree from the ICMA Centre will equip you with both specialist finance theory and real investment banking practice invaluable in today’s job market.

Contact us today to find out more or register for one of our open days: email candc@icmacentre.ac.uk or call +44 (0)118 378 8239.

THE BUSINESS SCHOOL FOR FINANCIAL MARKETS

www.icmacentre.ac.uk

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CCUK: ONLINE

What’s happening?

Latest: CCUKtweets is bringing news about universities, student life and recent trends straight to your computer or mobile screen.

University can be a challenge. If you are looking for schools, applying for universities, trying to find friends during fresher’s week, or trying to find a career path after graduation we are the place to look. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

You can also like CCUK Magazine on Facebook for a chance to have your questions answered and gain a more personal experience through our discussion boards.

Leave comments on our wall and tweets on Twitter. The best content on either outlet will be responded to and published in the next issue of CCUK.

Latest posts on Facebook CCUK Magazine So your sobbing mum has dropped you off with all of your stuff ready for the start of university. Fresher’s week is one of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting) weeks of the whole of your university experience. We want to hear your experiences of Freshers Week, good or bad (keep it clean). Anything from making friends to setting fire to your kitchen, we want to know about it. Have fun :) CCUK Magazine What is your dream job? Mine used to be Prime Minister.

CCUK Magazine is here to help you with all of your colleges and career needs. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter or our website www.courses-careers.com and subscribe to our e-magazine! There is always new content to help you.

Get involved in the discussion! www.facebook.com/CCUKmagazine | @CCUKtweets

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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

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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.

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 t and town offer a superb, safe location and environment in which to live and study, with excellent gs n o accommodation, recreation and sporting opportunities. m rn

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CCUK EVENTS: THE LONGINESS ROYAL INTERNATIONAL HORSE SHOW

Horses for courses

Which equine career is right for you?

This year CCUK are proud to be invited along to one of the most prestigious equine events of the year; The Longines Royal International Horse Show. Maddie Darnton reports.

Held at Hickstead showground in Sussex, the Royal International Horse Show brings together some of the world’s top riders to compete in a series of competitions throughout the grounds in many arenas. Spectators are drawn in from all over the country not only to watch the professionals doing what they do best, but to

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browse the vast number of equine businesses and organisations who have the opportunity to exhibit - all of whom offer different services and equipment tailored to both horse and rider.

Attending this show allowed us to meet a number of people working in the equine field. It was soon evident

that many people grow up with a love of horses and hope to turn this into a career, but it takes hard work to make this dream a reality.

The British Horse Society (BHS) is the most prominent professional equine body in the UK. Internationally recognised, it helps people of all ages get involved in

the equine industry. If you want to work with horses, the first step towards gaining any formal qualifications and a prerequisite of the many examinations they offer is to become a member of the BHS. The lowest level of equine exam, stage 1, can be taken by students as young as 14. Those wishing to continue their development and

SPORTS

later become qualified as a BHS assistant riding instructor (the minimum requirement to teach riding) is to go on and complete stages 2 and 3 as well as a riding and road safety exam.

There are two key routes to going about your equine training.

Students can choose to take their qualifications as a working pupil at a BHS approved training facility, all of which are listed on the BHS website, or at a college.

“If you want to do something more physiology based then taking the college route is slightly better because you can do NVQ’s or BTEC awards heading towards degree level,” said a representative of the BHS. “I’m a firm believer that formal education goes hand in hand with BHS stages.”

Equine nutrition is a popular avenue for many students looking to work with horses. As with human athletes, a balanced diet is incredibly important, particularly for equines competing at higher levels.

This career offers a mixture of both hands-on work at stable yards and office-based work.

“I did several jobs before I got the qualifications to work for Falcon,” said a representative from Falcon Feeds. “I worked in a sales role for newspaper advertising where I gained my office and admin skills – and that would be my biggest piece of advice – for anyone

who has worked as a groom or something similar, you must get some office-based experience.”

Nutrition can be learnt in a number of ways – a degree in Equine Sports Performance is often a good option and if you have already undertaken the BHS exams this will be a great help as stage 3 in particular

the job as an apprentice. As this is such a hands-on role it is often a great way to learn, however college courses in farriery are available at many agricultural colleges and take two to three years to complete.

Most riding horses need a well fitting saddle. Horses change shape as they grow and their

“The Royal International Horse Show is a great day out for everyone, especially young people interested in the equine industries.” requires a great deal of nutritional knowledge.

You may also look into becoming a farrier, the person who is in charge of maintaining horses feet. You may have heard the old saying ‘No foot, no horse’ which comes from the belief that if your horse was lame because something was wrong with its feet, it was unable to be worked or ridden so was therefore redundant. Horses feet grow continuously and need regular trimming to help them stay balanced. Farriers also fit and change horseshoes which protect their feet from becoming sore on hard ground, as well as helping veterinary surgeons correct lameness in horses through remedial shoeing. Many farriers train over a number of years on

levels of fitness alter so it is an ongoing process, which needs to be undertaken by a professional saddler. By doing this you can ensure the horse won’t be uncomfortable or develop a sore back whilst it’s being ridden.

There are a number of professional saddlery qualifications but much

like farriery it is a hands-on job and learning alongside an experienced saddler, preferably someone who is Society of Master Saddlers registered, is often beneficial.

Towards the end of the day we were lucky enough to watch some incredibly talented riders in action as they show jumped in the main arena. The two overall winners of the Longines Press award for excellence were presented to French female Pénélope Leprevost and the American male rider Mclain Ward. Leprevost and Ward won a trophy, a set of Longines watches and a cheque for 20,000 Swiss francs.

The Royal International Horse Show is a great day out for everyone, especially young people interested in the equine industries. Anyone wishing to learn more or speak to established equine professionals would be advised to go along. For details of dates and location visit www.hickstead.co.uk n

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We have only mentioned a handful of possible careers for you to consider, but if you want more advice or ideas as to how to go about working with horses, the best place to start is the British Horse Society website: www.bhs.org.

Giddy up!

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE: ST. GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY

St. George’s University: A Global Medical Programme After undertaking the first two terms of his St. George’s University medical programme at the University of Northumbria, Seth-Raul S. Datta from Glasgow, Scotland finds himself in Grenada, looking forward to the rest of his internationally-oriented education.

Seth-Raul joined the rest of his classmates on the St. George’s Grenada campus after spending his first year of Basic Science study in the Keith B. Taylor Global Scholars Programme. He lauds his experience to date: “It’s a really good idea for students to experience study in the UK and then Grenada, then they can choose the US or the UK for clinical training – I think it’s an excellent structure. You can get a great grasp of how medicine is practiced in different countries. It makes you more aware.”

Academic programmes St. George’s University School of Medicine offers a premedical programme and a four-year medical programme, leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree. After their Basic Sciences years, students complete clinical training in the University’s 60+ affiliated hospitals and clinical centres in the United States and the United Kingdom. The University offers the stand-alone MD degree and joint MD/MPH, MD/ MSc, and MD/MBA degrees.

Grenada campus The “True Blue” campus, on the southwestern corner of Grenada, overlooks the Caribbean Sea and is described as one of the loveliest in the world. Over 70 buildings were constructed as part of a major expansion over the last ten years. Almost 2,000 students live on campus and others live in the surrounding neighborhoods, served by the University-provided free bus transportation.

Support services The University’s dedicated

Department of Educational Services teaches students how to learn, and teachers how to teach. This unusual and highly effective faculty is the largest on campus, and is an important component of our students’ and graduates’ successes. Close to 100 per cent of the University’s students avail themselves of the support. Seth-Raul credits the Department: “I upped my game and I’ve been through a surprising transformation. I’m a much more efficient learner, and I am much better at studying.”

Information on the University is available at www.sgu.edu, and through YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter at StGeorgesU.

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Study in Canada,

Gain Practical Work Experience

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology global decisions are transforming countries around the world. local and national economies have become international with the support of government initiatives. skilled individuals are needed world wide. it’s time for you to stand up and take your place in the world. discover your skills by joining our coop programs designed to support your academic and career goals.

Choose Canada, Choose Mohawk College.

Mohawk College was founded in 1967 and is one of Canada’s leading publicly funded institutions.

Located in the city of Hamilton Ontario on the western end of Lake Ontario in Canada’s manufacturing and business heartland.

There are over 12,000 students enrolled in 100 postsecondary programs featuring Applied Arts, Business, Human Services and Engineering Technology. Students from around the world benefit from the first class postsecondary education opportunities. As an international student you may apply for co-op work placements during your studies and obtain valuable paid practical work experience. International students may apply for a work permit six months after enrolling in a full time program, and after graduating may obtain a graduate work permit for up to three years.

i n s p i r i n g

l e a r n i n g,

l e a d e r s h i p,

Mohawk College students who are interested may also transfer to one of our many outstanding universities in Canada where they receive advance credit for courses taken at Mohawk College.

Our International Department is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of individuals who are bringing the world to the college. With over 30 years of experience we can support your efforts to achieve academic and career goals.

For more information go to our web site www.mohawkcollege.ca or email the international department directly intered@mohawkcollege.ca After you have visited the website call us at 001 905 575-1212 and talk to Leo (ext. 3088) or Tom (ext. 3508)

c i t i z e n s h i p

a n d

i n n o v a t i o n

STUDENT LIFE

What’s on? editor’s choice

ffice At the box o

Let Me In

In UK cinemas from 1 October 2010 Kicking off Halloween season with a bloodcurdling scream is American-British horror film Let Me In which tells the story of a lonely 12-year-old boy who befriends a local vampire child in 1980s New Mexico. In his version, director Matt Reeves remains true to the plot of the original Swedish movie Let The Right One In but makes the scary bits even scarier with the help of a better budget.

Image courtesy of: Icon Film

CCUK’s editor handpicks the best of what’s going on in the world of film, theatre and exhibitions.

When troubled young Owen (Kodi Smit-McPhee) gets bullied at school, new next door neighbour Abby (Chloë Moretz) steps in to help. An innocent friendship develops between the two children despite the murder, mystery and horror that Abby inflicts on those around her.

Stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Chloë Moretz, Richard Jenkins, Elias Koteas Scary vampire child Abby (Chloe Moretz)

theatre

Macbeth: At the Song of the Goat Theatre

At the museum

Barbican Theatre – The Pit 3 – 20 November 2010

European Masterpieces from Leonardo to Schiele

If studying Macbeth in a classroom didn’t inspire you then perhaps this dramatisation re-told through polyphonic song will.

An international ensemble of eight exceptional performers present Shakespeare’s poetry in a uniquely imaginative way leading the audience to understand the story from a fresh new perspective.

Treasures from Budapest Royal Academy of Arts 25 September – 12 December 2010 Featuring over 200 works from one of the finest collections in Central Europe, Treasures from Budapest at the Royal Academy of Arts is an exquisite selection of paintings, drawings and sculpture from the early Renaissance to the twentieth century.

Work from artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, El Greco, Rubens, Goya, Manet, Monet, Schiele, Gauguin and Picasso will be on display, many of which have not previously been shown in the UK. Coming from the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest and the Hungarian National Gallery, these pieces make essential viewing for those hoping to uncover treasures from Central Europe by some of the world’s most revered artists. Be sure not to miss Raphael’s ‘Virgin and Child with St John the Baptist’, 1508 (known as The Esterházy Madonna).

Buy tickets Online: www.barbican.org.uk Box Office: 020 7638 8891

Buy tickets Online: https://ratickets.org.uk Tel: 0844 209 0051

Standard ticket price: £15 Photocredit: BIEL

Arts Royal Academy of Image courtesy of:

Song of the Goat Theatre was founded in 1996 by Grzegorz Bral and Anna Zubrzycki and was seen in bite05 with Chronicles – A Lamentation which won a Fringe First and Herald Angel at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Adults: £12 | Students: £8 | 12-18 year-olds: £4 Advanced booking is strongly recommended.

1507 hazy Madonna Raphael - Ester

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CCU CLIENT INDEX ARIAL BLACK

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U CC CLIENT INDEX

Mowhawk College [Canada] ................................................................... 23 St. George’s University – School of Medicine [West Indies] .................. OBC University of Aberystwyth [UK]............................................................... 19 University of Newcastle [Australia] ........................................................ IFC University of Reading - ICMA Centre [UK] ............................................... 17

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Bournemouth & Poole College [UK] ..............................................XCEL 21 Brighton & Hove City Council [UK] ................................................XCEL 18 Carillion – Apprenticeships [UK] ...................................................XCEL 15 Lambeth College [UK]................................................................ XCEL OBC Lewisham College [UK] ................................................................XCEL ICF

CLIENT INDEX

London College of Beauty Therapy [UK] ........................................XCEL 09 Northern Ireland Social Care Council [UK] ....................................XCEL 11

www.xcel.uk.net

Volume 30 Issue 5

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