Advice
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Careers Advice
Recent graduates share their experiences
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Discover your options after graduating
Concourse Est.1964 concourseonline.com
Keele University’s
Volume 2 Issue 10
July 2015
Graduation Edition
Congratulations Class of 2015 Image credit: Keele Universi-
Contributors Special thanks to: Professor Nick Foskett, Vice Chancellor
Victoria Taylor Joseph Baker Adam Hughes William Janes Daniel Chorley
Keele Careers and Employability Tuesday,14th July, 10.15am Graduation Ceremony
PROFESSOR NICK FOSKET, VICE CHANCELLOR
With this years graduates Professor Nick Fosket, Vice Chancellor, reflects on graduation and shares his thoughts about leaving this year. One of the greatest pleasures as Vice Chancellor is attending our annual graduation ceremonies and congratulating students on achieving their degrees and awards. Graduation is a grand occasion, with the spectacle of academics and students in their gowns, and families and friends joining in the celebrations. Students, partners, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and friends all come to Keele to share a pinnacle life event. We know that the picture most commonly found on display in family homes is the graduation photo. It seems to mark ‘the end’ of education and the progression towards a job and career although, in reality, most people will choose further study at some point in their lives. It is the climax of three, four,
or even five years of hard work. But alongside the celebrations, there is inevitability some nervousness about the next phase of life, whether it be finding a job, travelling around the world or choosing a further course of study. Will I be successful? Have I made the right choices? Will I make new friends? I also very much enjoy giving the welcome talk to parents and new students who arrive at Keele for the first time in October each year. Those first few days are also a time of excitement, of celebrating academic achievement in A levels and also one of nervousness. Will I be successful at Keele? Have I made the right choices? Will I make “there is inevitability some nervousness new friends? about the next phase So it’s much of life” the same at both the start and the end of most students’ lives at Keele. Of course, for the vast majority of students it all turns out very well. Whilst at Keele, they make lifelong friendships. They study hard, get good degrees, enjoy
the high quality of teaching and the development of independent learning skills along the way. They apply for interesting jobs or other opportunities and get offers that enable them to progress in the direction they want their life to play out. It’s not by chance that Keele usually does so well in the National Student Survey (we were No. 1 in 2014) and also in the annual survey of graduate employability. And of course, most have a great time along the way. At graduation I often ask students if they have had a good time at Keele, and almost always the answer is effusively positive – “It was great”, “Had a fantastic three years”, “I don’t want to leave”, “My friends at other universities wish they had come to Keele”. Several of our honorary graduates this year are Keele alumni who have then had very distinguished careers and achievements, for which we have recognised them with an honorary doctorate. Each of them talks positively and emotionally about the way that Keele was a major mitigating factor in their success and personal journey. Continued on page 2...
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Letter from the Editor What are undoubtedly the three most significant years of our lives have finally come to a close. For many this ending will be met with celebration and excitement, for other it will be tinged with sadness and a deep feeling of anxiety. No more all-nighters in the library, no more cheeky late night Dominos and no more wasting our student loans on a Monday night at the Union. From here on out, you’re expected to be ‘proper’ adults, capable of looking after yourselves, with a dreary 9-5 job, stable relationships and savings in the bank. I’m not going to lie, I’m so relieved that I
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Highlights
Carrie Hodgkins have decided to stay on at Keele and complete a masters course. Despite studying here for three years, I don’t feel like I’ve finished. There’s so much more I want to do. Concourse is one of them. I’ve have so many plans for the publication which I hope to implement in the upcoming year. So, while all my friends are off starting their careers and earning money to pay off student loans, I’ll still be here, living the student dream. I wish everyone who has graduated this summer all the best and hope they’ll start their new lives with as much confidence and optimism they can muster. But for me, it’s another year of squirrels, Tuesday nights at Horwood Bar and slogging it out in the library as I try to complete a 25,000 words dissertation. Cheers!
Fulfilling a life-long ambition
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Vic’s top tips for surviving graduate life.
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Careers: so what next?
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I’ve had some of the most memorable experiences of my life on the road.
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Honorary Graduates
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I became a man, I put away childish things.
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It may be a case of good timing or luck, but you will find what you’re looking for.
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Concourse : what’s in store?
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“Will I be successful? Have I made the right choices? middle of August I am stepping shall take with me very fond memories of Will I make new downIn astheVice Chancellor at Keele after five Keele, of its triumphs and its occasional great years. Like everybody else at key tran- challenges, and I shall always remember friends?” sitions, I am asking the excitement of graduation, the smiles Continued from page 1… Although, nothing is ever 100% wonderful and, even at Keele, every student will have moments which were academically or personally challenging. Perhaps, they may have even doubted whether they would achieve what they wanted from coming to Keele. However, that’s all part of the process and working through those sorts of challenges typically makes the outcome even more special.
Image credit: Keele University
the same questions of myself that new students and new graduates ask themselves – don’t think being nervous about the future is the prerogative of teenagers and twenty somethings! But as I go on to the next phase I
on student and parent faces and the cheers during and after the graduation ceremonies. Have a great summer, and good luck in whatever you will be doing next. The Concourse Team also wishes Professor Foskett all the best with his future endeavours.
Fulfilling a lifelong ambition CONCOURSE EDITORIAL TEAM
Image credit: Keele University
After 3 years of being an undergraduate, Gerry Watkins graduated from Keele at the age of 73. Rather than going to university when most people do, in their early twenties, Gerry took a job in banking on the advice of his parents. “I’d always resented not having the opportunity to go to university,” he said in an interview with the Stoke Sentinel. Finally,
he was motivated to apply to Keele and was accepted onto a foundation year. “I looked at Keele’s website and fully expected it to say I was too old.” But the University accepts students of all ages, and after completing his foundation degree, Gerry went onto do a degree in History and American Studies. His life at university was very different to anything he’s previously experienced. He found himself writing essays, studying both history and literature through time and even spending a semester abroad in the U.S.A. However, Gerry adapted very quickly, finding himself in familiar territory as he
was born in Keele. He can remember playing beside Keele Hall when he was younger, but that was when the University did not exist and the land was used as an Army camp. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my degree. But the past six months have been a challenge, with my dissertation, essays and exams,” said Gerry. After all his efforts, alongside many other students, Gerry completed his degree in July this year and graduated with a 2:1 class with honours. His daughter, Rachel, aged 44, said: “I’m super proud of him. I find it so inspiring that somebody of his age could go to university.” Gerry’s success is testament that anyone can achieve their dreams if they strive hard enough and chase them relentlessly.
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“I got drunk, stumbled through my degree and run the student-led magazine!” VICTORIA TAYLOR, CLASS OF 2013
Some of you may remember Vic in her role as SU President 2012/13, but before that she was a student just like you. Wow. Concourse. I owe you a lot. I knew having something extra-curricular would look good on my CV – ‘Hey employer, look at me, I didn’t just get drunk and stumble through my degree, I got drunk, stumbled through my degree and ran the student-led magazine!’ But I didn’t realise that it would teach me skills that have helped me get to where I am today. It was about a year ago that I finished my time as President of Keele Students’ Union. That job took over my life – I lived, breathed, ate, drank and, once or twice, slept KeeleSU and loved it. Getting involved with Concourse, got me involved with the Union and set me up for my election – I definitely didn’t see that coming when I walked into Sam’s bar for my first meeting. In some weird combination of timing, fate and a solid rant about the Tories, I managed to land a job straight out of Keele. They always tell you to give examples in interviews and I clearly remember talking about my editorial work and my experience of covering the national stu-
rather than just turning up in your PJs with a bottle of wine; being expected to contribute to grown-up conversations at work. But I got there and employment has been great to me. I know I very much landed on my feet at Gingerbread – I’d drawn up a list of my top ten charities and they were snugly sandwiched between Amnesty and Shelter. And it just so happened that they wanted a Law grad with a passion for politics as much as I wanted them. It’s a good fit. My job mainly involves writing content for our website and researching what else is out there. My editorial experience with Concourse really comes into play when I’m proof reading tricky fact-sheets about Maternity or Tax Credits. I’ve picked up other exciting bits in the year I’ve been here, like meeting with the Department for Work and Pensions to talk about Universal Credit and being seconded to Policy to cover a period of recruitment. The people I work with are ace; they are at the top of their respective games, they want to help me develop and I feel like they pretend to be genuinely interested when I tell them about my latest football/housemate/boy drama.
dent demo for Concourse. So, I packed up my shitty little flat, had a ridiculously emotional leaving do in the KPA, and left university like the grown-up I most certainly wasn’t. The night ended with my Mum blasting Metallica out of her overstuffed car. I cried most of the way home. Image credit: Victoria Taylor For me, leaving university was horrendous for about three days. I hated not being in my office, my friends were moving on (or staying put) without me and I never knew when my next night out would be. I wasn’t ready to be stuck at home with my Mum (even though she’s ace) and I definitely wasn’t ready to take out a £3000 graduate loan to pay for an extortionate shoe box in the city. It took me six months of walking around London to gather myself after Keele – it was a bit of a detox. I was adjusting to my new weird sense of normality; a Monday-Friday, 9-5 working week; having to arrange to meet with friends,
Vic’s top tips for surviving grad life 1
Apply for jobs you can actually do
Sure, I want to be CEO of Amnesty International, but I’ve got a lot to learn first. There’s no safer place to learn about what being an adult means than in a job you can nail.
Stick at it
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I spent my first few months of work bored out of my mind. Don’t leave a job on impulse and try not to move on in the first year. You’ll find your groove. It might just take some time.
Get a hobby Walk around, write, do your thing. You will find you have so much free time so use it to invest in yourself; it pays back the best dividends.
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Take every chance
2 Apply for jobs you totally can’t do Shami Chakrabarti needed a PA the week after I finished uni. Hell yeah, I applied for it. Hell no, I didn’t hear back… but you never know. I could have made it work...
Don’t beat yourself up
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There are many panics on bleak Sunday evenings that there isn’t enough time to do all the things I want to do with my life. But there’s time. Loads of it. Just sit in an empty office at 4pm on a sunny Friday afternoon and you’ll see how slowly time actually moves…
Do as much as you can and seize every opportunity thrown your way. Whether it’s taking on a project, meeting someone new or trying something you’ve never even considered before. Show that you are keen and enthusiastic.
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Careers: what next? Crafting Your CV
Image credit: Keele University
#3 Qualifications, employment and exLet’s start at the beginning; writing your life story on two sides of perience: A4 is no mean feat, so where do It is important that you use reverse chronological order, so that your most recent work you start?
experience and qualifications are seen first. In other words, don’t start with your GCSEs. Remember to mention the university you attended (often forgotten…) and draw out any relevant skills or knowledge gained from your degree/masters/PhD, as this is a significant aspect of your profile. Also, be sure to articulate clearly what you have gained from your employment, volunteering or work experience. Recruiters value experience and skills gained from all settings not just the academic one. #4 Maintain professionalism: Think carefully about your email address and any social media to which you provide a link; consider the message that you are sending out to employers. Some of the best
Writing a cover letter
Visit: www.nationalcareersservice.direct.org.uk
#4 Show an interest: Is your CV now perfect but you’re agonising over the covering let- It’s vital that you don’t just go ter? Here’s our advice on getting straight into a sales pitch of your qualities and experience. Tell the recruiter it right. #1 Tailor it to the role you’re applying for: Start with the vacancy itself. Recruiters can instantly recognise a thrown together letter or email that has not been designed with them in mind. Tailor every letter to each job application – research the employer and role to make sure you can do this effectively. #2 Be personal: Always try to address it to a named person. When possible ring or email and ask who this should be and check their title. It will show you have an attention to detail and that you really are passionate about the vacancy. #3 Clarity: Make it clear in the first sentence why you are writing to or emailing the recipient, so they know why they should bother reading your communications. (I am writing to express an interest in/respond to/make an enquiry regarding…)
exactly why you are interested in this specific role or training scheme that they are offering, so that it is clear that this is a genuine, well researched application from a motivated candidate. #5 Show enthusiasm: Articulate why you would be interested in working for their organisation. Most recruiters believe in the organisation they work for and want you to feel the same way so make sure they think you do! #6 Sell yourself: Draw the recruiter’s attention to the specific skills and knowledge that you can offer in relation to the opportunity – make the links between your profile and their requirements explicit and lead them to the detail on your CV. Make it as easy for them as possible to find key information. #7 Observe formalities: Be formal – the devil is in the detail. If you have a name on the letter you should end it ‘Yours sincerely’, otherwise ‘Yours faith
for more useful information
fully’. #8 Finishing touches: After designing a beautifully formatted letter, pdf it as an attachment for email, so that your hard work is preserved and the recruiters have a hard copy to attach to your CV.
Image credit: ninefeettall.com
#1 Tailor your CV for each application: Frustrating though it is, there is no such thing as an effective general CV. CVs should be designed with a specific job field or role in mind, and then tweaked for each application to match the job description, person specification and/or advertisement. Start by making sure you know what the recruiter is looking for then you can show them you have it! #2 Keep a clear format: Create a CV that is clear and accessible by using separate sections, clear statements, active language and a plain font. It is important to sweeten up a recruiter by making your CV as easy to read and navigate as possible.
CVs are let down by applicants using fluffy bunny emails or social media links where summer ball let-your-hair-down photographs can be found. These look unprofessional and convey the wrong impression you’re trying to make. #5 Include a covering letter: Your CV should always be accompanied by a tailored covering letter or email – see the next instalment which discusses this. Any experienced recruiter can spot a generic application from ten paces, which will make a poor impression and your CV will most likely be discarded. #6 Proofread before submission: Last but certainly not least, spend time checking the content for spelling, grammatical accuracy and correct dates; make sure there are no unexplained gaps or inconsistencies. A CV which shows a consistent high standard will look much better than one which contains unnecessary errors. It is always useful to ask someone else to check your CV for you to spot any silly mistakes. Take a look at our website for more detailed CV guidance with what to include and what not to include!
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Careers: what next? Nailing that interview Congratulations! You have made it to the interview… So, how do you make sure you shine on the day? Interviews take all shapes and forms – Skype, video interviews, face to face…but these are the basics you need to cover: #1 Be prepared: Make sure you know what you’ve already told them about yourself – re-read your application so that you can think about what they are likely to ask you such as choices you have made in the past, why you chose your degree at Keele, what skills you have developed from extra-curricular activities you have mentioned, how your part time job has enhanced your skills profile… Go back to the job details and analyse exactly what it is they are looking for in their applicants. It could be anything from effective presentation skills, commercial awareness to research methods. Have an example of how you have developed and when you have used these skills. Make the match easy for them. Research exactly what the job or train-
You’ve reached the end of your degree, and you’re wondering what do next? With so many different routes it can be difficult to decide – why not choose an Internship? So what’s it all about? An internship is similar to work experience, offered by employers or companies to give students and graduates much needed insight into a specific field or industry. Here at Keele, there is an innovative programme to help Keele graduates progress with their careers. Keele Internships is run by commercially experienced staff who have excellent links with recruiting businesses. Internships are advertised on Keele’s website and are all PAID. They last for at least 12 weeks. Recently collected statistics revealed that up to 70% of Keele internships led to extended, or permanent employment. Many of the organisations offering internship roles are in fact looking to develop their interns into future managers and directors – some roles on offer lead to top earnings and can have quick progression routes to management and beyond. For you, it can be an excellent way to get some
ing scheme might involve so that you can convince them you are genuinely interested in the role, not just the pay cheque (good though that might be). Make sure you know about their organisation and what is happening in their sector – whether it is finance, retail or media. More often than not, recruiters will expect you to be informed. #2 Conduct mock interviews: Practise makes perfect. You need to become comfortable being in an interview setting and talking about yourself. During the interview, you may need to describe yourself, discuss your strengths and weaknesses or articulate your motivations. Be proud to talk about your positive qualities without being embarrassed or nervous. #3 Have the right attitude: Be enthusiastic and positive. The right attitude is highly rated by recruiters, indicating an intention to learn and develop in the workplace. Your body language, clothes, handshake and tone of voice, as well as what you actually say, will all contribute to making a good impression.
Useful Resources Here is a list of reliable, informative websites, which can help you establish a wellrounded CV and give careers advice. www.nationalcareersservice.direc t.org.uk www.targetjobs.co.uk www.prospects.ac.uk www.keele.ac.uk/careers www.keele.ac.uk/internships www.jobs.ac.uk/ careersadvice/resources www.nationalcareersweek.com/re sources/careers-websites
Embarking on an internship specific paid experience, try out your chosen career, and it may even lead to your dream job! Keele Internships is available to you for up to three years after you finish your studies. What help is available? Keele Internships will guide you through the application process, and you will get help on your CV and cover letter – there is lots of advice on Keele Internships website and Careers staff at Keele will make sure that your application is good enough to send to the employer, therefore increasing your chance of interview. Top tips to get an internship? Before sending your application to us, we suggest you get your CV and cover letter up to scratch – your cover letter will need to be targeted for the role you are applying for and you need to ensure that the profile statement on your CV reflects the internship area of work you are applying for. On every Keele Internship advert, the company name is specified, so check out their website and try and mention something about the company that you have seen on their site – this shows the employ-
er that you are motivated and interested and they really do need to know that you want to work for them! Better to send in two or three good quality applications than applying for lots at a time! One big advantage of Keele Internships, is that some of the roles are for Keele graduates only, thus cutting out national competition. Don’t be fooled though into thinking that it’s an easy option! You’ll still need to prove to the employer that you are an excellent candidate! Don’t just take our word for it! Grant Mantle graduated from Keele with a Business Management and Marketing degree in July 2013. Grant worked at the Trentham Estate for 12 months as a marketing assistant. Things went so well, that he is now on his second year of the internship. Grant says: “The Keele Internship scheme was brilliant – I was given application and interview advice which was very useful. They also kept me updated me on possible internships I would be interested in. The Trentham one came along and I thought it was perfect.”
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“I’ve had some of the most memorable experiences of my life on the road.” JOE BAKER, CLASS OF 2013
If you have ever thought about travelling after finishing university, you’ll probably fine that it changes your entire outlight on life and offer some of the best experiences imaginable. Joe Baker, once VP Sport, shares his adventures. I never put a great deal of thought into life after Keele. After all, I had been so engrossed with Sport, SU Politics and propping up the bar (as well as studying, obviously). I loved my time in the bubble, so much so that I ended up spending an extra year after being elected VP Sport. Sadly, this only put off leaving the bubble for another year. When March rolled around and I made the call not to stand in the SU elections again, I was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. An opportunity I left my role as presented itself one VP AU & Sport night in the KPA. to jet off to the Out of the blue one other side of the of the Priest’s from world. the church at home called me up. He offered me the chance to go out and volunteer in South Africa. The project itself was based in an orphanage in Northern Limpopo, where, given my skill set, I’d be tasked with running the recreation programme for the kids. Needless to say, I leapt at the opportunity and a few weeks later I flew out to Dublin for a weekend of training, child safety talks and meet & greets with two other volunteers. Eventually, June rolled around and after an incredible year I left my role as VP AU & Sport to jet off to the other side of the world. We flew into Johannesburg then drove north for around 8 hours, eventually arriving at the orphanage in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. What followed were the best three months imaginable. Playing sport, teaching the recorder,
fixing literally everything I could get my hands on, meeting some of the most inspirational people and seeing some of the most beautiful sights; it was 3 months I won’t forget in a hurry. One of my most memorable moments had to be coaching the orphanage football team. After some frantic Facebook chats with the Keele Football Legend Keith Harrison, the team put in a spirited performance against the boys from the local school. Since leaving I’ve heard they’ve started to win games! One of my mates Going back diagnosed me home was difficult with Wanderlust. to say the least. Myself and one of the other volunteers had hired a car and aimed to slip away without any drama, but as tended to be the case with the kids, they caught on and swooped down, insisting that we stayed. It honestly broke our hearts to have to leave, and that first 45 minutes of driving, down the old dirt lane, onto the main road and finally onto the N36 heading south was a long, silent journey. When I got home I was never quite myself. One of my mates diagnosed me with Wanderlust, and I pretended to know what that was until I found a dictionary. It is defined as “a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about.”, which could not have hit closer to home. I moved home and the next few months passed in a blur of temp jobs, rugby, red wine and dubious life choices. All the while I was busy looking for and planning my next adventure. Plenty of options were tabled: Inter-railing, PGL Leader and Camp America to name a few. But it was through the Rugby Club that I’d find my next challenge, and it would take me back to Africa. Rwanda is not normally the first country to spring to mind when discussing
Image credit: Joseph Baker
rugby. But about 10 years ago, a handful of men and women from a variety of local clubs took it upon themselves to introduce the game to Rwanda. Every year a group travels out and spends 2 weeks out there, supporting the newly formed Rwandan Rugby Federation, distributing kit, coaching and training. I went along on the 2015 tour. Entertainingly, rather than being the jolly green giant and spending all my time with nuns and priests, as I had in South Africa, I was probably the slimmest, lightest traveller in the Rwanda group (a title I haven’t held for many years, Dominoes in Newcastle made sure of that). We spent an amazing two weeks coaching in schools, playing in tournaments and training with local clubs, all the while assessing what could be done to help the game grow in an amazingly beautiful country. My whole life I’ve been adamant that I wouldn’t be one of those people who would come back from their travels and preach. ‘Travelling changed my life’ and ‘Everything out there really opened my eyes’ are two sentences that I never wanted to say. But they’re absolutely true, and I’m ok with that. I’ve had some of the most memorable experiences of my life on the road and I wouldn’t change a single thing. Who knows where the next adventure will take me!
Are you taking a gap year or intending to travel now you’ve graduated? Concourse are launching our brand new travel section in September. If you have any adventures, experiences or insights on travelling, whether you are a current student or a graduate, we’d like to hear from you. Email: editor@concourseonline.com for more information.
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Honorary Graduates CARRIE HODGKINS, EDITOR IN CHIEF
On Thursday 16th June, Concourse had the fantastic opportunity to interview Ruth Hunt, a key figure within Stonewall and nationwide. At the end of the busy Graduation Week 2015, I had the wonderful privilege of interviewing Ruth Hunt, CEO of Stonewall LGBT charity. It was the first interview I’d ever carried out and I was terrified, especially since Ruth is such a prominent figure. But as I sat down in the Chancellor’s Lounge, Ruth looked cool and casual, completely unfazed by all the attention she was receiving. She immediately put me at ease. At risk of sounding cheesy, there was just something about her. Ruth was so laid back and keen to answer my questions, that I suddenly felt like I’d been interviewing people my whole life. Earlier that morning, she had been awarded the honorary Degree of Doctor of the University in recognition of her outstanding work in the LGBT movement. She told me: “I’m very proud, very proud of my honorary doctorate from Keele.” Ruth first joined Stonewall in 2005 and was promoted to Chief Executive last year. Since she has been involved with Stonewall, she has been part of some great campaigns, including ‘some people are gay, get over it’ “Keeping a secret can and Rainbow Laces. We had some really in- really get teresting discussions, cov- in the way of being ering so many issues surrounding the LGBT move- yourself.” ment. Our particularly areas of focus were the problems faced by transgender individuals both socially and politically. We also talked about the LGBT community within black and ethnic minority groups. Ruth had some really insightful thoughts and opinions which has made me rethink some of my previous assumptions about LGBT issues and people. She even shared some of her experiences regarding
“I’m very proud to receive my honorary doctorate from Keele.”
Image credit: mirror.com
Interview with Ruth Hunt
her own sexuality and her personal difficulties dealing with prejudice. I can’t think of anyone more worthy of an honorary doctorate from Keele. Highlights:
[CARRIE] ‘What sort of things do you do at Stonewall, what are you main responsibilities?’ [RUTH] ‘My job is to run the organisation: to make sure that we have a really clear strategic vision for “We want the next five years and to individuals make sure that the staff to be the are all swimming in the champions.” right direction. Also, one of my key roles is about managing some of the more difficult conversations with people who are really antagonistic about LGBT issues, so we can bring those people into the organisation as well. So, kind of a figurehead and a leader for the organisation.’ [CARRIE] ‘How would you like to see greater awareness of LGBT issues being raised?’ [RUTH] ‘At Stonewall, we’re really aware that a certain type of gay people are in the public eye now. People have a good awareness about some gay people, but there are so many LGBT people from black and minority backgrounds who have much lower visibility, and there are loads more [LGBT] women than we see. It’s really about that next stage of raising awareness really, and at Stonewall we will always have some great campaigns, like the no bi-standards campaign, which encourages people to call out bad language when they hear it and things like that. I loved the Rainbow Laces campaign where we try and get all the sports clubs to lace up and to kick homophobia out of their sport. But really we want individuals to be the champions, you
“I’m just a lesbian who likes wearing ties.” know. The Student Union President at Keele, a heterosexual guy, is one of the best allies that the LGBT communities have got. We’re really proud of that. We want people to be the champions now and really push that through.’ [CARRIE] ‘Would you agree that, in recent years, transgender issues are becoming much more problematic than those faced by homosexuals?’ [RUTH] ‘There is certainly a difference how LGB people are treated and how trans-people are treated. I think that’s very clear. I think that we often experience prejudice in the same way and that people who are homophobic and transphobic don’t see the difference. There are some very real issues, particularly facing trans young people, concerning access to services, being able to choose the most appropriate bathrooms and changing rooms to use and even just having the space to be “The visibility themselves without of bi-sexual experiencing prejudice. people is much I hope that Stonelower than leswall can support organbian and gay isations, institutions people.” and individuals to help push back that prejudice. We need to increase better understanding of issues faced by trans-people.
You can view the full transcript of the interview on our website. Follow Ruth on Twitter: @ruth_hunt
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“I became a man, I put away childish things.” Considering a postgraduate degree? Then Adam Hughes, recent graduate who has gone onto do a masters has some words of advice. You know when you watch an early episode of a sitcom, before it’s really found its feet, and all the old familiar actors and elements are there, but everything seems a little off? Or in Invasion of the Body Snatchers when Donald Sutherland points and shrieks at Veronica Cartwright before cutting to the credits? Or those creepy Japanese robots that look like people with rubber skin that are probably going to rise up and slaughter us all one day? This is all some horribly convoluted and self-indulgent way of saying that being a postgraduate student isn’t for everyone. Even if you soldiered through three years of undergraduate study. Is it your first big plunge into the stuffy, tooth-and-nail world of academia? Or an elaborate, expensive way to put off getting a real job for one more year? No matter your reasons for doing it, however misBeing a postgraduate noble, guided or risistudent isn’t for everyble they may one. be, provided you’re willing to take on the burden of more debt, it can’t hurt to have an extra qualification under your belt now, can it? Even though, allegedly, we’ve weathered the worst of economic armageddon, and the outlook is brightening as graduate jobs and salaries are rising. Allegedly. Allegedly. For whatever reason you’ve decided to rain check the dreaded real world, you’ll be an old spectre, haunting your campus of choice. Freshers will be uneasy around you as you queue up in Select and Save, wearing the all- nighters and early mornings of the past three years on your unshaven / un-BB creamed face. Just like the topographical map of some horribly stressful, pissed up continent. But it’s easy for postgrads to feel that way; like the sad dogs they cart out for those RSPCA adverts set to Coldplay tracks. Little guidance is ever given on the topic, which is probably why the higher education section of The Guardian reads like a slab sized Dungeons and Dragons instruction manual for postgrad scrubs. Yet, however much of a snakebitechugging lad or lady you once were won’t matter once your usual cohorts have sallied off into the real world of nine ‘til five internships, or more likely, the dole
Image credit: Adam Hughes
ADAM HUGHES, CLASS OF 2014
queue. It may be a case of starting your uni friends circle from scratch. But perhaps after three years of propping your head up in 9AM criminology lectures, regretting those last few sambuca shots the night before and enduring breakfast feasts of stale Dominos crusts and Relentless, you’re ready for such a change of pace. If you can handle the social upheaval, break out of the undergrad chrysalis and spread your magnificent new postgrad wings, you’ll find yourself in the midst of an all together very rewarding year or two. It may not be as zany as your time as an undergrad, but, hey, these things pass. You had your time to find yourself, and be reckless and irresponsible and to never clean your kitchen utensils. Now it’s time to try adulthood, with training wheels on. Not to get all Corinthian on you, but it reminds me of this line from the Bible: “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” You may well find yourself amongst an older crowd, perhaps of a more international bent, full of new ideas, stories and inspirations. And they’ve either returned from the real world to carry on their education, or travelled from abroad – much further than you with your daysaver ticket. These are real people, with knowledge of the real world, and a bit of time in their company will probably do you more good than another sesh at the SU The government with some bell-end in are beginning to a Jack Wills shirt. see the value of You’re no longer postgraduate the hour or two your courses. tutors fear every week, where they have to walk you and your cohort through, say, linear equations, or Dostoyevsky, or the amygdala, or something. They’ll afford you some leg room in your studies, and all they expect is a sharper edge to your work. You’re running with the wolves now. They’ll take a serious interest in your interests, since it appears that you’re really taking an interest. And seeing a tutor or lecturer talking about what they want to
talk about is like pure unadulterated jazz, maaan… That isn’t to say that your three years as an undergrad have been worth nothing, of course, far from it. But before he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo probably had to paint a few garden sheds. And as the legendary Canadian poet and philosopher Drake did say, started from the bottom, now we here. Finally, the government are beginning to see the value of postgraduate courses, and not as that clunky awkward step between an undergraduate course and a PhD. The market for such a qualification is gestating, and given another year, you won’t even have to sell a major organ to fund your Masters to boot! Funding for a course that didn’t come part and parcel with an undergrad degree was terribly scant for years, leading many to march away from higher education with the modest debt they’d already accumulated. But that’s all set to change. The number of people with degrees, and the You’ll find yourself in the number midst of an all together of postvery rewarding year or gradders two. (to coin a term) is rising and rising, despite the government’s best efforts to put everyone but pony-obsessed, inbred to-the-backteeth yahh-ing toffs off higher education, so a little something more is needed to give your CV that extra bit of gloss. And, let’s be honest, no-one really gives a flying toot if you camped out in the Brecon Beacons for five days eating moist rice for a Duke of Edinburgh Award. Final verdict? To postgrad or not to postgrad? To bite a bigger hole in your finances to up your employer cred, or scurry as far as you can from anywhere vaguely resembling a lecture hall and taking your chances? If my scrawl has convinced you in any way, well, you’re easily led, and maybe further education isn’t your thing. I suppose whether you decide to carry on or otherwise, is a case of you flexing your independent adult muscles, rather than, say, a sixth form careers advisor, intent on torpedoing as many students as they could to university. So, while you’re languishing in the muggy British heat of what’s probably your last long summer before you’re boring and incontinent, why not put away childish things and have a cheeky peek in a prospectus or a website. Don’t listen to me. Believe in yourself! Allezvous-en!
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“Be sure to keep an open mind, be patient and enjoy yourself.” For a small number of students and graduates, the process of choosing a career path is relatively simple and straight-forward. To the lucky few of you who find yourselves studying in a field you love, I envy you. Unfortunately, I have found myself to be part of what seems to be an enormous number of graduates who lack direction, and for whom the desire and ambition to follow a specific career path is hard to come by. I, like many others, have arrived at the one year graduate mark. Since leaving, I have held two jobs, one as a gardener in the west-country, and the second as an administrator for a local council, both separated by a couple of months of unemployment. Although I have enjoyed the work I have done so far, I am still left craving an occupation that I find stimulating, challenging, and ultimately fulfilling. As a consequence, a feeling of
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WILLIAM JANES, CLASS OF 2014 being adrift with no direction in a large world has become a recurrent feature in my life. The reason I mention these personal feelings and experiences is that I am acutely aware I I have found myself am far from to be part of what alone in having seems to be an enormous number them. Throughout of graduates who the many dislack direction. cussions about careers and work I have had since leaving Keele, it has slowly become more apparent that this feeling is not limited to recent graduates, but also people in various phases of their life. Initially, it was surprising to find people with much more life experience than I in this situation. However, it occurred to me now that the notion graduates SHOULD find passion and a relevant career path immediately after leaving university is unreasonable. After leaving Keele University I had expected to spend my year transitioning into a stable job with prospects to be hopeful about. Much to my dismay however, this has not happened. Although
my expectations were not met, this is not a message of pessimism. I have learned, as I have grappled with the idea of finding a fulfilling career, that uncertainty and indecision are not to be feared but to be embraced and accepted. It is fine to not know what you are going to do next. But be sure to keep an open mind, be patient, and enjoy yourself in the mean time. This will give you the optimism you need to keep going like it has for me.
Image credit: William Janes
“It may be a case of good timing or luck, but you will find what you’re looking for.” DANIEL CHORLEY, CLASS OF 2014 Sometimes life after University may not turn out how you expect it to. Dan Chorley talks about his unusual career choice. After getting into Keele by the skin of my teeth, my post-Keele experience was a rather bizarre one. It was actually in second year which my graduate life began. I had been a member of the University Air Squadron (UAS), which is a part of the Royal Air Force specifically aimed towards university students. Fortunately for me, I was hooked and made the decision to get the application process for the RAF rolling. It may be a case of After complet- good timing or luck, ing a gruelling but you will find 6-9 month selec- what you’re looking tion period, I for. was waiting for the results on my application. A good friend and neighbour asked me, “Not saying you won’t get in Dan, but what are you doing to do if your application isn’t successful?”. It was at that point I realised how all of my friends were feeling – under significant pressure to make life decisions that would affect the rest of
their lives. Luckily, it all worked out – just a few days later, I was offered a place at Initial Officer Training at RAF College Cranwell. But that sudden feeling of pressure, confusion and anxiousness never left me, and it made me appreciate how much pressure finalists are under to make the decision between further education, career paths or gap years. The message: there is something out there for you. It may be a case of good timing or luck, but you will find what you’re looking for. Whilst I am certain there was a great deal of initial confusion in deciding what the next postuniversity course of action would be, I cannot think of one person who has struggled to move forward in their life. It’ll be no different for you! As for me, the military lifestyle and career path had always been appealing. Two months after finishing my exams and finding out my results, I began Initial Officer Training. The nine month course was considerably different to student life! No last-minute rolling out of bed for lectures, or sleeping in till midday. It was a packed schedule of air power studies,
leadership development, physical education and exercises in the field. But the camaraderie amongst the people on the course was something I had never experienced before, and the vast majority of them I am still in touch with. I graduated from RAFC Cranwell in March, and held with 8 Squadron at RAF Waddington, who fly the E3-D Sentry (an Airbourne Early Warning & Control aircraft). In the last seven weeks I have begun my phase 2 training at RAF Boulmer and, all being well, I shall graduate in the next few weeks as an Identification Officer within the Aerospace Battle Management branch. The career options for me are vast – I could end up on a variety of exercises abroad, particularly working with the US military and other NATO nations. I could also be working with the army and navy within the British Armed Forces. This time of the year may seem daunting, especially when you start to see the Fresher’s 2016 Facebook pages exploding on your news feed. But keep your head up, and keep looking out for the right thing for you.
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What’s in store for Concourse next year? Concourse will be undergoing a revamp of it’s look and style over the summer. It will be rereleased as a magazine in order to reflect the need for an outlet where students can voice their opinions about the things they feel most passionate about.
We have a brand new editorial team in place who will be working hard to ensure that a higher standard of articles are published, ones which and insightful and provoke conversation amongst the Keele community.
There are lots of exciting plans for which there is the opportunity for anyone to get involved in.
We remain dedicated to providing top-notch journalism and wonderful material for you to read. We really value our contributors; without them, Concourse would be impossible.
For any queries, please contact: editor@concourseonline.com
Jaime Marshall wins Student of the Year 2015
Congratulations and good luck to the Class of 2015. Be sure to remember us all here at Keele and let us know how you are doing.
Every year one outstanding student is chosen as the recipient of an award which recognises outstanding achievement, both academically and within the wider community of the University.
Winner of the Neil and Gina Smith Student of the Year Award.
Image credit: Keele University
Jaimie Marshall was awarded the 2015 Neil and Gina Smith Student of the Year Award at Keele University. Jaimie graduated from Keele with a First Class Honours Degree in Biomedical Sciences. and has been accepted onto the undergraduate medicine course at Keele, committing herself to a further six years of study. She has been described by the Director of Teaching and Learning as “a highly intellectual and most capable student”. Furthermore, Jaime has made vast contributions to the Hockey Society winning Most Improved Player in her first year. By her final year, she was Club Captain and Secretary of the Athletic Union, promoting sport and participation across campus.
Jaimie has also worked as a student ambassador, as a demonstrator in her School and as a mentor, supporting prospective and new fellow students. The interview panel members were extremely impressed with Jaimie’s drive and determination both to succeed in her chosen area of study, but also to make the most of every opportunity at Keele. Her Director of Studies has said that Jaimie has made an “excellent contribution to citizenship”.
Image credit: Keele University
CONCOURSE EDITORIAL TEAM
Contact John Easom, Alumni Manager for more information: j.c.easom@keele.ac.uk