WIT Careers Newsletter March 2012

Contents - Page

2 Professions - Information Technology 3 Personal Statements & Statements of Intent 4 Dates for your March 2012 Diary

Newsletter - Issue No 6 as at 5 March 2012 Dear Students, Help yourself to stand out from the crowd. How? One way to do this is to log onto www.gradireland.ie Are you exploring your passion and purpose in life? - The gradireland website gives in-depth advice on key graduate career sectors, latest vacancies, tips on CV preparation and interview skills. If you are unsure about where to start, use the self-assessment Careers report and graduate job matching tool. This will reveal your strengths and pinpoint suitable graduate careers.

Search the database for the latest job vacancies - research employers and receive suitable jobs by email. How to get a job - everything you should know about and choosing the right one for you.

Research your sectors - the starting point for your research when choosing which area of work would suit you. Click on the Career Sectors tab and you will find detailed information on specific application, interview tips and job descriptions for that sector. You will also find training and development information, personal insights from graduate recruits, employers and current vacancies.

Find jobs and employers - A-Z directory full of employer profiles. Find contact details plus information on jobs, graduate schemes and internships. Click on the Jobs and Employers tab, choose the sector, click on search and you will find a list of all current vacancies.

Work experience - advice on work placements, summer work and volunteering. How work experience and internships can help your job prospects.

Graduation isn’t the end; it is just the beginning of your next adventure. Everything you need to start working on your career you will find on www.gradireland.com.

Also the Careers Centre would like to thank you for supporting our Careers Awareness Day that was held on St Valentine’s Day. It was a great success. We really appreciate all the students who registered with careers on the day and in the run up to the event. It is never too late to register so please feel free to register on line at http://www.wit.ie/CareersCentre/RegisterwiththeCareersOffice/ This event was made possible by Eileen O’Connor, a BBS Intern, who put so much energy, passion and hard work into making it a great success. We would also like to thanks Dallal Alhaidary, May Albaghdady, Tina Li, Victoria Paperovska, Shona Brophy, Linda Rafter, Sakina Kashani, Emma Hurley, Denise McCarthy, Students Union, Mei Kei (Maggie) Wong, Eoin Donnelly, Marie Pickering, Annette White, Kate Murphy and Jean Yves who also helped Eileen with the event.

The winner of the 1st prize (The Teddy called Romeo)

was ANA-MARI JOLIC from "Languages and Marketing" course.

The winner of the 2nd prize (A large box of chocolates) was ANDI DURONJIC from the "Nursing" course The winner of the 3rd prize (A large box of biscuits) was RUTH CONCANNON Best of luck Angela and the Careers Centre Team

Don’t forget the Careers Centre is now on MOODLE - https://vle.wit.ie/ - check us out!

Professions - Information Technology There is a wide range of occupations available within the ICT sector. These positions can be achieved by a person with a degree in a technical subject, by someone who has participated in a graduate conversion course or who has relevant sector experience.

This list is by no means exhaustive and in addition to the roles outlined below there is also wide scope for employment within ICT companies in more general management and HR positions without the requirement of a technical degree/masters.

Employers frequently seek employees who have both technical skills and the innovative and creative thought processes of someone with a background in the humanities and arts.

 

Applications Developer

-

Writes, edits and alters Application Software Programs for computers.

Computer/IT Consultant

-

 

Works in partnership with clients, advising them how to use information technology in order to overcome problems.

Creative Director

-

Creates and overseas the creative design of a project

Database Administrator

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

Supervises and controls the creation and maintenance of databases and record filing systems.

Electronics Engineer

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

Research's, designs, develops, and tests electronic components and systems for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Information Scientist

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

Plans and carries out experiments and investigations to increase scientific knowledge in a range of areas such as life sciences, including physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, plant sciences.

IT Sales Professional

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

Provides detailed information about a products technical specifications and suitability to a customer's needs.

IT Trainer

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  

Provide training in technical areas for software engineers, technicians, website designers and programmers.

Multimedia Programmer

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Designs, programmes and implements advanced routines within a multimedia project.

Multimedia Specialist

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Designs graphics and visual presentations for computer based multimedia applications.

Network Engineer

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

Designs, installs, maintains and supports computer network systems that allow employees and organisations to communicate with each other, share files and resources and provide services.

Software Engineer

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

Develops, creates, and modifies general computer applications software or specialised utility programs.

Technical Support Office (IT) -

Provides technical support to customers.

For a more complete list go to http://www.careersportal.ie/careers/sector_answers.php?s_CS=1 There are many different routes a graduate from a technical discipline can take after finishing their course. One of the most popular routes to a career in this sector is through a graduate programme (see the Careers website/Careers Advice/Company Information section). Many companies in the technology sphere have graduate internship programmes (see gradireland/work experience section) which allow newly-qualified graduates to work in a range of different business areas. These programmes allow graduates to get hands on experience in a variety of roles before deciding what career path they would like to pursue.

Another route to the jobs market is to keep an eye on jobs advertised in papers and online as there are plenty of jobs for graduates in this sector.

There is always the option of going on to study for postgraduate degrees, masters and doctorates (PhD). Graduates with these qualifications can work in high-tech roles in research and development (R&D). Once in industry, people with these qualifications tend to move up through the organisation much faster.

Graduate salaries in the sector are very attractive. According to the Higher Education Authority (www.hea.ie) graduate survey, 16.5% of graduates with engineering degrees now earn €33,000 or more. Salaries increase quite rapidly as experience is acquired. Most companies provide excellent benefits such as pension schemes, educational assistance and bonuses. Bonuses paid in the form of shares can be enormous if a company is doing well.

Current Labour Market shortage - The following information is based on the National Skills Bulletin 2011 (http:// www.skillsireland.ie/media/EGFSN110706-National_Skills_Bulletin_2011.pdf) and displays some useful information about selected occupations or occupation groups.

Currently, in brief, Computer Applications Programmers/Analysts are designated a “Skills Shortage”.

The growth rate 2005-2010 shows the annual employment growth for the period +4%, maybe a guide to future trends. Total numbers employed in this occupation = 18900 of which Part time workers employed = 6% and Full Time workers = 94%, the ratio of male to female employees is 80% male to 20 % female, the older workers - being aged 55 + - is 2% and the non-Irish national worker is 16% to the Irish worker at 84%.

Extracted from: www.careersportal.ie

Personal Statements & Statements of Intent e e th ) us ntent s D s (C nt of I ctor e Dire Statem e s our ent/ C o d tem es How nal Sta ts ed grad n o a s r c r i Pe qui ppl

What do CDs like to see?

Check before you prepare!!

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annin 1. Bra g the in PS www.pstorming k e r y o as and th spects e entr .ac.uk;pects... Cou y requ t ld 2. Pla iremeo `Explore T start with n nts of yp sectiostructure. a partices of Job` Have ns ular jo it ` ch b unked • Fiv ` into e key k a ey feedb ttribu ack fr t om ot es which b est de hers • Con scribe scient you. G ious, d leade r, et e t d schola eam pla icated, yer, am matur r. Give e exam b , ples o itious, diligmotivated f relev , ant onent, listene r, es

• • • • • • •

Why do you want to do the course?

Well rounded personality A well-presented statement (pride) Start well A well-written statement Relevant work experience Evidence of Transferrable Skills and Competencies key skills e.g. Teamwork • Anything distinctive about degree results • Evidence of being a hard worker

t re ct a sele ou mee p l • He ck if y terview erview ourse t e c • Ch ite to in g for in ure of t n v i a • In estion ing n d • Qu derstan cases n n • U derli e r • Bo Possible outline... Brainstorm • Section 1 – this Course + College – Why?

• Section 2 – Academic qualifications and attributes...how has college life led you to this? Have it achievement focussed .

Relevant subjects/modules/projects have you completed...if you are missing something, what can you offer as a substitute?

• Section 3 – Personal qualities + achievements that make you suitable...and clarity that you know what you want form the course (not necessarily `career` if the course is not vocational)...can be related to work, extra-curricular etc.

NOTE: its is not an autobiography. Every sentence is important and should convince the reader that you have the academic ability, skills and attribute to complete the programme successfully.

e Writing about your choic Enjoy the subject Enjoy particular aspects of subject

Work experience confirmed interest Process skills required for

course Career in mind

• Swallowin

State why

• Writing at • Ordinary

How did it help?

What did you learn?

Which skills?

Which career and why?

Only WRITE IF ITS OF INTEREST TO THE READER. You don`t have to write about all areas of college life Examples include drama productions, music, library assistant, voluntary work, helping staff, class representative, Fancy Dress Ball event organiser etc.

AND what you have gained – communication skills, trust, independence.

CONNECT EXPERIENCE AND WHAT YOU HAVE GAINED/LEARNED

t until end...tha or experienceinterest n • Store one idea ai nt ion/mai will catch attent perience you e a relevant ex nce which ud cl in es pl am rie • Ex ned, an expe /and have not mentiosuitability for the course or re he ur w yo d to an ady related mentioned alre area you have to build on it to conclude on you find a wayy for the course. your suitabilit

length abou

t results

interests...s ho

• Rushing, th •Copying a

evidence.

inking you

PS from the

w your invo

can write it

internet

lvement

without re se

arch or advi ce

Relevance of experience “Being

hy in State which aspects...w greater depth?

Writing about college experience

g a dictiona ry!

• Absence of

of course

Other reasons

tement Concluding Sta

What to Av oid

• Waffle

involved in a busy office enabled me to...”(briefly describe task). “These duties developed skills in...”

“Working part-time in “(state type of company e.g.

Large retail store)...

“I gained valuable knowledge of/ learned...and experience in” (state area of work e.g. Solicitor`s office)...

“During “(quantify time. Two hours observation is not the same as two weeks!)

“Working voluntarily as a...provided a rewarding and valuable experience in...”(experience and skills).

Interests and exp

erience outsid

e college • Identify d outline key ac experiencean tiv ities s which you`ve gained... or • Give pursuits e.g. Read g...t the extent hen outline your pursuiin business mto agement sutchbriefly e.g.

Mullin`s `Man as La ie Behaviour` anagement and Organur isational • And relevanc teamwork pa e... “found the chapte rticularly inte resting” rs on • Only give info experience ou rmation on interests an tside co ge if something you have d to say...maklle e it relevant !

The full ppt is available on the Careers Centre Moodle site, under the Careers Centre Presentations/ Workshops Handouts Section.

Have STAR Quality for behaviour questions • Situation – has the applicant described a suitable situation and it is clear?

• Task – what was the objective of the situation or task?

• Action - how did the applicant go about tackling the situation and what was their role in this?

• Results - what was the outcome, was the objective met?

Events / Dates for Your Diary / Career Centre Locations DATES FOR YOUR DIARY March 2012 Monday 05 March 2012 12 March 2012 26 March 2012 From 2:00.p.m. to 4:00.p.m

Quick Query, CV, Interview and Application Advice Careers Centre, Cork Rd. Campus All Students

June 2012 Wednesday 20 June 2012

Summer Careers Fair Serpertine Hall, RDS Dublin.

All Students

CAREERS CENTRE LOCATIONS WHERE TO FIND US Careers Office Where we are - Front Entrance, Immediate left, Main Building, Cork Road Campus How to contact us Telephone Fax Email Website

051 302038 051 306279 careers@wit.ie www.wit.ie/careerscentre

REMEMBER to register with the Careers Centre to receive quick, up to date information.

http://www.wit.ie/CareersCentre/ RegisterwiththeCareersOffice/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/WIT-CareersCentre/164371466911273?ref=ts WE HAVE MOVED the Careers Information Library to TOP FLOOR Luke Wadding Library Cork Road Campus Now even better resources Extensive “reference section” Free Sector Booklets, Monthly publications, Careers Handouts, Computers with careers search programmes installed for your use.

NEW PHOTO COMING SOON, BUT DON’T WAIT FOR THAT, CHECK IT OUT NOW