Careers Handbook 2018 by Jackie Thompson

Careers and Employability Service

Your future

at your fingertips

10 ways

to get work experience Solving the age-old dilemma

Careers Handbook 2018

Your career starts here Four steps to career success.

The perfect job application How to get hired, from CV to interview.

What is a graduate job? Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard the phrase, but what does it mean?

Getting to grips

Contents 01 Getting to grips 02 Getting started

Seven alternative ways to use this handbook

Your Careers team, here for you

03 05 08

Fill your CV and wallet

Four steps to career success

10 ways to get work experience while studying Get off to a flying start A distinct Advantage Start your future with the SU

03 Getting involved

So, you want to be your own boss? Six reasons to connect with employers to boost your career

Where in the world will your degree take you?

Taking your studies to the next level

Six inspiring ways to spend time out

Get employers to take notice of your CV Social media in five steps It’s all in the application Sussing out psychometric tests Preparing for interviews, your way Invited to an assessment centre?

Figure out your future

Search for part-time jobs

12 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30

eMentoring: bring your ideas to life

What exactly is a graduate job?

04 Getting the job

36 38 40 43 46 48

Seven alternative ways to use this handbook

Whether you are short on time or the kind of person who reads the last chapter of a book first, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the Careers Handbook. It has been designed to take you from the start of your studies to the end – and beyond.

Explore a global career

Get ready for interviews

So, if you have only got 10 minutes to spare, scan this list and dive in.

1 If you are clueless about your career Head to four steps to career success – you might not find your career, but you will find yourself taking the first step towards it. Follow this by eMentoring: bring your ideas to life and 10 ways to get work experience while studying and you will have a clearer idea in no time.

2 If you are tired of

the question “what are you planning to do after university?” Head to your Careers team, here for you and get acquainted with all the lovely people who can help you answer this question. You will find four steps to career success, what exactly is a graduate job? and taking your studies to the next level useful too.

3 If you are strapped for cash Head to fill your CV and wallet if you are struggling to raise funds for your weekly food shop. Then explore get employers to take notice of your CV and six reasons to connect with employers to boost your career.

4 If your CV is bare Struggling to get past the A level section on your CV? Head to 10 ways to get work experience while studying. You’ll also find CV boosting opportunities in start your future with the SU, a distinct Advantage and get off to a flying start.

5 If you have been

bitten by the travel bug Itchy feet that want to explore the world? Head to get off to a flying start. You should also investigate six inspiring ways to spend time out and where in the world will your degree take you?

6 If you are harbouring a great idea Head to so, you want to be your own boss? to find out how to put that great idea into action. You will also find eMentoring: bring your ideas to life useful, where you can hear from people who have already walked the path you want to step onto.

7 If you really want to get that job or internship Head to section four if you have found a great job and want to get ahead in the application process. Standing out is about developing extra skills too, so don’t forget to check out a distinct Advantage.

Getting to grips

Four steps

to career success

Your degree will open up a world of career opportunities. Many professions are open to graduates of any discipline, which is fantastic, but can also be a little daunting. Even careers that require a specific degree usually have various specialisms, so you will still be faced with choices to make about your future.

We want to shed some light on what you’ll need to consider when deciding what to do after your studies. We’ve identified four steps you can take, but bear in mind there’s no prescribed order you should do them in.

Getting to grips

Achieve your goal Broaden your horizons All about you Get involved

How can I use my subject? What am I good at?

What do you need to think about?

What do I enjoy? What’s important to me?

When should I apply for jobs? How do I apply for a masters or PhD?

What do you need to think about? What do you need to think about?

What do you need to think about?

What internships do I want to apply for? What do different jobs involve? How do I get into the job that interests me? Where do I look for job vacancies? How do I set up my own business? What are my further study options?

How do I tailor my CV and application form? How do I ace the interview? What happens at an assessment centre? What are psychometric tests?

Action you can take Get advice on your applications from our team Ask us to review your CV

Can I carry on with my current interests?

What skills have I developed?

How can I get involved in the Students’ Union?

What did I learn from my work experience?

Action you can take

How can I develop my skills?

What jobs would suit me?

Book a place on our interview and assessment centre workshops

Chat to recruiters about their vacancies at our fairs

Get job-hunting tips from an eMentor

How can I get some work experience? Could I spend time abroad during my studies?

Action you can take Join a Students’ Union society or sports club Search for part-time jobs with Unitemps Explore modules on the Advantage Award Ask about study abroad

Action you can take

Talk to a careers adviser about your plans

Talk to a careers adviser

Talk to recruiters at fairs about what they look for in applicants

Learn about a sector at Spotlight On events

Search our website for ‘Profiling for Success’ questionnaires

Practise psychometric tests using our resources

Visit our website to find out about your options

Use Prospects Planner careers questionnaire Chat to family and friends

Get career insights from an eMentor Search for internship and job vacancies on My Career

Keep a record of what you’ve been involved in

Find out about summer internships

Visit the Student Volunteer Centre

Getting to grips

Attend our events Find your passion – explore jobs and sectors in person and online

Your careers team, here for you Whether you know where your future lies or are undecided, our team is committed to helping you on your way to a career you love. Our experts can help you make the most of your time at Nottingham.

Find graduate roles and internships Discover internships and graduate jobs – talk to companies targeting Nottingham students.

Talk to us It’s your future – talk to us about your ideas and we’ll support you to make decisions about the next step. ■■

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We offer regular advice sessions in your school and faculty. Just turn up to one of our drop-in sessions for a chat or book an appointment – nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ appointment If you’ve got a quick question, tweet us or send a private Facebook message – @UoN Careers or CareersUoN

“I just wanted you to know I’ve got an offer for medicine at Nottingham and Leicester! I am incredibly happy – thank you. Your guidance was very helpful and I am grateful for the advice and confidence boost you gave me.” Larissa Schaffert, third-year, Medical Physiology and Therapeutics

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More than 350 employers visit our campuses each year, so that means plenty of occasions for you to talk to recruiters about their opportunities – nottingham. ac.uk/careers/events

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On My Career, you’ll find hundreds of graduate jobs and internships in the UK and overseas. Create your search criteria and get emails alerts when new jobs are advertised – nottingham.ac.uk/careers/login

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Talk to people in the know by attending our Spotlight On events. Hear from professionals about their jobs: what they do on a daily basis, the highs and the lows – nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ spotlighton

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Take your research online – watch videos and get expert advice on our website – nottingham. ac.uk/careers/typesofjobs

“Going to the Science and Technology Fair, I knew I wanted a role in cyber security. I didn’t know BAE worked in that area. They told me about their Applied Intelligence division which was exactly the kind of place I was interested in. I applied to them and accepted an offer to work there this summer!”

“I attended a Spotlight On event to find out more about a career in marketing. I got chatting to Aaron Dicks from Impression about his company and digital marketing. It went so well that he invited me to his office and offered me an internship!” Ben Garry, BA English (2016)

We have staff based on Jubilee, Sutton Bonington and University Park campuses, and at Queen’s Medical Centre.

Prashil Pattni, second-year, Computer Science

Sharpen your skills Make a successful application – hone your skills and get the course or job offer you want ■■

We can help your application stand out during the recruitment process for jobs, internships and postgraduate study. Attend our workshops on completing application forms, improving your interview technique and practising psychometric tests – nottingham.ac.uk/careers/skillsworkshops

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Get a head start by going online for top tips from our staff on acing the recruitment process – nottingham.ac.uk/careers/furtherstudy nottingham.ac.uk/careers/applications

“The Building Interview Confidence workshop was great because it gave me things to do before I go into an interview and assessment centre to tackle my nerves and deal with the stress.” Thanushha Kirupakaran, first-year, Economics 9

Getting started

Fill your CV and wallet

“I joined Unitemps because I wanted to get some work experience and develop my CV while I was studying. I have completed several short-term assignments for Unitemps. Recently, I worked as a destination survey assistant and during my first semester I worked as a student helper, offer holder campaign caller, and a model for the 2018 Postgraduate Study Guide. All the assignments have been for one to two weeks and I worked a maximum of six hours a day. The work is flexible and I’ve really enjoyed doing something completely different from my studies. I’ve met people from diverse backgrounds, my communication skills have improved and I’ve learned how to work with professionals in an academic environment.

Does your bank balance start to look dramatically different after the first two weeks of term? Getting a part-time job can do wonders for your independence; it could even turn your Pot Noodle into a Wagamama. What’s more, it’s great for your CV. Unitemps is the University’s recruitment service for part-time, casual and temporary jobs on campus and with local businesses. A service created just for you, it is the ideal place to find work that will fit around your studies and other commitments.

What can you do? Unitemps advertises vacancies throughout the year, giving you complete flexibility over when you work and what you do. You don’t have to have any previous work experience for some roles such as Open Day helper.

You could get experience in: ■■

Administration, for example, data entry, reception, and admin support

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Events and hospitality, including working as waiting staff, bar staff and house-keepers

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Ambassador roles at on-campus events, such as Open Days

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Specialist roles such as marketing, design, IT, engineering and web design

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Translation and other roles requiring foreign language skills

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Student helper roles for focus groups, photo and video shoots, promotional work, market research... and many more!

Are you an international student?

My top three tips for applying for jobs through Unitemps.

Students from outside the European Union are usually permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time and full–time outside term time. For further questions about eligibility to work in the UK, please contact the Visa and Immigration Support Team in the Student Service Centres:

1 Check your timetable and coursework deadlines to see if you can fit the assignment around your studies

nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices

Theshani Chandrasena, postgraduate, Architecture

2 Spend time on writing a good covering letter and CV – ask the Careers team for advice 3 Turn up on time for your assignments – it’s important to create a good first impression with your employer”

Your next steps 1 Register a profile at unitemps.com 2 Upload your CV 3 Apply for vacancies that suit your availability, skills and interests 4 If you get through the initial application stage, the team will get in touch to find out more about you and tell you about the position

5 The team will call you if you have been successful

Getting started

10 ways to get work experience while studying

The graduate dilemma: You need experience to get a job, but need a job to get experience. Fantastic. Here at Nottingham you’re in a great position. There are so many ways that you can build your CV and stand out from the crowd. What will you do?

Every sector is different

Work experience comes in all shapes and sizes, from a 10-week summer internship to a four-week project solving a problem for a local business. Each one will give you something different – insights into jobs that appeal, the chance to develop your passion and explore what companies have to offer. One thing is certain, you’ll have a CV to be proud of and plenty to talk about at interviews.

Some sectors, such as accountancy and finance, law or business may have structured internships and placements, and will be advertised on a company’s website, or student and graduate job boards. While these may be easier to find, and be in greater number, you may find there is a lot of competition.

Read Matt’s story on p14

To get work experience with charities and community organisations, or in marketing and PR roles, you might have to be a little more proactive. Approaching organisations yourself or sending speculative applications are good ways to make your interest known. The same is often true with smaller companies, who aren’t actively looking for someone, but might offer you an opportunity if you can impress them.

Apply for the Nottingham Internship Scheme Summer and Easter internships with local small to medium-sized companies

Search for vacancies on My Career, our online job board

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Attend our recruitment fairs and talk to employers about their internship programmes

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Search student and graduate job boards listed on our website

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Check out the vacancies listed on the websites of companies that interest you

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Send your CV and covering letter to companies to ask about a work placement or work shadowing

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Talk to family and friends about opportunities they may know about

Gain a position with the Students’ Union

Get ready for the globalised workplace with an international placement

With 200 societies and 70 sports clubs, there are plenty of positions to fill

Summer internships or year-long placement

Apply for Postgraduate Placements Nottingham

Structured placements with small and large companies

Part-time placements for 12 weeks or full-time placements for three months

Ask about work shadowing Get a flavour of someone’s responsibilities and job activities by spending a few days with them

Undertake an internship abroad

4 5

How to find internships and placements ■■

Go on an insight day Typically for first years, spend a day or week with a company that interests you

Apply for the Nottingham Consultancy Challenge Four-week group project helping a local company solve a business problem

Get a part-time job with Unitemps Paid work on campus or in the local area to fit around your studies

Your next steps Explore more work experience opportunities nottingham.ac.uk/careers/workexperience Find out more about the Nottingham Internship Scheme nottingham.ac.uk/careers/uoninternships

Apply to volunteer with the Student Volunteer Centre

Lots of different ways to get involved depending on the time you have to offer

Find out more about Postgraduate Placements Nottingham nottingham.ac.uk/go/ppn

Careers and Employability Service â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best aspect of the internship was the people, I loved the office I worked in and it was truly a pleasure to go there every day and learn. During my first year, I wanted to get a summer internship as I felt that I was lacking work experience in computer science. I considered major technology companies such as Google, IBM and Facebook, but they were looking for second-year students or those with prior experience. Instead, I applied for three placements through the Nottingham Internship Scheme. I got offered two jobs and decided to take an offer from Strafe Creative as a front-end developer.

Amplify your potential

From the experience, I learnt a lot about programming, code-style and generally lots of things you just cannot learn in a classroom. The guys treated me with so much respect and helped me grow as a programmer.

Gain hands-on experience working for local and national businesses

My internship helped with my studies; it made me much more confident in programming and gave me the skills I needed to manage and work on my second-year group project collaboratively. I decided to apply for another placement this summer and have accepted an offer from IBM. The Nottingham Internship Scheme gave me all the skills I needed to apply and made me a stronger candidate.â&#x20AC;?

Find out more

Matt Kempa, second-year, Computer Science

Nottingham Internship Scheme nottingham.ac.uk/careers/uoninternships

Getting started

t by the sea Taking time ou oad br #UoNStudyA

Get off to a

Julia Szalio, BSc Hons Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (2017)

Do you aspire to be a global graduate? Do you want to enhance your employability while travelling the world? Do you dream of having an international career? If yes, then studying or working abroad during your degree can help you on your way.

The world at your fingertips You can study abroad either during your degree programme or during the holiday periods. Choose from one of our overseas campuses in China or Malaysia or one of our international or European partners.

You may also have the opportunity to undertake a European or international work placement during your degree programme and could even choose to undertake an internship overseas outside of term-time. The University offers a range of funding opportunities to help with studying or working overseas, including automatic and means-tested bursaries, meritbased scholarships, destination-based scholarships and Erasmus funding, or you may be able to secure a paid work placement to provide you with extra funding.

Montreal Mountain climbing in d roa Ab dy #UoNStu

Undertaking extra modules abroad helped shape my career path, confirming my desire to work in a hospital. I experienced the research side of psychology by volunteering at a research lab and through a research scholarship. I have no doubt that these additional opportunities have helped me to get an offer for a masters degree and will continue to influence me on my career path in the future.”

flying start Studying or working abroad can make you more employable and give you a competitive advantage when entering the globalised workplace. You will develop increased confidence as you settle into a new culture and make friends, while facing the challenges of studying within a new academic setting and potentially in another language.

“My primary motivation to study abroad was my desire to travel and experience living in a different country. I grew as a person and had time to improve my CV.

Trekking on th e #UoNStudyA Great Wall of China broad

“As an international student, I was studying abroad even in the UK. However, I decided to enhance this and study in Ningbo, the University’s China campus.

“I chose to study abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and gain an international perspective. I wanted a competitive edge in a globalised workplace.

Within my first month there, I successfully applied and joined the Students’ Union team, being assigned to the project management department. I was warmly welcomed, and offered guidance and support throughout. Among the most successful events we organised, was a fun trip to the local ice rink, which I was responsible for promoting to the international community. I have developed team-working skills, promotion skills, and knowledge about operating on a foreign social media platform. These transferable skills have proven extremely useful, and been the topic of conversations with prospective employers.”

The challenge of studying abroad made me more self-confident and independent. After spending eight months in Montreal, Canada I then travelled to Florida to volunteer on the Hillary Clinton campaign for three months. I arrived in Miami knowing nobody with no clue about where I would live. But as I’d already been through that experience – it wasn’t too daunting!

Daniela Zuza, BA Hons International Media and Communications Studies (2017)

For those studying abroad I would strongly recommend you also take the Nottingham Advantage Award inter-cultural awareness module. Being able to talk authoritatively about cross-cultural communication has been a huge help in many of the job applications I have made so far.” Calum Smith, BA Hons Politics and International Relations (2017)

Your next steps

Find out more about study abroad: nottingham.ac.uk/ studyabroad

Why should you #gettheAdvantage?

Getting started

Matt Bird

@MattAB20

A distinct

Advantage Gaining the skills employers want has been made simple with the award-winning Nottingham Advantage Award. The scheme fits around your course, can connect you with employers, and is a great opportunity to meet new friends. Your Advantage, your choice The Award recognises and rewards your extracurricular activities, and with more than 150 modules to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your interests. To name just a few opportunities, you could develop leadership skills, learn a language, practise mentoring or get out volunteering in the local community. It’s also accredited by the University, which means your achievements will be printed on your transcript when you graduate.

#gettheAdvantage @AdvantageAward The NAA is a great way to gain employability skills that your course might not otherwise teach Sophie Jacobson @SophieJacobso18

“I was immediately attracted to the possibilities and benefits the Nottingham Advantage Award could provide for my future. The experiences improved my work ethic and desirability to employers. While applying for forensic psychology masters courses, I referenced the Award extensively. I have now been accepted onto the Forensic and Criminological Psychology MSc here at Nottingham. I would recommend the Award to everyone. It’s not just an extra achievement to show off on your CV: you will gain experience in an environment that pushes and motivates you to fulfil your potential.”

Laura Jones @imlaurajones

The @AdvantageAward has helped me improve my interview skills and job applications, securing me my dream grad job! #gettheAdvantage Adam Street @Mrfraggle1

My @AdvantageAward has enabled me to gain confidence, leadership and communication skills you can #gettheadvantage it’s #amazing! Martina di Costanzo @Martinadc_95

#gettheAdvantage @AdvantageAward gave me the skills to secure internships with global firms PaperMate & Rolls-Royce. Invest in yourself!

Rosalind Barnett, BSc Hons Psychology (2017)

Lee Hong Teo @leehongteo

#get30 Are you already taking part in extracurricular activities? Talk to one of our team as it could count towards your Award. To achieve the full Award, you need to complete 30 credits, and to ensure your studies come first, you can only take a maximum of 20 credits per year. This means the earlier you register, the better.

I choose to #gettheAdvantage through the UoN @AdvantageAward to help me learn how to connect with employers

Your next steps View the full range of modules online and find out how to apply: nottingham.ac.uk/ careers/advantage

@AdvantageAward makes me more competitive in getting a job globally. Come and meet more people! #globalmind #globalgraduate #gettheAdvantage Adnaan Shakur @Ladbaab69

@AdvantageAward Not only did I travel to Malaysia summer school, I made my best friend through this Award #gettheAdvantage

Getting started

Course Rep

Start your future with the SU Your Students’ Union (SU) is here throughout your degree and beyond, with opportunities to discover your passion, excel at it, and make your CV outstanding.

“I have learned how to chair meetings, take minutes and in my role as an education rep, develop leadership skills. I mastered communication skills from liaising with various members of senior leadership within the department as well as with other students. As I hope to go into a teaching career, these roles have helped me understand both student and staff perspectives on education. They also gave me experience in meetings that at times have been directly linked to pedagogy, which is an obvious advantage going into education.” Jacob Banks, third-year, Theology and Religious Studies

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develop your leadership skills

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organise events of all shapes and sizes

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manage budgets and test your financial skills

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make a positive impact to people and their communities

It is beyond anything I could ever have expected it to be and it has developed me so much as a person.

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discover your hidden talents

I have gained incredible confidence in public speaking through delivering speeches at conferences, graduations, conducting my own meetings and from making my voice heard in meetings on the key issues that affect students. Organisation and time management are the key areas of development as no one tells you what you should be doing with your time. I have learned how to influence and negotiate over important matters as a member of the University Council.”

Your next steps Find out more about the SU: su.nottingham.ac.uk UofNSU @UoNSU

“Being a Students’ Union Officer is the most exciting opportunity I have ever had the pleasure of being involved in.

work as part of a team

Looking for a society? Try the Activity Matchmaker: uonsu-activities.co.uk

Beth Massey, BA History and Politics (2016), SU Education Officer

The flexibility of the role has enabled me to develop my time management skills, and the ability to motivate myself.

Hannah Brown, second-year, English

Officer

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“Working with the SU’s Insight Team as a brand and insight ambassador has enabled me to discover analytical skills I didn’t know I had as well as working with new programmes and information types.

These skills will be vital as I move towards establishing a career. I have a better understanding of the demands and requirements of marketing and advertising as well as being exposed to a whole new side of data analysis, which will be valuable for my CV.”

Whether you’re part of the 200+ societies, 70+ sports clubs and annual Varsity event, or trying your hand at volunteering with one of the many local and national opportunities on offer, your SU has something for you.

Getting involved in your SU can help you:

Ambassador

Societies “During my first year, I was the JCR Sports Secretary for Broadgate Park, in second year I was on the Sports Executive Committee, and in third year I was Intramural Sports (IMS) Chair on the Sports Executive Committee.

Charities

The opportunities throughout my time at Nottingham have provided me with many skills including time management, leadership, communication, team work and conscientiousness.

It has been a really great way to develop professionally and has given me a greater insight into how our SU operates.

My commitment to sport has been recognised by my receipt of the ViceChancellor’s Medal. I’m going into teaching so the skills gained through participation and organisation of sport will greatly enhance my prospects.” Hazel Mann, third-year, Biochemistry

“Since starting at Nottingham I’ve been a part of Karnival, the University’s student-run fundraising group.

As a group, we put on a number of events for students including bar crawls and club nights, as well as the opportunity to take part in some amazing challenges such as climbing Kilimanjaro or running the Barcelona marathon. This has developed my organisational skills and increased my confidence when speaking publicly. On top of all the practical benefits, it has also been a thoroughly enjoyable three years. I’ve developed my CV, met loads of new people, and raised a load of money in the process.” Pete Barrett, third-year, Maths

Getting involved

eMentoring:

bring your ideas to life eMentoring allows you to connect with experienced professionals who have volunteered to support you. It all takes place online within our easy-to-navigate system, and gives you access to people who work in a wide variety of roles and sectors, all around the world.

Nerissa, mentee

Amy, mentor

“My mentor was Amy Prosser, Senior Scientist at Sygnature Discovery, a local contract research organisation in Nottingham. Amy has a PhD from Nottingham and it was our shared life science background that compelled me to choose her as my mentor.

With mentors from areas such as law, marketing, sports, engineering, IT, media and retail, it’s the perfect way to explore careers that might interest you. What’s more, you already have something in common with our mentors – they were once students at the University of Nottingham too.

I asked Amy about the career options after a life science degree and what I would need to pursue them. Amy has given me a valuable insight into the differences between scientific research within academia and industry. This has helped me a lot in deciding what I may want to do in the future as well as an understanding of the steps I would need to take.

“Nerissa and I spoke a lot about my career history. This included how and why I chose to do a PhD, my experience and how to apply for a PhD. We also spoke about life as a professional scientist in industry including aspects of my day-to-day job and career goals. I gave her advice on how to gain work experience and how to gain knowledge of jobs in industry and science in general.

I would definitely recommend eMentoring. It is a great way to explore your future options, get advice from Nottingham alumni and network with people in your field of interest. And above all, it’s an easy process!”

Inspiration and encouragement to help you reach your full potential

Insight into what life is like in different roles and sectors Mentee eMentor

Practical support with job hunting and applications

Nerissa Culi, third-year, Neuroscience

I was able to secure Nerissa two days’ laboratory work experience at my company, Sygnature Discovery. She was able to see what day-to-day life working in industry was like and have the opportunity to speak to lots of different people about their career paths. She was also able to get exposure to other disciplines in drug discovery to have a more rounded view of the industry as a whole.” Amy Prosser, Senior Scientist, Sygnature Discovery

Your next steps Find out more about the benefits and how to sign up: nottingham.ac.uk/ careers/ementoring

Getting involved

Fact file PhD

Taking your studies to the next level Whether you are passionate about your subject and want to delve deeper or have a career in mind where a higher level qualification is desired or required, you’ll need the lowdown on postgraduate study.

Postgraduate study can be an investment in your future. For example:

Depending on your longer term career direction, a higher level qualification may be attractive to a future employer – for example, within the scientific or engineering fields. A postgraduate diploma in brewing will lead to opportunities within the food and drink industry and a life science PhD will be attractive to employers in the pharmaceutical sector.

Applying for a PhD issions system ■■ There is no central adm ication, talk to a supervisor who ■■ Before making an appl arch area that interests you rese has experience in the ities rtun oppo uss disc to an application form including an ■■ Apply by completing . You are likely to be outline of your research proposal will be subject to offer any and view inter an called for securing funding.

Mina Tahsiri, PhD Architecture

Potential financial rewards

You may be motivated to continue your studies because you have a passion for your subject or to specialise in a particular area. For example, MA Ancient History or PhD Soil Science.

I have a bachelors and masters in architecture from the University of Tehran and I am currently completing my PhD Architecture at Nottingham.

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The PhD has been a unique experience. I’ve received multiple opportunities to take my research beyond borders and venture into a multi-disciplinary world. However, it has also been a journey of many obstacles of anxiety and self-doubt which now I realise has helped me become a stronger individual.”

For some career areas, further study is a minimum requirement for entry into a profession, such as a teaching and law. A PhD is now essential if you want to pursue an academic career.

Developing your expertise

Finding a PhD FindAPhD.com ■■ Use websites such as eboard ■ Your department’s notic

I decided to do a design-focused PhD so I will be able to apply the skills I will have acquired to establish a research-based architectural practice. My PhD journey began one year before enrolling – I drafted a proposal which met the expertise of my supervisor. After being accepted, I was lucky to secure funding through the Dean of Engineering Research Scholarship for International Excellence.

Your career ambitions

In other career areas for example, journalism, and marketing – a masters although not essential, can be advantageous. The same is true if you’re looking to become a patent attorney – a PhD is not a requirement but it is desirable.

“Be adventurous, try new things and gain work experience – this is your time to grow and explore.

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the mean average salary of Nottingham students graduating with a PhD is £33,100, with a maximum salary of £100,000*

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the mean average salary for PhD graduates is 40% higher than for first-degree graduates

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the mean average salary among those graduating from taught masters courses is £22,400, with a maximum starting salary of £52,000*

* Known destinations of all full-time UK and EU leavers in full-time employment in 2014/15

Your next steps Check out our website for information about applying for a masters or PhD and funding options: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ furtherstudy

Finding a course ■■

Use websites such as FindAMasters

University online prospectuses

.com

Applying for a course ■■

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For most courses, no central adm issions, apply directly to individual universities. For popular courses, apply before December but for other courses, applications close when the places are filled. Courses with central admissions systems include graduate entry into medicine, law and teaching. There will be a specific deadline for applications.

Funding a course ■■

£10,000 loans now available

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Professional training bursaries Employer-funded scholarships and grants from universities or charities

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Professional and Career Developm ent

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Funding a PhD UK is the Government through ■■ The main source in the and industry ities research councils, char cils there may be specific ■■ Through research coun students nal awards for internatio lable Departmental funding may be avai ■■

Fact file Postgraduate taught courses ■■

Universities’ jobs websites

Loans Charities – use the Alternative Guid e to Postgraduate Funding on our website as a start ing point

“My masters has certainly provided me with some great talking points for my CV and during interviews. I decided to study MA Ancient History because I was really enjoying my undergraduate degree, got on well with the staff, and was able to secure a paid studentship role. The main difference between my masters and first degree was probably the greater independence I had. At the end of the course I decided to travel, volunteer and gain experience with an exchange programme. I came to realise that I’d like to work within higher education. I’m now a planning and development officer at the University! My masters was really valuable to my career progression as it covered so much more than just historical facts – it also exposed me to language skills, analytical thinking, international collaboration and independent working.” Craig Goodere, MA Ancient History (2013)

Getting involved

A graduate job can be defined in a number of ways but here are just two: it can be a job for which a degree is the minimum entry requirement or a job that a graduate does.

“Rotations really give a better understanding of the company and after the scheme you can choose the area most suited to you.

What exactly is a

I’m part way through a two-year Graduate Mechanical Design Engineering Scheme at Weatherford, an oil and gas service company. I applied to graduate schemes as I knew there would be a definitive progression system with set salary increases, professional development courses and rotations around various departments. You generally start with other graduates too so you won’t be the only new person.

graduate job?

I made applications to 15 companies at the start of my final year. After this there were online tests, video interviews, phone interviews and finally assessment centres. I got offered two jobs from the applications I made.”

By the time you finish your studies, you will have heard the phrase ‘graduate job’ a lot. But what does it actually mean?

“I applied for around 40 or so jobs. I heard back from five and now I have a job with Digitalk. I started to apply for programming jobs in my final year. I began as most people do applying to the large prestigious graduate schemes. I applied for about four, but it felt like I was wasting my time. The application process was very long and it affected my studies. I was rejected from every scheme and when I asked for feedback, it never came. Then I discovered recruitment agencies. I was rung up by a few agencies who said they liked my CV, and wanted to search for roles for me. I was given a face-to-face interview when a company liked my CV. For me, I know that my strongest suit is talking about what I love doing. Going through a recruitment agency was the best decision I could have made.” Callum Goodin, final-year, Physics

Alex McQuillan, MEng Mechanical Engineering (2016)

Fact file: The direct entry route What is direct entry? ■■

Who offers them?

ediate start dates

Companies of any size and sector Small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) recruit significant numbers of graduates. These firms make up 99% of all UK private sector busi nesses ■■ In some sectors SME s dominate and so direct entry is the route in. For example with in public relations, digital marketing and the environm ental sector When and how to apply? ■■ Apply after the spring vacation so you could start after your exams ■■ The recruitment process is likely to involve a CV or application form and an interview Where to find vacancies? ■■

■■

■■ ■■

■■

Often single vacancies with imm

■■

Industry bodies job boards, for exam ple Institute of Practitioners in Advertising – ipa.co.uk National and specialist press such as the New Scientist - jobs.newscientist.com National job sites, for example Inde ed - indeed.co.uk Recruitment agencies such as Grad cracker gradcracker.com

LinkedIn, the online professional network linkedin.com Book an appointment with a care ers adviser to explore specialist vacancy sour ces nottingham.ac.uk/careers/appointme nts

Fact file: Graduate training schemes What are they? training lasting between one ■■ A structured period of s year e and thre agement schemes where you ■■ There are general man and then specialise ness busi the nd arou e mov mes where you specialise ■■ There are functional sche and supply chain from day one, for example HR, IT ent managem Who offers them? e of sectors including the ■■ Companies across a rang engineering, IT and ncy, unta acco or, public sect pharmaceuticals and l retai telecommunications, When and how to apply? loyers now recruit graduates ■■ Half of UK’s leading emp all year round single deadline, most are either ■■ For employers with a or January r mbe November, Dece ■■

to include an The recruitment process is likely , interviews and tests etric hom psyc , form application an assessment centre

Where to find vacancies? fairs and talk to recruiters ■■ Attend our recruitment /careers/events c.uk directly nottingham.a job board nottingham.ac.uk/ ■■ My Career, our vacancy careers/login such as The Times Top 100 ■■ Graduate directories ilable free from our offices) (ava rs loye Graduate Emp sources listed under the direct ■■ Also use the vacancy e entry rout

For more information, visit our website at nottingham.ac.uk/ careers/graduatejobs

Getting involved

Six inspiring

3 The adventurer

Volunteering is a great way to give back and gain skills. There are lots of organisations that need your support and commitment, so take some time to think about what cause is close to your heart. Volunteering can be as challenging as it is rewarding, so think about what motivates you. Maybe you want to support your local community? Are you hoping to work in the charity sector? Has a news appeal for help piqued your interest?

If you’ve been bit by the travel bug, backpacking is an exhilarating way to explore the world. You’ll get to put your planning and budgeting skills to work. Consider where you want to go and what you want to learn – think less aimless roamer, more intrepid explorer. Take time to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and consider picking up some part-time work along the way. If a round the world trip isn’t the ticket for you, consider a seasonal job – summer and winter resorts are a way to get experience in a more structured environment.

4. The 4 Thetaster taster

ways to spend time out Taking time out can offer great personal and professional opportunities. You might take anything from a couple of months to over year – how long isn’t important, it’s how you spend it.

2 The impact-maker

If you’re not sure what you want to do, work experience is a great way to investigate some options. Dip your toe in the office water cooler and find out if it quenches your thirst. If it doesn’t, at least you’ve ruled something out. Set up a series of short-term internships, try out different sectors, and decide what interests you.

Decide why you want time out and what you want to accomplish.

5 The linguist

If you’ve just read Eat, Pray, Love and decided that you too need to ‘find yourself,’ this isn’t the article for you. These are practical ideas to help you make time away work for you, and for your career. You could shape up your skills, try on different professional hats, make the world a better place – and if you plan your time well, you might leap right into your future career.

What better way to learn a language than to immerse yourself among native speakers? Travel is one of the most common reasons to take time out – for lots of obvious reasons – just don’t treat it as an extended holiday. Plan your time carefully. If you want to learn a language, why not teach yours while you’re out there too? Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a great way to get to know the locals, contribute to the community, and get paid.

Plan made and ready to go? Keep a time-out travelogue – record your experiences, the skills you’ve developed, and the lessons you’ve learned. This will help you reflect later, ensuring you can talk about it effectively with employers when the time comes.

1 The developer

6 The pick and mixer

Your next steps

An internship could be the career stepping stone you’ve been looking for. Competitive industries like the media often view these short gigs as a rite of passage. Equally, if you keep hearing “great application, but not enough experience,” figure out what experience employers want. Whether it’s developing soft skills or learning a something technical, this is a great way to focus your time.

If your response to each suggestion has been yes, yes, and yes, the good news is that you don’t have to just pick one. In fact, by taking a pick and mix approach, you might get more out of your time out than by restricting yourself to just one thing. Think beyond what you want to do. What do you want to achieve? By setting some objectives it could help you decide which ideas to progress with, and in what combination.

Find out more about taking time out and how to talk to employers about it: nottingham.ac.uk/ careers/yearout

Try thinking differently. You could cultivate project management skills by planning a trip to Everest Base Camp or develop coding skills with a free Codeacademy course.

Getting involved

So, you want to

be your own boss? For some of you, nothing but being your own boss will do. Maybe you’ve identified a gap in the market or got an excellent business idea that you’d love to try out. Maybe you want your job to be your passion. If so, The Ingenuity Lab is where you need to be. The Ingenuity Lab is part of the University of Nottingham and is based in the brand-new Ingenuity Centre on Jubilee Campus. Its mission is to create an environment where Nottingham students and alumni can explore ideas and start their own enterprises.

Trishna Daswaney, Director, Kohl Kreatives BSc Hons Management (2015) Since joining The Ingenuity Lab in 2012, Kohl Kreatives has become a make-up brand with a difference. The profits made through the sale of their Shapes Collection is reinvested into their charity, Kohl Kates. Kohl Kates delivers make-up workshops and support to the transgender community, and people who have suffered from facial disfigurement due to illness. Trishna is also one of the 38 Ingenuity Lab members working under the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa. “Being a part of The Ingenuity Lab is such a great opportunity to build career skills. It can sometimes feel like you’re being thrown in at the deep end, but often that’s the best way to develop your skills! It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who are there to promote your business and support your growth in all the best ways.” Kohl Kreatives now boasts a client list of big names. kohlkreatives.com

Harry Boulton, Director, Thorne Goalkeeping BSc Hons Economics (2017)

Kelu Liu, Director, HungryPanda BSc Jt Hons Computer Science and Management (2016)

Football-mad Harry Boulton came to The Ingenuity Lab with the idea of creating affordable, high-quality and innovative goalkeeping equipment.

Kelu Liu first came up with the idea of HungryPanda, a new takeaway food concept, last year. Since launching in August 2016, they have established an office at The Ingenuity Centre and expanded into five UK cities, a number that is set to grow.

After entering Ingenuity16 and attending a range of mentoring sessions, Harry has developed his initial business idea into an exciting new venture that helped him win £13,000 at Ingenuity17. “One of the key things I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. I benefit from mentoring from successful entrepreneurs who share their knowledge and add real value to my business. If you have an idea you believe in, joining The Ingenuity Lab will really help you accelerate the process and build a much stronger business. The key is to believe in your idea and to make full use of the services The Ingenuity Lab provides.” His products are set to be ready for the 2017/18 football season.

HungryPanda also won the prestigious Ingenuity17 Vice-Chancellor’s Entrepreneurial Potential Prize, worth £10,000. “The Ingenuity Lab has been really supportive in helping me build the skills I need to run, and be part of, an international business. My key message to anyone wanting to join The Ingenuity Lab is ‘success cannot be copied’. The Ingenuity Lab provides you with the support and advice to grow your career skills and develop your business, but it is down to you to use those opportunities and create your own, unique success story.” HungryPanda have also recently collaborated with China Unicom, who are the world’s fourth largest mobile service provider. hungrypanda.com

thornegoalkeeping.co.uk

Ingenuity18 is the UK’s leading entrepreneurship competition, open to students, alumni and early-stage researchers at the University of Nottingham. Last year’s prize fund totalled £110,000 and the competition is set to be even bigger and better this year.

Your next steps Find out more: nottingham.ac.uk/ingenuitylab Get more information about self-employment: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/selfemployment Find out more about applying for Ingenuity18: bit.ly/Ingenuity18

Getting involved

Six reasons to connect with employers to boost your career If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve started to consider what you will do after your studies, talking to employers and alumni can really help to crystallise your thoughts. Throughout your time at Nottingham, you will have the chance to meet a wide range of professionals through our events and activities.

Getting involved

Where in the world will your degree take you? Are you are a UK student seeking an international career or an overseas student planning to work in your home country or other locations? We can provide practical advice on developing your skills, researching job markets and connecting with employers.

While you are studying There’s lots you can do while you studying in Nottingham to learn about new cultures, recruitment practices and job markets. Get involved in extracurricular activities to develop useful skills valued by global employers, for example adaptability, initiative, leadership and communication skills, or cross-cultural awareness Start developing your networks in your target country. Use professional associations, online career forums and social media networks Familiarise yourself with job markets, sources of vacancies, recruitment practices and deadlines in your target destination Do work experience during your studies to gain workplace knowledge and references. If possible, use vacation time to undertake work experience in your target country. Check out our Internships abroad webpage and the International Work Experience Grant Get advice from Nottingham alumni who are or have worked abroad through our eMentoring scheme

“I will take a lot away from the year when I finish, with new friends all over the globe and proven skills in adapting to different environments and effective communication. After graduating I didn’t feel ready to start a career or venture into postgraduate study, so I decided to take a year out. I found TEFL (Teaching English as Foreign Language) through some friends and after some research into opportunities all over Asia, Europe, and South America, I applied to a couple of education departments and found myself on my way to a rural town in South Korea. I teach elementary school children from age four to twelve. Living in a small town and working in a small school means English levels are extremely low and the cultural differences are more striking than a larger more socially diverse city. However, it gives me a chance to interact with all the teachers and students at my school on a more personal level, and I experience the unfiltered traditions of the country. I get to meet other adventurous foreign teachers and we spend our spare time exploring the country, hiking nearby mountains, or at one of our local beaches.” Ben Wolff, Bsc Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (2016)

Get free access to Passport Career where you’ll find information and advice on working and living in more than 80 countries as well as access to monthly career webinars and exciting job opportunities. Exploring global careers When researching international opportunities on Passport Career, consider the following questions. What do you want to do? ■■

Which sectors and job roles interest you?

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Would you consider temporary or non-graduate roles as a way of obtaining valuable local knowledge, contacts and references?

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Do you have the qualifications and experience required? Are yours recognised there?

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Is your priority the role and sector rather than a specific destination?

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What are your selling points as a foreign applicant?

Where do you want to work? ■■

Where do you want to be based? In your home country and travel occasionally or be based abroad for a fixed term assignment or long term relocation?

■■

Is the destination more important than the role?

■■

Do you need a visa?

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Do you need to be proficient in the country’s language?

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Are there application conventions for CVs, covering letters, and application forms?

Finding vacancies and opportunities There’s no way to gloss over it – finding vacancies in a different country from the one you are based in requires a lot of research. This is a skill you have honed during your studies so now is the time to utilise it to fulfil your career goals. Bear in mind, you are more likely to find a permanent job abroad once you have some experience. Some multinationals operating in the UK recruit graduates for posts abroad, although many expect a period of service here before offering the opportunity to work overseas. The University’s Alumni Office has developed a network of international contacts and groups which may be helpful for networking after graduation.

Your next steps Passport Career and other exclusive resources can be found on our continent-specific webpages with more links to job sites, agencies and company listings. nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ workingabroad

Getting the job

CV Profile

Get employers to take notice of your CV

What are employers looking for?

which establishes a A short statement of motivation organisation. If you keep the and you een betw n connectio out. it writing clichés, leave Is it under 100 words? job, the company and Is it relevant to the you highlighted relevant values? Have

the industry?

nteering experience My academic background and volu l sustainability. Lynch enta ronm envi in est inter deep reveal a ple in pursuit of more exam for , work e Environmental innovativ aligns perfectly with gy, nolo tech efficient and affordable fuel cell application. That my nd behi r vato moti key a is my values and n by a genuine sense of social this world-class research is drive Lynch Environmental from responsibility further differentiates pany that I want to work for. com the it es mak the competition and ition of a career in public In order to achieve my career amb a masters degree in marketing g binin com relations I am currently ant work experience. This has with voluntary placements and relev and verbal communication, en writt in skills lop deve enabled me to and organisation. icity publ , event management, marketing

Work experience

What are employers looking for?

e you a great choice The skills and experience that mak ity. rtun oppo for their job Have you used active verbs?

How long do you get to make a first impression? About 30 seconds. In a competitive job market a CV is your prime marketing tool, but busy employers may only scan it for a few seconds before deciding if they want to hear more from you – or not. Every time you apply for a job, it’s important to return to your CV. One size does not fit all. So, as your experience expands, think about what should make the cut.

Master your copy

Make an impact

Keeping your CV up-to-date is a task ‘future-you’ will thank you for. Whether it’s a short assignment through Unitemps or a summer internship, write up your achievements while they are fresh. Use this document as your master copy CV, which you can expand on or retract from depending on what you are applying for.

Consider how you might approach an essay or assignment. If you are purely descriptive, you are not going to bag the big marks, and the same goes for your CV. Avoid listing duties and responsibilities. Concentrate on highlighting the process and results of your actions. What did you bring to the role that someone else might not have?

Focus on your audience Your CV isn’t for you, it’s for a potential employer. How you highlight your experience is crucial. Take a volunteering project for example, to one employer ‘working with people from different backgrounds’ might be crucial to their vacancy for a graduate management consultant; whereas to another seeking a social media co-ordinator, it’s your ‘experience managing a project’ that will catch their eye. Focus and expand on the experience you think will speak to each individual recruiter.

enced s every point count? Have you evid Doe s? your skill actions you showcased impact? Did your Have deliver results? highlight you included numerical details to Have maybe a – back feed al verb outcomes or positive r? ome cust a from ial mon testi

profitability of the company’s top Produced a report analysing the Excel. My manager presented five clients, using pivot tables in with the Head of Sales and ting mee thly mon the figures in her Marketing. while working part time for the Honed my communication skills loyee of the year award for emp the won SU shop. I recently customers. One customer help always going the extra mile to eager to help.” and ing smil ays “alw was I praised that

Your next steps For more CV tips, head to: nottingham.ac.uk/ careers/cv Book a CV review through My Career: nottingham. ac.uk/careers/login

inverted pyramid technique. Crafted press releases using the ity fundraiser led to calls char l loca a t abou se relea One press ts. nalis from 20 interested jour

Interests

What are employers looking for?

e to the job or hobbies To highlight any interests that relat g an interview durin ts poin ng talki offer t that migh Is it succinct? to the you make your examples relevant Can ity? opportun

organised a pub quiz, which was Member of the Netball Society. I d £300 towards new equipment attended by 40 people and raise . for the ladies’ first team

Getting the job

How to succeed at social media in five easy steps

Perform a social media audit

Log out of all your social media accounts and then Google yourself. Use quotation marks to get more relevant search results and if you have a popular name add your location or date of birth. For example: “Joe Thompson” Nottingham. Identify which profiles are yours in the search results. What you see is what potential employers will see. Create a list of active profiles and decide whether you’d like to use them for professional or personal use. You may even encounter some old accounts that need deleting – Myspace anyone?

Protect your privacy

You don’t have to use every social media platform professionally. If you want to keep some accounts for personal use, that’s completely fine. Just protect your privacy. If Instagram is your scrap book of nights out, make your account private. Having a social life isn’t a crime, but you don’t need to expose it to potential employers. Same goes if you want to keep Facebook personal; check your privacy settings are set to ‘Friends only’.

How to execute your goals You’re set up on LinkedIn and you’ve set some goals – maybe, you’ve picked one listed below. Here are three of our most common questions, answered:

Uni of Nottingham @UniofNottingham

How can I find new opportunities online? Answers @UoNCareers

You’ve probably had a Facebook page for years, sharing photos on Instagram is second nature, and Snapchat is part of your daily routine. But have you spent any time thinking about how these platforms could help you get ahead with your career or, in fact, leave you trailing behind? Businesses have been busy building a social media presence for quite some time and employers are certainly looking at what potential employees are doing online. This means you need to do two important things: brush up your public presence and protect your privacy.

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Start with the professional social network

The next thing to think about is what you want to achieve from social media. Do you want to use it to job hunt? Do you want employers to be able to seek you out? Do you want to build an online portfolio to display your photography. Set three goals and plan actions to achieve them.

When it comes to your career, your social media presence isn’t complete without a LinkedIn profile. Very basically, it is your digital CV. Like Facebook, you can personalise your profile page, but on LinkedIn it’s all about your professional experience and achievements. Once you have optimised your profile, you can start to make connections. Search out other students, lecturers, graduate recruiters you’ve met at careers fairs, and work colleagues. This is a great way to develop your networking skills – without the pressure of face-to-face interaction.

Uni of Nottingham @UniofNottingham

How can I showcase my skills online? Answers @UoNCareers

Research which social media platforms professionals in your sector of interest use Do you dream of becoming a writer? Set up your own blog on WordPress and get writing Have a passion for photography? Instagram is a great place to show off your photos Headed for a career in banking and finance? Get networking on LinkedIn

Uni of Nottingham @UniofNottingham

How can I research employers? Answers @UoNCareers ■■ ■■ ■■

Use LinkedIn Job Search to find vacancies in your desired sector Regularly check the LinkedIn page of employers you want to work for Search LinkedIn to find key contacts at companies of interest Use the Twitter hashtag feature to search for #jobvacancies Use ‘advanced search’ on Twitter to combine location and sector keywords

Set some clear goals

■■

Create a list of employers you are interested in and check them out on LinkedIn and Twitter Track multiple employers at the same time by using the ‘private list’ function on Twitter Listen to what employers are saying to get a feel for which topics are current in their business Get an insight into their company culture on Facebook – find snaps of who’s who in the office

Your next steps Find more help on getting your social media up to scratch: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ onlinenetworking

Getting the job

A good way to answer questions The employer will ask questions to help them assess whether you have the motivation, skills, competencies and experiences they are looking for. It’s the specific information that counts here so give the employer something to judge you on.

It’s all in the application You’ve read the job description; you have all of the relevant work experience and skills, great! All you have left to do is click ‘Apply’; only to find out that you now need to complete a 10-page application form. No need to worry, follow our simple tips and we’ll help you perfect that job application.

For questions that are focused on your skills and competencies, one excellent way to structure your answers is by using the STAR technique: Situation – outline the issue or problem you faced Task – explain your task Action – explain your actions sequentially. What did you do?

Before you start typing… Do some reading about the company and job role you’re applying for so you can tailor your answers to meet their requirements Brainstorm the experiences you’ve had so you can give different examples to demonstrate the skills they are looking for. Use examples from your work experience, academic work, the clubs and societies you belong to, and any travelling you’ve done Look through the whole form to get a feel for it and to avoid putting things in the wrong place or repeating yourself

Result – explain the outcome. Use examples of positive outcomes

Here’s an example of a motivational question and why it hits the mark: What are your reasons for applying for this role? (100 words)

✓ 100 words no spelling

I have a high level of planning, organisational and time management skills which I demonstrated when working on the Students’ Union’s Creative Writing Society’s Literature Festival, taking responsibility for developing, planning and implementing social media publicity.

✓ Shows understanding of skills

During my English degree, I successfully applied for an eight-week work placement with Lakeside Arts, developing my understanding of the importance of the arts administrator role and reinforcing my desire to work in this area.

✓ Highlights their interest in

As an active member of the University of Nottingham netball team, I enjoy being part of a team and communicating our success to others through our social media channels.

✓ Uses a good range of examples

or grammatical errors and knowledge required for the role.

the sector.

from work, studies and hobbies that will be of interest to the employer.

Here’s an example of a competency-based question and why it hits the mark: Describe a situation where you have had to communicate complex information to a group of people. (max 120 words)

✓ 105 words – no spelling or

As part of my market analysis project, I had to report back to my year group on findings from my qualitative and quantitative research into consumer trends.

✓ Situation

This meant I had to analyse numerous data sources, filtering the information and summarising my findings in a simple way that everyone would understand.

✓ Task

I made use of my skills in Excel to produce an initial report and then produced a PowerPoint presentation to summarise my main findings which I presented back to an audience of over 50 people.

✓ Action

My presentation was well received and my findings also influenced the way in which other groups approached their research.

✓ Result

grammatical errors.

Your next steps Find more top application tips: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/application-forms Attend our application form workshops: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/skillsworkshops Book an appointment to review your form: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/appointments

Getting the job

Sussing out psychometric tests Psychometric tests might sound scary, but knowing what to expect can be half of the battle, and will help you to prepare in advance. It helps to see them as an opportunity to stand out from your fellow candidates. What are psychometric tests? First things first. Psychometric tests are another way for employers to assess candidates alongside the more traditional methods such as CVs, applications forms and interviews.

In general, they can be split into four areas:

What will the questions be like? So, you now know the types of question you can expect to be asked during a psychometric test. To get a feel of the level of difficulty, take a look at the example questions below which have been used in real-life recruitment processes.

Example A: numerical reasoning

Example C: situational judgement

Type of room

Number of rooms

Average no. of days per year each room occupied

Single Rooms

245

Double Rooms

260

Family Rooms (four beds)

310

Suites (four beds)

190

1 On average, how many days in the year were the family rooms occupied? A 300 B 260 C 390 D 310 E 245 2 Excluding suites, how many rooms are available in the hotel? A 48 B 65 C 60 D 75 E 55 3 If every family room held its maximum number of occupants, how many people could the hotel accommodate in family rooms on any given night? A 48 B 32 C 88 D 100 E Can’t say

You work in a large audit firm as a consultant. There are five additional members in the team. Your co-worker, George, has been working on a report due to be presented in this week’s team meeting, led by your team manager.

”I am so nervous! The department manager will also attend the team meeting this week. I think that overall the report is great; just need some help with the marketing section. Will you review it for me?” Although the marketing section seems fine, you notice that the analysis of the sales section is missing some important data. You can tell that this section of the report does not adhere to the standards of your department’s supervisors. George seems to be confident about this part of the report and you get the impression that he is not interested in your opinion about it.

What would you do in this situation? Rank order the options below, with 1 being what you are most likely to do and 4 being what you are least likely to do. Response one: If he is not interested in your opinion there is not much you can do about it, so you let it go and leave him to deal with the consequences of a poor presentation. 1 2 3 4

Example B: verbal reasoning The genetic health of many dogs has come under the spotlight recently; critics point to inbred defects that have a serious impact on the health and well-being of a significant number of pedigree animals. Defects such as hip dysplasia, breathing problems and syringomyelia (a particular problem in King Charles Spaniels) are held to be the result of breeding programmes that are aimed at producing aesthetically ‘perfect’ dogs in terms of the breed standard rather than healthy animals. The BBC and the RSPCA have recently decided to withdraw support for Crufts, the premier dog show, in response to widespread disquiet that the Kennel Club and the dog breeding fraternity have done too little to tackle the issue.

1 Non-pedigree dogs do not suffer from genetic defects 2 The RSPCA still support Crufts despite criticisms about dog health 3 Defects caused by breeding programmes include hip dysplasia and breathing problems

Example A answers 1: D, 2: B, 3: E Example B answers 1: C, 2: B, 3: A Example C answer Most likely: Response three Least likely: Response one

For each statement answer A: true, B: false or C: can’t say.

Response two: If he does not want to listen to you, notify management about it. Talk to your manager and ask him to explain to George the importance of the necessary changes. 1 2 3 4 Response three: You do your best to get him to listen. It may involve some discomfort but you try to explain the logic behind your criticism in the hope that he will understand. 1 2 3 4 Response four: It’s best to stay out of it. If George does not want to hear your thoughts, that is his right and you could be mistaken. 1 2 3 4

Your next steps Find out more about psychometric tests and sign up for Graduates First to take practice tests and get expert feedback reports: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ psychometrictests Attend a psychometric tests skills workshop: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ skillsworkshops

Hermione

Getting the job

The prepared one

Preparing for interviews,

your way

If you’re a Hermione, you feel most comfortable doing some early preparation and research. You’ll go in armed with the facts and a plan that shows your personality and skills. Top tips Prepare your notes in a logical way Don’t over rehearse answers as they can feel wooden or like you’re reading from a book Practise your answers with a friend, or a mirror, to keep them to the point

Types of interview to expect Face-to-face strengthsbased interviews ■■

■■

Face-to-face competency-based interviews

Aimed at finding out about the real you, what you’re good at and what energises you

■■

You know yourself best, so think about how your experience relates to the job and use real-life examples

Structured to reflect your skills and experiences and how they fit with the employer’s needs

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Look at the job description and person specification and write notes on how your skills fit the requirements of the role

Ron Somewhere in-between

Interviews aren’t all witchcraft and wizardry. By identifying what kind of person you are, and how you best perform under pressure, you’ve already made preparation a whole lot easier. Whether you feel like you’re a Hermione, a Harry, or a Ron, they’re all equally valid. Everyone has a different approach to interviews, and ultimately, it’s about finding out what’s right for you. If you’re the type of person that prepares weeks in advance and writes pages of notes, that’s a great start. If preparing too much stresses you out and you know you perform better in the moment, that’s amazing too. The most important thing is knowing how best to get ready in the way that suits you. For some people, being as prepared as possible is the only way to feel you’re ready for an interview, whereas this can leave others feeling tongue-tied or as though they have too much – or not enough – to say.

Some key preparation points: ■■

Research the employer – you’ll probably be asked about the company and it’s good to show you know about their goals and ethos

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Make sure you know the job inside out – this might sound obvious but if you’ve applied for 10 other jobs it can become a bit muddled!

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Look at example questions – just having an idea of what kind of questions might come your way can avoid any nasty surprises

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Remember that evidence is king – it’s great to be able to say that you’ve got skills in a certain area but make sure you have an example to back it up

A Ron might feel torn between the two. Not sure if you’ve prepared enough, but also feel a bit flabbergasted by preparing too much. Let’s be honest, we’re all Ron, really, aren’t we? Top tips Plan your answers in bullet points – you can take notes in with you Make sure you’ve got some good real-life examples

Video interviews

Telephone interviews

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Used by employers as a first sift of candidates

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Again, generally used as a first sift

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You will record an answer to a question presented on-screen and are usually given 60 seconds per answer

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With the introduction of video interviews, they are becoming less frequently used, but are still a popular method

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It’s a good idea to write down some key points to refer to. They’ll help structure your answer

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Tactics such as smiling and not slouching can help put the right expression in your voice and make you feel more confident and assertive

Your next steps Find out more about different types of interviews, and use our simulated video interview resource, Sonru: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/interviews

Attend an interview skills workshop: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/skillsworkshops Book an appointment to discuss preparing for interviews and how to tackle tricky questions: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/appointments

Take a breath before rushing in to answer

Harry On-the-spot wizard If you’re a Harry you’re probably all about the big day. You might not write pages and pages of notes, but you know you can perform under pressure and come out on top. Top tips

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Make sure you know the key points you want to say

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Be sure to stay on topic

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Look at some example questions so you have an idea of what to expect

Getting the job

Top tips for group exercises

Invited to an assessment centre?

If you’re just starting to apply for graduate jobs, chances are you haven’t been to an assessment centre before. At first glance they can be quite daunting, but knowing what to expect is half the battle. Plus, you’ve got this far, you deserve to be there.

What happens at an assessment centre? The activities at an assessment centre provide candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills required to be successful in the workplace, for example, communication, teamwork, analytical and problem-solving. The structure of an assessment centre will vary but here are some of the activities that our students and graduates have encountered. Remember you are not in competition with other candidates, you are being assessed against the employer’s criteria.

Let employers know about additional needs Time and activity amendments can be arranged to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to show their potential.

Interview

Group activity

You will be assessed on your suitability for the job role – see pages 46-47

You will be assessed on your ability to work as part of a team. Effective communication, creative thinking and working towards achieving the task will be encouraged.

Lunch

Tour of the offices

Case study

Your ability to interact with others might be assessed during lunchtime. Remember to network effectively and have positive conversations.

Pay attention throughout and show your interest by asking questions.

You will be required to process and analyse information relevant to the role and communicate your findings or present recommendations in a professionally written format.

Welcome and introductions

Presentations

In-tray exercise

You’ll be assessed on analysing the information, tailoring the content and delivering clearly and confidently – see page 50

Time restricted simulated business tasks where you need to analyse, prioritise information and make decisions.

Listen to the structure and activities for the skills and competencies to be assessed. Make sure that you introduce yourself to organisers and other candidates.

Psychometric tests You’ll asked to complete different types of tests – see pages 43-45

We chatted to Freya Parker, final-year mathematics student and soon-to-be NHS Graduate Management Trainee about her assessment centre experience. She passed on some great tips for standing out from the crowd in group exercises. 1 Attend a mock assessment centre to get a better idea of what to expect from the real thing. The personalised feedback I received from the Careers team really helped with my preparation. 2 Make your assessors sit-up and take notice by weaving your knowledge of industry developments into the discussion. For example, I added weight to an argument for increased investment in social media communication by drawing on key themes of the NHS’ ‘Five Year Forward View’. 3 Identify allies by listening out for views that align with your own. You hold minimal bargaining power as an individual, so generate goodwill by nodding, smiling and agreeing with their points. 4 Don’t freak-out if the briefing materials appear overwhelming. You aren’t being tested for a photographic memory – it’s about gleaning enough information in the allotted time to get the job done. Focus on the most relevant details and treat the rest as ‘nice-to-know’.

Above all, be yourself. You made it this far because the assessors like you.

A big thanks to

Top tips for presentations Content: ■■

Know the key points inside-out and keep cue cards nearby (just in case).

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Back-up conclusions with evidence, for example, statistics

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Stick to a clear structure with a beginning, middle and end

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Only include information that’s relevant to, and interesting for, the audience.

…our team of Careers Handbook reviewers. Your comments and suggestions about the content and design of last year’s edition have been incorporated into this year’s handbook. With your input we think this is our best Careers Handbook to date – hope you do too.

Delivery: Speak clearly, pausing frequently to allow for information to sink in. Vary your tone of voice to convey enthusiasm and sustain audience engagement.

Body language: Face the audience at all times Look at different members of the audience

When making hand gestures, keep them subtle.

Your next steps Find out more about preparing for assessment centres: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/assessmentcentres Attend an assessment centre skills workshop: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/skillsworkshops

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