BEYOND YOUR DEGREE GUIDE FOR GRADUATES Top tips to be clear of your options and ready for a great future after university
Your future starts here In addition to completing your degree, it’s important to know your options and to plan for a great future. Graduate roles are open for applications year round, so please start now with the following 5 steps.
Step 1 – Weigh up what opportunities are best for you Explore online, talk to others and find out more about what you want to do: ■
Postgraduate study.
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Graduate level or full-time work.
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Starting your own business or going freelance.
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Adding to your experience or taking time out.
Step 2 – Recognise your strengths Further to becoming an expert in your subject, you have developed many skills that have equipped you for the world of work via: volunteering, part-time work, research, course presentations, being in a society, playing for a team, etc. Consider the skills you may want to tell employers about? ■
Research and analysing information.
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Organisation and time management.
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Communication and presenting ideas.
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Leadership and motivating others.
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Problem solving and being creative.
Step 3 – Discover which career/job areas suit you Finding the right career is about matching your interests and motivations to your unique profile of skills, values and aptitudes. Generate some ideas by following this ABCD. A Attend employer events and talk to those doing jobs you are interested in. B Build in time for work shadowing, volunteering, an internship or work experience. C Complete an online careers questionnaire to generate ideas, e.g. Career Planner on www.prospects.ac.uk D Discuss your plans in-depth with a Faculty Employability Adviser, and make the most of the University of Winchesters ‘Careers Advice for Life’. Choose to talk with us virtually, over the phone or by email.
Step 4 – Top Ten Tips to find graduate or other roles after University There will be a breadth of full-time opportunities advertised on a range of sites that you will be qualified and skilled for. 1
Use the University’s Careers and Jobs platform, CareerConnect to find work. Set your preferences on CareerConnect to receive email alerts for full-time and graduate jobs. Use your University email.
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Enrol to get notifications on specialist graduate job sites such as Prospects. ac.uk, targetjobs.co.uk, www.milkround.com and www.best-graduates.co.uk.
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Update your profile on LinkedIn and connect with previous graduates working in companies you are interested in working with.
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Make connections on LinkedIn with graduates, teaching staff, companies and relatives and let them know you are looking for work.
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Search on known job sites and use filters to put in job titles and/or the word “graduate”, e.g. www.Reed.co.uk, www.indeed.co.uk, www.totaljobs.com, Hampshire Chronicle.
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Use sector specific job sites for particularly industries, like www.charityjob.co.uk
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Use specific recruitment agencies for the industry area you want to work in.
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Use agencycentral.co.uk to search for industry related recruitment agencies.
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Many jobs are not publicly advertised. Use your contacts to find the hidden opportunities. Send them a well written professional looking CV.
10 Don’t forget to consider and apply to smaller companies who offer graduate jobs and often have wider scope for progression.
Step 5 – Look good on paper, online and at interview Producing a professional application to secure an interview takes time, but it is vital. ■
Target your application to the job you are applying for and create a clear and professional document to show an employer you are suited to them and the role.
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Write an appealing cover letter to set you apart in the application process.
Careers Service Support We’re a friendly team, dedicated to help you to prepare for your future, to explore your options, to find work or postgraduate study, develop connections and skills, or to start your own business.
CareerConnect is our Careers and Jobs Platform where you can: www.winchester.jobteaser.com 1
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Book a careers appointment with your Faculty Employability Adviser to: ■
Explore different graduate career and study options
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Help you communicate the value of your achievements and skills
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Build strong online applications, profiles and statements
Search for work and set your choices to be alerted of roles that suit you: ■
Part-time and seasonal opportunities
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Graduate programmes and full-time work
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Placements and volunteering opportunities
View and book to attend our workshops and employer events during the year ■
Keep an eye on the range of events advertised on CareerConnect
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Beyond your degree – November 2020
Find information and advice on a range of different topics ■
Check out the resource and advice pages
Visit us at the Careers and Opportunities Hub Open weekdays for advice Find jobs, volunteering, placements, and part-time work Check and update your CV Search for graduate roles and schemes and application advice Help yourself to our leaflets and booklets careers@winchester.ac.uk
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