How do I network effectively? October 15, 2009
Posted by helencurry in networking.Tags: careers, job hunting, job seeking, networking, podcast, PR
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One of the questions that came up when we asked students for input to the marketing, advertising and PR podcasts, was how to make networking effective? The student remarked that it was always recommended, but he rarely got responses to his emails. If this sounds familiar, you might like to have a listen to our new podcast on how to network, which includes plenty of tips and ideas for different approaches to try and identifying various kinds of networking opportunity.
Let's talk! Photo from thinkpanama.
One of the key points to remember is that networking isn’t about finding people to ask favours from, a prime reason to network is just to find out information. Getting a job offer from it should be a secondary concern. This article discusses the “informational interview” approach to networking in more detail, and gives this great example which demonstrates how it works and how to make connections, as well as being an admirable example of a motivated, focussed strategy to job-hunting through setting personal goals.
Ben Samples of Portland, OR provides a terrific networking interview success story. “ When I graduated I found it very hard to break into the PR agency world. I set a goal to arrange one informational interview per week with an established PR professional. Using social media tools such as LinkedIn and Twitter I was able to connect with directors and managers who were willing to meet with me. One informational interview turned into a job interview, which turned into an offer. Two months ago I began working my dream job and I owe it all to informational interviewing.”
Networking is a bit of an art, but it is worth sticking at it as it is a beneficial skill to have throughout your career. Keep practising, trying various approaches (email, face-to-face, phone, social networking) to see what works best for you and your contacts.
Further reading
For more advice on networking and recommended books and resources, download our free careers information sheet Networking.
For examples of questions you might ask, to get you started, see my previous post on networking.
More, more, more.. new careers guides October 6, 2009
Posted by helencurry in library news.Tags: books, careers, careers guides, directory, employer, graduate
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Ready for the start of term we have received delivery after delivery of 2009/10 careers guides – the free takeaway copies you can pick up in your university careers service. Here is a quick overview of the latest titles:
Inside Careers - these handy-sized guides still manage to cram in focussed information on the profession, graduate profiles, career paths, qualifications and company profiles.
Career areas: Actuaries; Banking, securities & investments; Chartered accountancy; Information technology; Management consultancy; Pensions; Chartered patent attorneys; Chartered tax advisers.
Click on the image for links for free PDF versions.
The Inside Careers Career Choice guide is available for Business & Management and City & Finance.
These guides give a broader overview of these sectors, which would be particularly useful for first and second years, and anyone still deciding which specific role to pursue.
Click on the image for links to download free PDF versions.
TARGETjobs - these guides give a similar overview of the profession and employers. The Engineering, City & finance and IT guides are particularly substantial and worth a look.
Career areas: City & finance; Civil & structural engineering; Construction & building services engineering; Engineering; Finance & law Channel Islands; IT; Property; Quantity surveying & building surveying.
Similar information may be available on the TARGETjobs website.
eFinancial Careers -If you are passionate about a career in the financial sector, this guide will give you a useful introduction to a range of different areas of work. Ever wondered what Operations do? What is Wealth management? What suits me and my skills?
Even if you sure you want to be a trader, this guide is still great for interview preparations as it gives an overview of the whole financial sector and how it fits together, as well as identifies the skills and traits employers are looking for. It also includes some challenging sample interview questions and an overview of the typical recruitment process.
Click on the image to download this guide as a free PDF.
The Times Top 100 graduate employers
Employer directories
The Times Top 100 graduate employers
This directory gives short one-page summaries of every employer in their top 100, including application deadlines, starting salaries and contact details. The ranking is based on interviews with final-year students.
See also their website http://www.top100graduateemployers.com/ where you can view the Top 100 rankings, as well as sign up to the information service with a chance to win £5,000 cash.
get 2010 directory
get 2010
This directory of graduate employers has a broad coverage, including substantial advice sections on making applications, doing interviews and tests, as well as short regional guides to local big employers which is especially useful for those looking outside of London.
Prospects Directory 2009/10
Prospects Directory 2009/10
The broadest directory of all, this not only does company profiles, it also covers finding jobs, the applications process, professional bodies, and explores other options such as self-employment and working overseas.
Getting into International Development podcasts and resources August 27, 2009
Posted by helencurry in international development.Tags: careers, careers advice, development, international development, NGOs, podcast, podcasts, resources
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Since the last Getting into International Development course, we have been beavering away collecting up, editing and uploading notes and recordings of presentations from the day. Our work here is done, and the results are available on the event page here (with some podcasts also available to stream through the page on Facebook). They cover routes into International Development, roles available, and give you an insight into a few employers and work experience programmes, so they are well worth a look.
At the same time, this week we just got some new books on development in the library, so I thought I’d quote some fascinating/thought-provoking facts for you…
Fundraising is a varied career, and the pay can be good… New graduates can expect to earn in the region of £15,000, with potential future earnings as high as £90,000 in the top role as director of fundraising. (p. 27)
2005. Working for a better world. The UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Hub,
At risk of sounding like a broken record, please do tailor your CV to every job application…
I receive many email applications and around 90% are speculative and have not checked the kind of people we are looking for. It is obvious that they have also been sent through to hundreds of other recruiters so they are rejected without being read through. (p.67)
Wetherell, P. 2007. Working in development. World Service Enquiry.
And if you decide to keep your carbon footprint small by not flying off to volunteer…
Do you know that with a computer and internet connection it’s possible to volunteer in cyber space? … The United Nation Volunteers global volunteer initiative that allows volunteers from any country to give their skills and time can be found at www.onlinevolunteering.org. (p. 21)
Cusack, K. 2008. Volunteer for development: a guide to changing our world. World Service Enquiry.
All these books are available to read in our library.
Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.
~Author Unknown
You could blog for New Scientist August 25, 2009
Posted by helencurry in journalism, science and engineering, work experience.Tags: blogger, careers, graduate, journalism, journalist, New Scientist, science, scientist, writer, writing
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Has anyone been reading Ben Goldacre’s book Bad Science, or following his blog? I have been finding it quite a revelation reading how much poor science reporting dominates the news (and I can’t decide if the chapter on Gillian McKeith is hilarious or terrifying). It almost makes me want a job as a science journalist, just to try and redress the balance. Do you feel the same?
I just spotted this opportunity today, and it would be an ideal spot for a budding science journalist to get a valuable point on their CV. New 
Scientist is looking for…
…recent graduates to blog for us throughout the year about their experiences of life after university. You may be entering the world of work, going into further study or taking time out for some other exciting adventure.
If you are a keen blogger, happy to share your experiences about life after graduation to inform and inspire our student audience in exchange for the experience of writing for New Scientist, we’d like to hear from you.
Click here for more information.
How about working in Europe? For a gap year or more… August 14, 2009
Posted by helencurry in europe.Tags: careers, EU, europe, gap year, travel, working abroad, working overseas
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Credit: NASA/GSFC
If you are thinking of leaving the country to escape the recession, you really need to think about what skills and experiences you can get while away that employers will value on your return.
In coming years, competition for graduate jobs is likely to be even more intense as returning gap year and postgraduate students compete with new graduates, so it is important that you keep on track pursuing your career. Where better to go than Europe? You can gain a second language, work in a more similar business culture to the UK, you will stand out compared to the hordes of gappers heading to Thailand or Oz, and it won’t cost too much to come home for Christmas!
Finding work
I know some people can be put off Europe because living costs will be higher than the more typical gap year destinations, but if you can find a skilled full-time job you will both cover your costs and gain more relevant experience to your chosen career than just being a fruit-picker somewhere hot. The ‘free movement of workers‘ in the EU means you won’t need a work permit. With recent news implying that France and Germany are now exiting the recession, the grass may indeed be greener there.
- EURES – The European Job Mobility Portal is one place you might start your search. It also includes guides to living abroad and finding courses abroad.
- Voluntary work doesn’t have to cost you! The British Council EVS scheme for 18-30s will allow you to volunteer for a range of schemes full-time in Europe for 2-12 months. European funding will cover travel, accomodation, food, insurance, even an allowance.
- If you are looking for information on graduate careers in Germany, you can view the German versions of the TARGET guides, called Staufenbiel, here.
Browse this list from Careers Tagged for country-specific websites on tailoring your CV and searching for jobs.
Keep learning
- PLOTEUS – Portal on Learning Opportunities throughout the European Space – will help you search for learning opportunities across Europe
You can of course also take a distance learning course from a UK university while you are abroad – see this story from The Guardian.
For more links see the sites below…
Help!
Still unsure? Eurodesk is a an enquiry service for young people (13-30s) looking to work, study and travel in Europe. You can send them your questions and they will get back to you by email. They have partner services across Europe so they can answer any questions you might have relating to any European country. They also have lists of good links on the site to get you started.
The European Youth Portal is also a key resource for working, studying, volunteering, transferring qualifications and checking up on your rights. It is full of links to relevant resources and definitely worth a visit.
Graduate Talent Pool launches today July 29, 2009
Posted by helencurry in internships and work experience.Tags: careers, graduate, graduate talent pool, graduates, internships, work experience
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Just a reminder that the Graduate Talent Pool internship matching website is now open for business.
Having had a quick look around the internship listings, it looks like there is a good number of opportunities available in London. Sectors covered range from Insurance to the Environment, Logistics to Finance, Advertising to Construction, so there should be something for everyone. Many of the internships I viewed were paid, but not all – it tends to vary by sector.
The site is definitely worth a look, and it might be a good idea to get your application in first as publicity surrounding the scheme may mean the positions receive a lot of applications. I hope more businesses will be encouraged to participate.
Boris launches new careers site for graduates seeking work in London July 28, 2009
Posted by helencurry in The Careers Group, careers websites.Tags: careers, graduates, London, Mayor of London
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Last week the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, launched a new website aimed at helping students find work in London.
London is undoubtedly the place to be for young people and graduates and my clear message is that we want you, we need you and I will work endlessly to keep you here, in the world’s greatest city.
Looking for ideas about what you can do with your degree? Use the Idea Generator to see what careers London graduates went into after taking your subject – both the jobs and the employers.
Looking for more information about an occupation? Explore careers profiles and suggested websites.
There is also an essential list of upcoming recruitment fairs in London.
We at The Careers Group have been working with City Hall on the site for a little while, so it is great to see it becoming a success. We hope you find it useful!
Here’s what The Guardian had to say about it – “Graduate website offers hope to London job seekers“
Power words to bring life to your applications July 1, 2009
Posted by helencurry in job hunting, applications and assessment.Tags: applications, career, careers, CV, CVs, job applications, personal statement, power words, tips
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When writing a CV or application form, it is easy to hit a writer’s block on finding new ways to say “I did this… then I did this… my duties were…”, and of course you are not selling yourself by using flat lists. What you need are dynamic, positive words that prompt you to describe your achievements in a job and celebrate your initiative. Easier said than done? Try this cheat-sheet to find inspiration…
Leadership/management
- organised
- responsible for…
- co-ordinated
- implemented
- supervised
Initiative
- designed
- introduced
- created
- revamped
- devised
- solved
Success
- achieved
- delivered
- proven track record in…
- expertise/proficient in…
- notable
- instrumental to…
Communication
- persuaded
- negotiated
- recommended
- corresponded
- coached/trained
Attitude
- motivated
- confident
- enthusiastic
- effective
- positive
Notice a relation to key skills? The words lead you to analyse your work history and experiences for evidence of your abilities – that is what employers are looking for from your job application. I find it useful having a list like this in front of me when writing to get me thinking along these lines (and because there is something energising just reading these possibilities).
For more information on job applications, see The Careers Group helpsheet on Job applications
careers
graduate
applications
Maths careers – what can I do? June 29, 2009
Posted by tcginfo in maths.Tags: careers, math, mathematics, maths
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Lots of links here for those studying mathematics who are looking for career ideas…
First of all I wanted to give a quick mention to the Insititute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA), who are reaching out to students and gathering careers information for them. They are also getting very active on social media, so their sites are:
- Student webpages
- Blog – Travels in a mathematical world
- Podcasts – Travels in a Mathematical World
- Twitter – Peter Rowlett – University Liaison Officer
Away from the IMA…
- This undergraduate page on Maths Careers gives a broad overview of areas maths and stats grads typically go into, as well as further links to investigate.
- This area in Math-jobs.com gives listings of current maths vacancies in the UK.
- plus magazine includes an careers with maths library section which features over 50 interviews with people using maths in their career.
Hope that gives some ideas, I will be adding these to Careers Tagged now!
We’re all at the fair! June 15, 2009
Posted by helencurry in library news.Tags: careers, The Careers Group, The Guardian London Graduate Fair
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Just a quick reminder that The Careers Group library and offices will be closed on Tuesday 16th & Wednesday 17th June as we will be busy at The Guardian London Graduate Fair! You can even come along and chat to us at the Information desk and Bookshop.
I will also be dashing about making podcasts and videos on Tuesday, so expect lots of new media in my report on the fair later this week!
