CAREERS NEWSLETTER 2018-19
The summer holidays will soon be upon us and we are already looking forward to receiving reports of exciting work placements our Lower Sixth students have set up. These experiences go a long way in helping decisions about Post 18 options, as they will discover tasks and environments they do and don’t like.
ISSUE 16 – Friday 14 June 2019
PREPARING FOR A COBOTICS WORLD Dr Nalayini Thambar, Director of Careers and Employability at the University of Nottingham, closed the recent My Future Choice conference on Artificial Intelligence with a perky assessment of the rosy climate for current undergraduates looking for initial employment after their studies. Her take on the generic skills employers were seeking today and 30 years ago was spot on – nothing much has changed! Employers have always wanted a workforce to be motivated, excellent communicators, tenacious, persevering and team-players as well as show management skills and make informed decisions. Language, though, may have evolved, so it is now common to hear terms like resilience, influence and commercial awareness added.
AN OBE FOR ROSIE We congratulate another dynamic former pupil Rosie Tressler on being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2019 birthday honours, for her outstanding work as CEO of mental health charity Student Minds. As well as being an excellent academic at Bablake, Rosie was a fine actor, key musician in many of our charity concerts and enjoyed student journalism. During her English and History degree at the University of Nottingham she took a sabbatical year with the Student Union as Equal Opportunities and Welfare Officer.
What has certainly changed are key trends affecting the world of work, so Dr Thambar mooted students should consider environmental sustainability, urbanisation, increasing inequality, political uncertainty, technological change, globalisation and demographic change. She encouraged students to be adaptive, prepare for multiple career-planning over their lifetime, adopt power skills and have a growth mindset rather than a fixed one. Other speakers had excited the delegates with a range of roles awaiting students of all disciplines in AI and the ‘factory of the future’ – a cobotics world - where humans will collaborate seamlessly with robots. Yes, the mathematicians will be very well placed for specialised roles, but employers will always want historians, artists, linguists and graduates from other disciplines. COO of UKIE Dan Wood offered an exhilarating summary of the exciting, broadly varied opportunities for young people seeking employment in the games industry; coverage of esports was especially eye-opening. See the following @bablakecareers tweet thread for more information from the conference: https://twitter.com/bablakecareers/status/1138388079968956416?s=20.
See www.studentminds.org for more information.
@BablakeCareers
18 LESSONS LEARNT… L6 ‘BEYOND BABLAKE’ DAY DAY A collapsed timetable on the Friday before half term gave the Sixth Form and Careers team an opportunity to direct the minds of
our Lower Sixth students to standing out beyond Bablake. We have drawn 6 key tips from each of the 3 presentations delivered to our students by three outstanding external speakers. EMMA GOODMAN, CV and Interview Mentor, returning to Bablake for her 8th visit, led a workshop on how to create a dynamic CV.
1. Marketing Brochure – Do not lose sight of the fact that a CV could be the only opportunity to introduce yourself to an employer. Your CV is your brand, so it should reflect you at your very best. The final design and layout say a lot about the person represented in the text! 2. 1 Or 2 Pages Maximum – You should not create a CV that goes beyond 2 pages at this stage. Portfolio items or weblinks to extra work of value may be submitted separately. Show your personal skills. Be concise, dynamic and grammatically correct! Use a professional font too. 3. Target Your CV – Every application you make is unique. Reorder your CV to mirror how you match it exactly, taking into careful consideration the precise wording of the job advertised. 4. Hand Delivery – Wherever possible, make an extra impression by delivering your CV in person and direct to the manager concerned. Of course, your professionalism will be assessed at every point in this action, but presenting your best side should be advantageous and help you stand out for the best. 5. Follow Up Your CV – If you have not heard about your application, follow this up politely by telephone (or email). 6. PDF – Wherever possible, email a PDF version of your CV, since this will retain all formatting, unlike a Word document. DANNY NORTH, Senior UK Recruitment Officer at Coventry University, spoke about Open Days (see opposite) and Interviews for University Courses.
7. Nature of Interview – Discover the format expected: will it be formal/ informal; panel or 1-1; MMI; presentation; assessment centre; portfolio-driven; audition? 8. Practice Is Vital – Ensure you prepare for a competitive interview with a practice session. Saturday 28 September is the perfect opportunity for the U6th to do this at Bablake. (More info in Issue 17) 9. Preparation – In good time, gather necessary admin or complete pre-interview tasks, prepare your portfolio; scour relevant web information and social media for tips/ tasks expected; reread any application material; research the travel arrangements; rest/ travel early. 10. Dress – Ensure you are comfortable but professional, and suit any dress code. 11. Expect the Unexpected – Be prepared for arrangements and questions to challenge you. 12. Be Your Best Self All Day – Your only safety zone is at home and offline! BEN COOPER, a former pupil now as Business Development Manager for ‘Difrent’, led a workshop with a dozen students who were interested in alternative paths at 18 from university and the application hurdles connected with this.
13. It Will Take You A While To Realise What You Want To Do – Embrace this! Don’t panic if you have not found your mojo immediately. 14. Every Touch Counts – The path to your final goal may be a lengthy period, but the necessary network interactions can be planned and every polite step in this journey will assist you. 15. The Magic Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone – It may be very tempting not to challenge yourself and just tread water, but there are many benefits in stepping outside your comfort zone. Nothing dynamic happens in the comfort zone! 16. Networks Are Crucial – It can definitely all happen without a degree, but your network is vital. Target 10 companies via LinkedIn to follow now. Follow and engage! 17. Keep Your Eyes On The Future – You can live well and achieve in the present, but have a clear lookout for the future. 18. Take Your Opportunity – Accept and make the most of any opportunities on the way up. You matter!
#18BEFORE18
18 TIPS…
UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS
Utilising university Open Days to the best is increasingly crucial if you are a Y11 or Y12 student looking to narrow your search for the best Post 18 degree option for you. Here are some of our top tips on what to do before, during and after an Open Day.
1. Plan Ahead – Work out a programme of open days with your calendar – the majority now happen at weekends. How are you going to travel? Is it cheaper to pre-book travel, if you are certain of attending? Work out your day’s programme in advance, print and pack documents requested by the university you are visiting. It may not seem cool to be over-prepared, but your visit will be 100% more successful. 2. Virtual Open Days – Some universities allow you to ‘tour’ virtually. This is no replacement for a solid visit, but it might help whittling an initial longlist down to a more manageable shortlist. Likewise webinars, MOOCs and podcasts available serve a similar purpose. 3. UCAS Fairs/ What Career Live? Large events like this offer a chance to talk to admissions tutors from many universities on the same day. They do not replace a physical visit, but they start the journey. 4. 2 For The Price Of 1 – As long as you are not missing a key aspect, it is possible to visit 2 establishments in a day, if they are close by. 5. Start Early – You could have a very early start to arrive by 9/10am and you may have to consider staying overnight, especially if you have an early interview. 6. Prepare and Ask Questions – Have questions ready for student ambassadors, admissions staff, lecturers et al. Very few questions are as stupid as you fear yours may be, so just ask them! 7. Book Talks, Lectures and Tours – These offer a taste of university life for you to see if they all match your demands and interests. 8. Don’t Go Alone – For most people, attending open days with a friend or family member makes sense, as theoretically they will give you balance and an unbiased view! An extra set of eyes is often helpful. 9. Nail The Course – Finding the best course for you (consider content, teaching methods, assessment style, and prospects) is key! 10. Pres (sic) – Prepare for walking - lots, in the rain, and guaranteed always uphill, whichever direction! 11. Location! Location! Location! Does the location suit you? If it is totally new to you, you must look outside the campus/ university buildings and see where you might be living, working or asked to complete placements for the next few years. You will be stepping out of your comfort zone and need to become street wise once again. 12. Facilities – Does the location totally suit your key interests? Is the accommodation for your whole degree suitable and affordable? Will you be able to continue specific interests (e.g. sport, drama, music) or have the opportunity to try something totally new? 13. Assess the Vibe – Ask yourself whether you feel right in that environment. Does everything fit for you? The Open Day vibe is slightly unreal, but could you see yourself spending at least 3 years studying there? Does it definitely tick all your boxes? This may take a couple of visits and it is just as useful to roll up when it is not an official open day/ marketing extravaganza (tho’ don’t expect a welcome party). 14. Don’t Believe The Hype! See it and experience it all for yourself, then make your mind up. Marketing and views of others are not always as helpful as they may be intended. 15. Stay In Control! Go With Your Gut! - Ensure you choose the right environment for you – you are interviewing the university possibly more than they are selecting you. Make sure a place is right for you. 16. Evaluate – Very carefully assess the pros and cons of each institution you visit – writing this down at the time or soon after really helps you compare and contrast. 17. Don’t… Be late/ shy/ inappropriate, leave early or arrive on the wrong day at the wrong campus. 18. Thank You – You may stand out for excellent reasons, if you contact a university after your visit to thank them for their time. You may, of course, ask a further question or two then or simply state what you enjoyed about your visit. To discover when establishments are holding open days, you should look at the relevant university and specific department websites. Please note www.opendays.com and/ or www.unitasterdays.com are excellent directories for these events; there is excellent advice also on the UCAS website: https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/open-days-and-events/opendays-tips. Much of the advice above also applies to students looking at apprenticeships and/ or attending employer insight days.
#18BEFORE18
ENGLAND & WARKS CRICKETER DAN SIGNS FOR THE BEARS
We congratulate Upper Sixth student Dan Mousley, who has this season toured with England U19s, on recently being awarded a professional contract with Warwickshire CCC. While this is part of an ambition that has been evident right from his arrival at Bablake, Dan fully understands the pressure his contract brings and is aware of the hard work he will face as he looks to build a career in the game. His maturity, drive and professional work ethic will surely help him establish his name on the professional circuit and we wish him all the best with his plans. Dan graced the cover of the 2017-18 edition of our official school magazine, The Wheatleyan, which we learnt on the cusp of half term had been shortlisted for the 2019 Shine School Media awards. We are delighted that the work of key editors Adam Dickinson and Charlotte Park (and a team of around 30 Sixth form journalists), has been recognised and we wish them both well at next month’s awards ceremony at Stationers’ Hall.
#STUDENT NEWS #18BEFORE18
FAO Lower Sixth students. Please email mgw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk if you are interested in the above product.
NB https://www.myfuturechoice.com/myunichoices/ has more info as Centigrade has rebranded as MY UNI CHOICES.
TALKING POINTS MOOC OF THE FORTNIGHT (16)
•
‘Make Change Happen?’ Strengthen the skills you need to tackle injustice and bring positive change to the world. https://www.futurelearn.com/cou rses/make-change-happen 8-week course developed by the Open University and Oxfam. Free to study, if you ‘screen shot’ the final certificate. OPPORTUNITY Game-changing early careers app Fledglink is looking for 15-19 year olds (i.e. students on study leave) to take part in testing and designing new features of its app on Tuesday 18 June. You would be paid your return travel to London for 30 minutes work and a voucher, then have the rest of the day at your disposal for time in London, should you wish to explore the city, its universities and employers etc. Please see https://lnkd.in/dCTMP2Z for more information.
NEWS OF FORMER PUPILS
CAREERS FORUMS
Karanveer Sukhija, graduating this summer from the University of Leeds, with an BSc in Mathematics with Science, starts his dream post with NatWest Markets as an Incoming Investment Banking Summer Analyst.
POST 18 AND BEYOND WITH IBM
Eve Kershaw, Newcastle University Fine & Studio Arts graduate, now studying an FdA in Professional Stage Management at the Old Vic Theatre, Bristol, was nominated for the GDS Student Achievement Award at the Stage Management Association Awards.
DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY
Friday 21 June 1.15pm
Learn more about post 18/ university intern opps from IBM Futures intern Aaron Biddle and Beth and Harry, Cardiff and Sheffield Hallam undergrads. Monday 24 June 1pm
Jonah Ogbuneke will describe his journey trying medicine, then chemical engineering and finally founding his own social enterprise in Manchester, Love For The Streets. OPTOMETRY Wednesday 26 June 1pm
Krina Mistry, from Specsavers, will discuss her training university and interview experiences. CONGRATULATIONS Connor Jelley has been successful in applying for a 6 week summer placement with Coventry Building Society. For more info on CBS, see https://coventrycareers.co.uk. Rosie Jeffs has surpassed her target of £250 in a bid to raise money for the Warwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance.
(Photo by Ed Felton.) •
THOUGHT OF THE FORTNIGHT
“Don’t spend so much time trying to find the perfect opportunity that you miss the right opportunity!” MICHAEL DELL, Investor, philanthropist, author and founder/ CEO of Dell Technologies.
CONTACT BABLAKE CAREERS
Mr Mark Woodward
Email: mgw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk Twitter: @bablakecareers FB: www.facebook.com/bablakecareers Website: www.2morrow-2day.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin/markwoodward Blog: http://bablakecareers.tumblr.com/ Spotify: http://www.spotify.com/18before18 Instagram: @bablakecareers Careers Circulars: http://issuu.com/bablake/stacks