By : James Caan
For the 300,000 students graduating from university this summer, there is no doubt they face a tough time trying to land their first job. High-profile employers have been forced to close or limit their graduate schemes during the recession, and the civil service – usually a large employer of graduates – has been told to ban new recruitment this year as the government looks to cut costs.
The next few weeks will be crucial for students to make sure they stay one step ahead of the competition. It’s tempting to take the summer off and enjoy a well-earned break after all those exams and dissertations, but now is the time for students to organise work experience and internships to impress their future employer.
One reader wrote to me explaining she was a marketing student who didn’t finish her course. She said:
‘After attempting university for two years, personal problems mixed with student debt forced me to leave. Due to my student debt I don’t have enough money to re-try university so I have been looking for work over the past year. People have mentioned to me that I should try and look for a work placement in an area that I am interested in. My course was based around marketing but I am not sure whether to pursue this field. I manage a family business website but it is really only a hobby.’
Unfortunately, her situation is not uncommon. Every year, a number of undergraduates feel they have to leave their studies for a variety of reasons.
However, if this reader is committed to a path in marketing, she shouldn’t worry too much. While I am passionate about further education, a degree isn’t always a ticket to bigger and better things, especially in marketing. Take a look at some of the marketing industry’s greats - their achievements have been down to perseverance and a passion for the industry, not what qualifications they had.
To this reader I offer some fundamental advice: if returning to university isn’t possible, make sure you distance yourself from other graduates, who will have completed their marketing degree, gunning for the same roles as you.
Building your CV and securing work experience is crucial. Last week I highlighted the importance of a carefully crafted CV, and with work experience the same attention to detail applies. You’re not applying for a salaried position, but that shouldn’t stop you using your CV to highlight your achievements, transferrable skills and potential.
The reader mentions she contributes to her family website. She could use this experience to her advantage by providing examples of how she’s made it profitable. She could use the site as a platform to showcase her talents.
Working for free has its drawbacks, but it will prove to be a great investment in the long run. However, don’t expect opportunities to come to you on a plate: do some investigative work and contact local companies you’re interested in to see if you can work with them. Search for internships online, in the trade press and local listings.
If you use the summer wisely, you will undoubtedly find it that much easier to secure the job you want.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
For the 300,000 students graduating from university this summer, there is no doubt they face a tough time trying to land their first job. High-profile employers have been forced to close or limit their graduate schemes during the recession, and the civil service – usually a large employer of graduates – has been told to ban new recruitment this year as the government looks to cut costs.
The next few weeks will be crucial for students to make sure they stay one step ahead of the competition. It’s tempting to take the summer off and enjoy a well-earned break after all those exams and dissertations, but now is the time for students to organise work experience and internships to impress their future employer.
One reader wrote to me explaining she was a marketing student who didn’t finish her course. She said:
‘After attempting university for two years, personal problems mixed with student debt forced me to leave. Due to my student debt I don’t have enough money to re-try university so I have been looking for work over the past year. People have mentioned to me that I should try and look for a work placement in an area that I am interested in. My course was based around marketing but I am not sure whether to pursue this field. I manage a family business website but it is really only a hobby.’
Unfortunately, her situation is not uncommon. Every year, a number of undergraduates feel they have to leave their studies for a variety of reasons.
However, if this reader is committed to a path in marketing, she shouldn’t worry too much. While I am passionate about further education, a degree isn’t always a ticket to bigger and better things, especially in marketing. Take a look at some of the marketing industry’s greats - their achievements have been down to perseverance and a passion for the industry, not what qualifications they had.
To this reader I offer some fundamental advice: if returning to university isn’t possible, make sure you distance yourself from other graduates, who will have completed their marketing degree, gunning for the same roles as you.
Building your CV and securing work experience is crucial. Last week I highlighted the importance of a carefully crafted CV, and with work experience the same attention to detail applies. You’re not applying for a salaried position, but that shouldn’t stop you using your CV to highlight your achievements, transferrable skills and potential.
The reader mentions she contributes to her family website. She could use this experience to her advantage by providing examples of how she’s made it profitable. She could use the site as a platform to showcase her talents.
Working for free has its drawbacks, but it will prove to be a great investment in the long run. However, don’t expect opportunities to come to you on a plate: do some investigative work and contact local companies you’re interested in to see if you can work with them. Search for internships online, in the trade press and local listings.
If you use the summer wisely, you will undoubtedly find it that much easier to secure the job you want.
Job Vacancy , Indonesia Job , Job Indonesia
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