IN THE
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ISSUE 1 AUTUMN 2013
YOUR CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY MAGAZINE
INSIDE Career Mentor Scheme broadens its horizons 5
Helping you to help yourselves
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Prepare for the fair!
Top 10 tips for finding part-time work
15
Win a Kindle Fire!
14
Applying to Teach First
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A CAREER IN LAW
Setting precedents, not following them… because tomorrow will not be like today. Being a lawyer at Allen & Overy means having the vision to think beyond what has been done before and the courage to move first. We have pioneered the introduction of part-time partnerships to diversify our leadership and taken a lead in broadening access to the professions and addressing social mobility through PRIME. We were also the first major international firm to build a presence in new frontiers such as Australia, Dubai and Morocco, recognising the gravitational shift of business to new markets. Joining us you will learn to live on the front foot, always evolving, always advancing and always looking for new opportunities and new ways to improve the services we deliver. Find out more at www.aograduate.com Follow the conversation @AllenOveryGrads | www.facebook.com/allenoverygrads
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Welcome and foreword from Professor Sir Steve Smith Hello everyone, As the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Exeter, I am delighted to welcome readers to the inaugural edition of ‘In the Zone’ produced by our Division for Employability and Graduate Development (EGD). Many of you will already be well aware that the University takes the career planning and employment prospects of our students and graduates very seriously. As a leading international university, the employability of our students is a major strategic priority that sits alongside both the ground-breaking research we undertake and the delivery of a world-class student experience. In recent years we have invested heavily in time, institutional restructuring, additional staffing and new resources to
Welcome to
IN THE
I am delighted to say that this investment is already having a major impact on the success of our students who are securing higher levels of quality work experience, graduate-level work and further study. This is evident not only in our constant improvement in league tables for ‘graduate prospects’ but also in increasing numbers of national and international awards presented to our students, employability services and academic colleagues that support them in their career development. I hope that you enjoy reading this first edition and finding out more about the services and success of our students and graduates that are helping to make Exeter become the university of choice for both career-minded students and employers. Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive
CONTENTS Welcome 2 A time to reflect and celebrate
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What, why, who, where, is EGD?
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Career Mentor Scheme broadens its horizons
5
Keeping up with the bloggers
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Prepare for the fair!
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Who’s new on campus?
7
Skills for a green future
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First Year Focus
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Applying to Teach First
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How to make the most out of My Career Zone
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Have you noticed something different?
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Hello, we’re the Career Zone, how can we help you today?
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Helping you to help yourselves
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Where are they now?
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The Researcher Development Team 14
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deliver exemplar services to our students and build mutually beneficial relationships with our employer partners.
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Welcome to the first issue of our magazine designed specifically to bring you up to date with the employability-related services on offer to students at Exeter. Published once per term in both electronic and printed format, we’ll be bringing you the latest news on services and developments delivered by Employability and Graduate Development (EGD) and the Career Zone as well as highlights of the excellent services delivered by other providers around the University and through our external partners. We’ll also keep you informed about the main events throughout the year, the employers visiting campus and celebrating the successes of our students and graduates so that they can inspire other students!
Whilst the primary audience for the magazine is our students, we hope that the contents of this magazine will be of interest to all stakeholders, whether you are prospective students or parents, employers, University colleagues or other professional associates. For our employers, we hope that this publication highlights some of the wide range of services that we deliver to help you recruit the most appropriate candidates for your organisation. As this is our first edition we have lots to tell you and to celebrate but we would love to hear your feedback, stories or suggestions for future content. In the mean time my colleagues and I hope you’ll find this magazine useful and interesting. Best wishes Paul Blackmore Head of Employability and Graduate Development
Casual Jobs Service
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How to find a part-time job
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Make the most of events & skills sessions available to you
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Dates for the diary
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Win a Kindle Fire!
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Employers page
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Follow us on Twitter @UoECareers @uoecornwallcz Find us on Facebook ExeterCareerZone cornwallcareerzone In the Zone’ archive: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/itz/
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IN THE ZONE
Students ‘In the Zone’! In numbers… n 10% increase in graduates securing ‘graduate prospects’ over period of recession n 90% of students apply for jobs before February in final year (up 21%) n An increase of 81% to 97% in students using careers services n 58% of first years say ‘securing a placement is a priority’ post-eXfactor n 72% of students research employers before final year (up 20%) n
An increase from 23% to 44% of students gaining quality internships by the start of the final year
n 77 nominations for Student Employee of the Year award (highest in UK)
A time to reflect and celebrate As most readers will already be aware the University of Exeter has made some significant investments in employability in very recent years. Most notable has been the creation of a dedicated Division for Employability and Graduate Development and the embedding of various employability support across the curriculum. Now firmly ensconced in our flagship new homes in the Forum (Exeter) and the Exchange (Penryn), we would like to thank all of the students, University colleagues and employers who have helped to turn these major changes into such a huge success for our students and graduates.
Here are just a few of the headlines that celebrate the success of our students and the staff in EGD and across the University that have helped support them over the last two years.
Dining out at the awards Association of Graduate Recruiters Awards Winner: ‘Best of the Best’ Blue Ribbon Award (first ever university winner!) Winner: Graduate Development Award Winner: Preparation for Work
Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services Winner: Careers Service/Employer Partnership Award Winner: Entrepreneurship Award
National Council for Work Experience Winner and judges’ commendation: Work Placement of the Year with Exeter City FC Finalist: Best Public Sector Placement
National Placement and Internship Awards Winner (2013) and Finalist (2012): Most Improved Commitment to Employability
Students in Free Enterprise/Enactus n Winner: Rookie Champions n Winner: Best University Advisers n Runners up: Best Consultancy Project n Bronze: Best Annual Report
International Student Barometer n No.1 in UK for Careers Advice
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers
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WHAT, WHY, WHO, WHERE IS EGD? WHAT?
WHO?
EGD is the University’s division for Employability & Graduate Development which is part of Academic Services.
5 teams make up EGD who broadly deliver: n Information and help through the Career Zones and My Career Zones n Careers advice and guidance (one-to-one and in groups) n Skills sessions and professional development schemes (eXfactor, Exeter Award etc) n Bespoke help for our PhD and early career researchers n Work experience and graduate job opportunities and; liaise with employers who are keen to offer you a number of career opportunities!
You might normally recognise us as the people who work in the Career Zones or through delivery of support through My Career Zone and the various careers fairs, jobs, skills programmes and employer events we help to deliver both within and outside your degree programmes!
WHY? The University has recognised that this is a major priority for our students but also that planning your future career is not always easy or straight forward. So, EGD has been created to ensure that you have all the help you need to build your skills and knowledge and gain access to the best opportunities out there!
WHERE? You can find us in the Career Zones at both Streatham and Penryn but you’ll often see us at various careers fairs and delivering sessions as part of your degree programme (and of course virtually through our website and My Career Zone).
So come and see us in the flesh!
I felt inspired to take the next steps and was given a wide range of relevant options – this was particularly useful as it’s easy to find out options online, but this was personalised advice.
So, how are we doing? n Students accessed employability programme 35,000 times last year (14,300 in 2010) n
90% of students were impressed with the quality of information on the Career Zone website
n 93% of students felt they had increased their knowledge as a result of visiting the Career Zone n
82% of students wanted to look at more careers information as a result of reading the careers newsletter
n 96% of student felt their CV reviews made a positive difference to them n 98% would recommend the Career Zone to a friend n 20% increase in ‘employer satisfaction’ over last 2 years (Source: QS World Rankings)
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Career Mentor Scheme
broadens its horizons
The Career Mentor Scheme puts students in touch with successful professionals from many employment areas who then support students by providing insight and advice on their future career.
he helped her turn her summer internship into a graduate position:
During 2012-13 the scheme supported 115 mentoring matches, many international in nature, between enthusiastic students and Exeter alumni mentors and graduate professionals from various occupations and sectors.
Ian’s mentee Kate described how having a mentor boosted her confidence in gaining a graduate position:
“For me, it was really satisfying in terms of giving feedback in a way that allowed Kate to pick those things up, to share all my experiences from over the years, and to help other people and see how they work through their careers.”
Alumnus Ian Martin, self-employed Management Consultant and mentor of Sociology student, Kate Cragg, told how
“Ian has really given me confidence to take to my new job and to build on the skills that we looked at. This experience made securing my job so much easier.” Peter Baldwin, Partner at Ropes & Gray LLP, praised Law student Laura Clark, for
s:
unitie t r o p p o l a b Glo
h t i w p u Keeping s... r e g g o l b the Last year the Global Opportunities Team held its first Work Abroad Blog Competition for ERASMUS students. They were of an impressively high standard and we are happy to announce that our first ever Global Blogger of the Year is Daniel Walker! Not only a great networking tool but a blog can also be a: personal record of your time abroad aimed at friends and family; factual account of your experiences aimed at a wider audience; platform to track and promote your career development; platform for researching a wide range of topics.
Where to start: Some popular choices (often free) are WordPress or Blogger. Your topic: Topics may vary but if you have been asked to write a blog as part of a work abroad grant requirement then you will need to reflect on your workplace experiences. Creating a look: Make sure it reflects your personality and overall experience. Think about colours, images and photos for your banner and an interesting title! Writing your first post: First impressions count. If you find it difficult to know how to begin your blog, start with a welcome page that outlines where you are currently, what you are about to embark on, and how you are feeling.
securing a training contract at an international Law firm. He outlined how mentoring can often help students make contacts in the careers they aspire to work in.
This year there are even more UK and international mentors available so don’t miss out! Mentoring opportunities will be published in My Career Zone for students to view and apply to from mid-September until the end of October 2013. If you are a student interested in applying to the Career Mentor Scheme, please visit the student webpage for more information. If you would like to mentor a student please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/mentor or email careermentorscheme@exeter.ac.uk
The do’s of blogging
generous with the links you include in your blog ing/ n Always give credit when quot others iting ing/c ntion referencing/me s are post rsial rove cont that e n Be awar tes deba ed heat k spar to likely tone when n Set a clean and courteous
n Be
blogging publicly reflect on n Leave at least 24 hours to posting. re befo rants highly personal post on to te opria appr is it sure Make blog your
The don’ts of blogging:
n Don’t pu rposely visit bl ogs and leave inflammator y comments n Do not pl agiarise n Do not po st offensive mat erial or material that may damage so meone’s reputation n Do not ig nore censorsh ip laws or post unlawful cont ent Read the blogs and get more id eas!
IN THE ZONE
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GO FURTHER, FASTER.
EY graduates like Keyan are part of a global organisation advising big businesses on issues critical to their long-term success.
Opportunities in Advisory, Assurance, Corporate Finance and Tax. Find out more and apply at ey.com/uk/careers
Š 2013 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.
If you have the ambition, EY will give you the training and experiences you need to help grow our global business and build a better working world.
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IN THE ZONE
Careers fairs allow you to meet a range of career opportunity providers and learn what they’re looking for in their future employees. Even if you don’t know what you want to do, this is the first step to finding out! Here are our top tips… Check who is attending by reading the fair booklet (available online) and the fair listing on My Career Zone. Make a ‘wish list’ of companies and focus on them. You’ll stand out if you can demonstrate an understanding of an organisation, so familiarise yourself with what they offer before the day. Prepare questions in advance and tailor them – don’t ask questions you could find easily elsewhere!
PREPARE FOR THE Don’t panic if you want to approach a company who’s not on your list! Look at their fair brochure entry or ask staff on our Career Zone stand for a breakdown of what they do. If you have a smart-phone, Google them!
Dress appropriately! You’re not expected to be suited and booted (unless you want to be), but don’t rock up wearing an expletives-covered t-shirt. You’ll get noticed but for all the wrong reasons!
Approaching complete strangers can be daunting. So when you arrive, don’t rush to your favourite organisation. Instead, network with others first, to increase your confidence.
Be professional, positive, polite and courteous. Don’t just help yourself to the freebies!
Recruiters meet hundreds of students, so consider yourself a brand and determine your USP (Unique Selling Point). Impress them and they may ask for your CV. Take upto-date copies with you but have it checked by Career Zone staff first. However, don’t be offended if they don’t take your CV and simply direct you to their website. Don’t get hung up on the salary and benefits. Employers take a dim view of applicants who are only interested in what an organisation can do for them.
Feel free to ask a recruiter for their business card – you might want to ask further questions or reference them in your application. Take a notebook to jot down important facts. You’ll need it! View upcoming fairs at www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/ careersfairs
Preparing for the Careers Fair Sessions October 15, 3pm, October 17, 10am. Book online through ‘My Career Zone’
ew n s ’ o Whcampus? on University of the Year, more students than ever getting graduate jobs… how could it get any better? Our Careers Fairs are attracting the biggest recruiters in the business and many more will be visiting Exeter and Penryn to give presentations or help deliver award-winning programmes such as eXfactor.
Some of the new names we’re delighted to welcome onto campus this year include:
What employers say about Exeter…
M&C Saatchi, L’Oréal, NHS, Civil Service Fast Stream, The Body Shop, Which? and Eli Lilly. They will be joining 100s of other companies this autumn term including Mars, Coca-Cola Enterprises, RBS, Allen & Overy, Morgan Stanley, HSBC and Microsoft to name but a few, creating a fantastically diverse line up of recruiters.
“We chose Exeter as we’re aware you are one of the top 10 universities in the UK. We also have a few interns from Exeter working with us this summer who have all been of a very high calibre.” Jacqui Higgins, Onsite Account Specialist for Eli Lilly.
So whatever your career aspirations visit My Career Zone for all the latest employer events. These companies are coming here to recruit YOU – make sure you don’t miss out!
“Exeter was a logical choice, as we saw quality applicants securing several Industrial Placement and Management Trainee offers. Now we are attending the University’s recruitment events we hope to strengthen our profile with students, in order to see more Exeter undergraduates and alumni on our schemes.” Alex Bennett, Graduate Programme Coordinator, L’Oréal.
IN THE ZONE
Free programme open to all University of Exeter students:
Apply online at www.exeter.ac.uk/greensteps by 11 November 2013
www.exeter.ac.uk/greensteps
Full colour
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First Year Focus
“It was overall a very motivating programme that brought to my awareness what skills I need to work on” – Politics Student
eXfactor is an award-winning course developed
specially for first year students! It’s designed to help you plan your graduate career goals right from the start of your university experience.
What
YOU want:
WE LISTENED TO LAST YEAR’S FEEDBACK TO MAKE THE EXFACTOR EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!
YOU WANTED: The chance to meet and learn from people who might be employing YOU in the future.
WE PROVIDED: Employers and alumni, relevant to graduate level recruitment, presenting and providing Q&As.
YOU WANTED: a change of structure to keep
WE PROVIDED: a revised programme that is
the momentum of the sessions.
now a jam-packed one day event!
YOU WANTED: a clearer purpose to activities
WE PROVIDED: activities based on real assessment
and subject specific information.
centres, real-world advice to help land graduate jobs and learn what employers really want! We’ll also continue to signpost you to the best information for degree-related careers.
eXfactor is a great opportunity for employers and alumni to get involved and help develop the next generation of successful graduates and get to know them as potential future employees.
Learn more, visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/employers/exfactor For more information, visit the eXfactor website: www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/events/exfactor
June 2014 GRAND CHALLENGES The Grand Challenges programme is designed to provide all first year students with the opportunity to work with fellow students in interdisciplinary research groups. You will have access to our top academics along with inspirational world leading experts to produce solutions and ideas to address some of the greatest challenges of the 21st Century. Along the way you’ll also develop lots of valuable skills and advice that will help bolster your employability levels and widen your career prospects! To find out more visit: www.exeter.ac.uk/grandchallenges
I feel it is really worthwhile as it opens your mind to career paths which you may not have been aware of previously but that are really interesting and rewarding.
Abbie Grace, Flexible Combined Honours
S
NT E D U
ST 0 0 0 4, S Y 5 DA ne 2014 ES G N E u LL e? k A a 2–6 J H m ou DC y N l l i A GR ct w a p m ti
Wha
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irst – My Stor y F h c a e T o t g n i Apply By the time I went to study English and History at Exeter’s Penryn Campus, I thought I had moved on from my aspiration as a child of wanting to be a teacher just so I could drink tea in the staff room and be as mysterious as those who taught in Enid Blyton’s books. Indeed, I graduated with a high 2:1 in 2012 and began to plan for a career in communications. By September, I had settled in to a Graduate Business Partnership role at the University. I first met Teach First at a Careers Fair and began to look at the possibility of teaching. Having always felt passionately about the importance of allowing children to access a good education, I supported the Teach First mission wholeheartedly. I just wasn’t sure a lifetime of teaching was for me. It wasn’t until I began applying for other graduate jobs, that I began to research Teach First properly.
Recognising that they fundamentally recruit ‘leaders’ rather than ‘teachers’ was important to me. For me, the education system is not only about creating great teachers but also making sure the policy and governing body are actively helping to close the gap between the disadvantaged and the advantaged children. Teach First believe this too, which is why they look for graduates to teach for two years before choosing how they continue to support them further in their career.
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The recruitment team are fantastic and supportive. I was granted a place at an Assessment Centre a week after submitting my application and was offered a Secondary English Teacher role two days later. You really feel like they want you to succeed; I was offered advice on both my application form and interview. There is also an overwhelming desire within the entire charity to work towards giving every disadvantaged child the education they deserve. The stories I heard from other Teach First graduates, combined with my own aspirations, have meant I am now likely to continue to be a teacher after I complete my two years with Teach First. Rebecca Hadfield Did you know… Exeter graduates receive a £500 bonus if they are successful applicants?
I wanted to make a difference. So I did. Just 16% of pupils eligible for free school meals make it to university, compared to 96% from independent schools.* Change their lives. Change yours.
*Source: Sutton Trust, 2010
Matt Inniss, The University of Cambridge Taught: History Now: Head of Department
The single most important thing you will do
teachfirst.org.uk Charity No 1098294
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HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF
MY CAREER ZONE Your one-stop-shop for careers resources, jobs and events. My Career Zone is our careers portal that puts you in control. It’s open for all University of Exeter students and recent graduates, and you can log in at any time to search for great jobs, internship and volunteering opportunities; find a part-time job; book onto skills training and careers events; search our database of factsheets and FAQs; and track your progress towards the Exeter Award. When you log in for the first time, we’ll ask for some details about what sort of career you’re interested in. We call this setting your preferences, and it helps us tailor your experience so you see the information most relevant to you. Find out more about My Career Zone, including how to log in and set your preferences with our handy how-to videos at:
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/mycareerzone
Have you noticed something different? Over the summer we’ve been working hard to make our Career Zones even better than before! Last term we talked to lots of helpful students about what we do and how we do it, and you gave us some really useful feedback.
Here’s what we have done at the Streatham Campus… Moved our enquiries desk to give you instant access to our friendly team as soon as you enter… Provided easier access to our resources (we love our new sunshine yellow bookcases) all in one place with comfy seating so you can take your time and get the most from our careers-related books and magazines. You’ve told us you’d really like a Jobs Board to help get you thinking about what’s out there for you, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. Our new interview pods mean we can offer you more appointments when you need them most.
If you’ve got an appointment with one of our team of highly experienced Careers Consultants you’ll see our new interview rooms which are bigger, lighter and more relaxing. To reflect all our exciting changes we’ve made the entrance to the Career Zone more visible and – even though we say so ourselves – a whole lot more fun. At the Penryn Campus... Have you visited the new Career Zone in the Exchange yet? Take a look at our new video showing off our services and state-ofthe-art space! http://ex.ac.uk/r4 To find out more about what we do at Exeter and Penryn and how we can help you – come on in and have a look around. We’d love to know what you think!
IN THE ZONE
Hello, we’re the Career Zone, how can we help you today?
When you contact us, you’re probably going to have plenty of questions, but don’t be surprised when we ask you just as many. We’re not being nosy – we just want to find out about your course at Exeter and the kinds of things you’ve done so far – this helps us find the right events, the right careers information, and the right appointments for you first time. If you haven’t already had a look we’ll show you around My Career Zone (our amazing careers portal full of events, jobs and opportunities), we’ll help you set your preferences and show you how to find what you’re looking for; our range of services is huge, and it’s growing every year. We’d love to see you in person, or you can give us a call, or ask us a question through My Career Zone. We look forward to seeing you soon.
www.exeter.ac.uk/MyCareerZone
Helping you to he lp yourselve
Here in the Career Zon e, we aim to oper ate like a he althily functioning body, with you the students be ing the life b lood of our service . Without y ou we wouldn’t ex ist and that’ s why we put you right at the h eart of the way we work.
We have new ly developed processes to ensure that you are trea ted to high customer se quality rvice and a speedy diagn osis
s
of your need s. We call th is our ‘triage’ and to help process ensure this If you do, w works smo we employ e will ensure o th ly enthusiastic that you are prepared to and helpful fully Information get as much st u d ent Assistants o o ut of it as p n our front o ssible. desk. This approac Our team u h means th ndergo exte at w e are puttin the power nsive trainin equip them g for careers g to with the righ research bac yo u r t h k into an to o d to the best ls s an to d d w ir ec e are helping t you sources of in yourselves you to help formation an available. T gain all the d advice his includes skills, know confidence online rese ledge and use of our b you need. It arch, ooks and fr will enable develop resp ee resources you to referral to a onsibility fo , specialist ar r your own and in the p ea of the C career Zone, atten rocess to ga areer ding an even in an under and attitude t or taking p st anding an activity. which you ca art in Subsequentl n use for th of your lives y you may n e CV or applic rest . So we like eed a ation review to think that just healthy or a one to it appointmen ’s not careers we’ one t with a Car re helping to but healthy eers Consu shape, lives too. ltant.
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Whaererethey now?
IN THE ZONE
N HISTORY JAMES STAUNTO PR IN CORPORATE STUDENT, NOW
I read History at k Exeter and now wor in Corporate PR.
rable s to create a favou Corporate PR aim its n tha r he rat mpany, impression of a co rth wo les rig W e , Th products. Our firm this by producing Consultancy, does of our clients – research on behalf BC, Randstad, and organisations like HS m a voice of the ds Aviva – which len ries. ust ind ir the authority in getting into My five top tips for : are PR Corporate
1. Apply yourself
me ultra creative There might be so e re who want to hir employers out the at ars ye ee thr t en sp lazy students who Xbox and doing university playing the y. t I’ve never met an not much else. Bu t be no t gh mi on ati fic While degree classi
ss, professional succe a great metric for verer than cle is e ye plo em my ideal future help hard. A 2:2 won’t average and works s. ng thi se tho you prove either of
mily ’s 2. Spend your fa l ta pi ca social
family friend to be Ask an inspirational e you a practical your mentor and giv onal life. insight into professi
3. Social media
communications. This is the future of . r handle on your CV Include your Twitte
4. Writing
osé or, at the very File copy for Exep to show off your least, keep a blog g. passion for writin
5. Use the Career
Zone
t my first job with They helped me ge eo guide to PwC vid a d PwC. They ha nce. rie pe ex rk wo nt ich suggested the Get some dece group interviews wh ive rgers will bu g pin flip rs me see I was an inclus Three sum selectors wanted to the m fro t my ou t nd sta obvious, bu not help your CV the team player. It sounds les has taught me ment spent an ess ass up gro crowd (“Waiting tab rivals at the eep already). If asl I’m – ” ir of… e the alpha male importanc ng hour demonstrating of being able to sti ury lux the to dominate ve ing ha you credentials by try e social network for room. Rinse the the in e your parents’ divers everyone els you need to rk, wo on ati ng you can! vac meaningful r team for everythi ght. For a summer. Exete tni for a for t No take it. too work placement is If the duration of a director of d fin to James Staunton is a r will struggle ltancy short, an employe Wriglesworth Consu The u to do. yo for s ng thi e tiv construc
LAURA WHITM ORE, GRADUATED IN BSc GEOGRAPH Y
During my time at Exeter, I was alway s working towards furthering my educ ational and career developmen tal path.
I created profession al links with To broaden my ski Executive PAs that lls and knowledge provided an invalu able I completed insight into the roles several business mo . This enabled me dules to during my BSc Ge understand the ge ography degree. neral duties I could Th be faced with; tips is taught me analy tical and on how to further decision making tec improve my organ hniques that isa tio nal skills whilst These days, it’s co incorporate strate not rose tinting the mmon knowledge gic methodologies pressures and high that and just obtaining a de cultural awareness. demands one could gree is never going Through undertakin fac e wi to thi n the be enough to pursu role. g a Ge In og my raphy degree, I als first and second ye e your desired car o learnt to ars, I ensured I eer, you need to const become a critical thi was participating an antly strive for mo nker, researching d involving myself re. This was my attitu in new areas and draw activities that would de from the very firs ing im my own pr ov t e the content day I arrived at un conclusions. of my job application iversity, and my firs s. I had a two year t piece of advice wo internship working uld be… make it for the Career Zo yours too!! ne My final piece of ad in a customer servic vice would be to e role taking on make the most of additional duties suc ALL the opportunit h as training new ies In my final year I foc that Exeter has to staff and administra used my work offer. Being ambitiou tive support. experience to the s and never one to ba role I wished to ck away from a pursue following gra ch allenge, both my pa I joined University duation, working societies and st work and social towards becoming experiences have organisations, coor a PA. I shadowed only emphasised my din ate d sponsorship senior managers wi drive, passion and for RAG and becam thin the University hopefully continued e a senior to gain an appreciation success in the future welcome team offi for the fast-paced . ce r in my fin al ye and forward think ar. Subsequently, I wa ing environment, the s able to prove my Lau University operates ra Wh itmore is a PA to the team working skills, in. Director of Strategic time management Planning and Chang e, University of Exe and organisational ter abilities.
IN THE ZONE
, MSc International Xiaofei Liu 2010/11 Law Business
ip, For my internsh I worked in the ffairs International A Yingke Department at Law Firm.
, Clive Tillotson 1995 Archaeology BA
ns Director, Clive is Operatio Group, Fujitsu. Global Business
in dealing erican attorney I assisted an Am ed to foreign gal work relat with specific le . This was ty d private equi investment an anks to Th e. nce for m a good experie in the ga to t or ’s supp the University b. I am now ve secured a jo internship, I ha ooperation C l na Internatio working in the a wide y work covers Committee. M inistration, including adm range of tasks, erseas ov ’s ith Yingke coordination w ional legal at rn te in specific branches and ts and es I meet clien issues. Sometim uss cases sc di e partners to guests with th n. and cooperatio
ssion a Linkedin discu When asked in to is your degree “How relevant ofession?” and pr ’ en os your ‘ch d on you feel it has ha “What impact do idly nd ca l life?” Clive your professiona responded: h stood chaeology whic “I got a BA in Ar ck ta ‘at an as stead me in excellent eful in us rly ila sim s It’ ’. helicopter pilot lise the ba glo which is to my current role .” nt gia IT e Japanes operations of a
THE RESEARCHER Some have gone on to
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
The Researcher Development Team is based in Employability and Graduate Development works with Colleges to: n Develop world-class postgraduate research
students and early career research staff – through generic research skills acquisition, team-working and networking opportunities
n Encourage confident and independent
learners – through a stimulating, challenging and inter-disciplinary training environment
and n Ensure our postgraduate research students
owever, I Clive added: “H More seriously e varied at degree and th loved studying th apply I at gree means th nature of the de my in y da y hing ever some of the teac abled en s ha it e or m rther work or play. Fu t lis ra ething of a gene me to stay som g to lecting then havin se to as opposed nal tio ca vo d an e discret maintain more at g I designed anythin skills. Insofar as hI hic w at e immature ag the tender and dy, stu of se ur co a ogy as picked Archaeol ht.” I think I got it rig
and early career research staff are globally competitive, and effective at work, in academia or beyond – through labourmarket informed employability and career management provision.
We offer a range of courses and information specifically designed for postgraduate research students and early career research staff to help you develop skills for completing your current research project and to prepare for your future career within or outside of academia. Our campus-based sessions are advertised on My Career Zone. For further information about the team and the courses and resources on offer visit our website: http://as.exeter.ac.uk/rdp
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CASUAL JOBS SERVICE The Career Zone’s Casual Jobs Service provides employment and work experience support for current Exeter students. We offer opportunities to earn money and gain employability skills whilst studying. To look for casual work and for further information on the opportunities below please visit www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/parttimejobs or email casual@exeter.ac.uk. Come and see us in person in the Career Zone 10am – 4pm, Monday to Friday during term-time!
STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARDS In 2013 we organised entries for the Student Employee of the Year Awards (SEOTY). The Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of students who combine part-time work with their studies
and are the largest employability awards in the UK for current students. This year we had a record 77 nominations and are very proud to have had four regional finalists and one national winner – Beth Whiteman, who was named National on Campus Employee of the Year – well done Beth! Our success in this competition is indicative of the University’s strength as an employer, the exceptional talents of the students who study here and how many of them also work during their studies. We will be looking for nominations for 2014, so if you’re working part time anywhere this year please send an email to casual@exeter.ac.uk telling us about your job.
CASUAL JOBS AND INTERNSHIPS FAIRS Our Casual Jobs and Internship Fairs take place in October and February and are open to all students looking to find part-time work experience. A selection of employers will be attending to recruit students for future work in the local area.
These events are a great way for students to find out more from their potential employers and the range of opportunities available and they enable recruiters to engage with the student community directly. Email casual@exeter.ac.uk for more information.
CRAFT and traders FAIRS This annual event is aimed at supporting talented students who wish to run their own ventures, look to gain extra-curricular skills or simply want to earn money by making and selling their own products and crafts. The fair is free to attend and we advertise and promote the event to all students, staff, friends and family.
How to find a
part-time job Our top 10 tips for finding part-time work!
Casual work whilst studying at University is the perfect way to gain experience, earn extra money and meet new people. For advice on where to start follow our top tips below.
1.
6.
Update your Career Zone profile with job preferences set to casual/part-time work. This way, you can receive regular and relevant emails from the Career Zone team.
Be selective – don’t waste time looking for jobs unsuited to your university timetable and personal requirements.
2.
7.
Regularly check our jobs board located in the Career Zone for the most up-to-date opportunities in Exeter.
Beat the rush! – think about when employers will be hiring a month in advance as positions fill up fast.
3.
8.
Focus and put together a wellwritten CV and application (no spelling errors) – it will make all the difference.
Persevere with applications – don’t give up your search when unsuccessful, as there will be something perfectly suited to you.
4.
9.
Research the company – a parttime position still requires you to show an active interest in the company and the responsibilities of the job.
View all casual jobs as an opportunity for extra work experience and CV enhancement.
5.
Remember an application closing date is not a submission date. Apply as soon as possible after seeing an advertisement; they often close earlier than expected.
10.
Follow-up all applications with a request for feedback – any advice can help for the future.
IN THE ZONE
events
Make the most of
& skills sessions available to you Throughout the year we deliver a huge range of events. Take a look for yourself… EXFACTOR A day of interactive activities designed to help first year students develop, reflect on and articulate personal and employability skills required for any career path. (see page 9).
CAREER DEVELOPMENT TALKS IN YOUR DISCIPLINE Course-based career talks containing key career messages about when and what you need to do during your time at Exeter to secure internships, graduate jobs and further study.
ATTEND SECTOR-FOCUSED EVENTS Learn more about the sector you are looking to work in. It will build up your industry knowledge and give you the chance to network with people in the field you are interested in.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT SKILLS
EMPLOYER MOCK INTERVIEWS
Networking skills, Negotiation skills, Leadership, Managing People amongst many others are available and count towards The Exeter Award and Leaders Award.
Practice your interview skills with a recruiter and receive valuable feedback on your performance, plus hints and tips, either face-to-face or on the phone.
ENTERPRISE TRAINING
EMPLOYER ‘DROP IN’ AND SHOWCASE EVENTS
Designed to enhance your creativity and develop enterprise skills. All are relevant whether you aim to get a graduate job or set up a business (whether commercial or social enterprise!).
EMPLOYER PRESENTATIONS During autumn and spring, employers showcase the opportunities they offer providing a chance to network, ask questions and gain insight into the skills and qualities they are seeking.
EMPLOYER SKILLS SESSIONS Delivered by employers, these interactive workshops provide insight into the various stages of the recruitment and selection process and help develop key employability skills.
Meet employers in an informal, relaxed setting. Whilst the event could be a simple stand or something more elaborate, the purpose remains the same – to speak and help you! Full colour Full colour
And don’t forget! The Exeter Award and Leaders Award The Exeter Award is designed to enhance your employability by providing official recognition and evidence of extracurricular activities and achievements. The Leaders Award focuses on leadership and achievement. Nearly all the events we offer count in some way towards our Award schemes! Black / cream
Black / cream
Mono
Mono
For a full list of all our latest offerings, check out My Career Zone. www.exeter.ac.uk/mycareerzone
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Dates for the Diary Exeter: Careers and Placement Fair Law Careers Fair Global Entrepreneurship Week Christmas Craft Fair
Oct 23 Nov 13 Nov 18–22 Dec 6
2013 2013 2013 2013
Penryn: Penryn Careers Fair Global Entrepreneurship Week Meet the Entrepreneurs Christmas Traders Fair
Oct 24 Nov 18–22 Nov 20 Nov 27
2013 2013 2013 2013
Teach First Presentation Oct 24 2013 Sotheby’s Institute of Art Presentation Nov 5 2013 NHS Presentation Nov 19 2013 Carluccio’s Presentation Nov 21 2013
To find out more and sign up to any of these please go to: www.exeter.ac.uk/ careers/events
WIN A KINDLE FIRE! WIN A KIN
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Do you want it sugar coated or straight up? Graduate Careers in Audit, Tax and Advisory Let’s cut to the chase. When it comes to developing your graduate career with us, it’s going to be a lot of hard work. You’re going to have to study. And you’re not going to be running the show from day one. But you will be valued. You will be supported. And you will get all the training, development and exposure you’ll need for when it is your time to run the show.
To find out more go to www.kpmgcareers.co.uk/graduates
© 2013 KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative, a Swiss entity.
!
Employers! 20,000 reasons to target Exeter Whether your business recruits one graduate every couple of years or you RECRUIT thousands every year we would like to work with you.
Our Employment Services team can offer you a variety of activities and events that can help you to PROMOTE your brand on campus. Our professional proactive team are always willing to discuss your requirements and look to provide you with a solution to your recruitment needs. Not only can we help you reach our students and graduates through a selection of events and systems, we also welcome employers and professionals to engage with us to deliver activities to help DEVELOP our students and graduates employability skills.
DEVELOP students for professional life n Presentations n Skills Sessions and eXfactor n Mock Interviews n Career Mentor Scheme n Widen Your Options talks
We also welcome employers and professionals to help INFLUENCE the University’s wider strategy by sharing your expertise through a series of collaborative partner events including our annual Employer Forum. You can find out more by visiting
www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/employers/
PROMOTE your brand on campus n Sponsorship and Endorsement n Advertising n Careers Fairs n Recruitment Presentations n Drop-Ins n Targeted Emails Best student attendance out of all of the fairs we have been to Abercrombie & Fitch this year!
RECRUIT world class student and graduate talent n Advertise a vacancy (Graduate/Casual) n Internships n Global recruitment n Recruitment Interviews n Student products and services This year’s students were so organised, prepared and focused. A real credit to the careers service’s Allen & Overy hard work.
INFLUENCE University strategy and share expertise n Employer Forum n Sharing our expertise (resources) n Business Leaders Forum n Shaping the Future Lectures n QS World Rankings
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