Second Edition March 2014
BIG CAREERS MAGAZINE Big Careers Presents
Apprenticeships You’re hired! Your Guide to Apprenticeships! Win an iPad!
See inside for more details
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND JOB HUNTING: ARE YOU GETTING IT RIGHT? HIGHEST PAID JOBS IN THE UK : YOU’LL BE SURPRISED! HELP WITH INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Fashion Picks for this spring!
Win an iPad with NCFE!
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Big Careers UK www.big-careers.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/bigcareers Twitter: @bigcareersuk
Welcome... Welcome to the second edition of the Big Careers Magazine. Once again we have a jam-packed edition filled with advice, support and information about finding your big career successfully. This edition has a strong focus on exams- exam pressures, stresses, plans after the dreaded exam period, plus coping with unexpected results. As always, let us know what you think and keep sending in your suggestions for features. Let’s find your big career together! Best Wishes, Big Careers UK Team
Contents 5 News 6 Careers Spotlight 8 Social Media and Job Hunting 10 You’re hired! 11 Did you know/Double Dutch 12 Interview questions 14 Coping with exam stress 15 Plan your summer 16 Work and study 18 The back-up plan 19 Look on the bright side 20 Big Careers on Trend 22 Fun stuff 24 Big Careers quiz
Publisher Big Careers UK Limited Reporters Chardelle Mason Designer Chantelle Prempeh Admin & Marketing Lini Ly Other Editorial Contributions NCFE Editorial: info@big-careers.co.uk Sales & Marketing Chardelle@big-careers.co.uk Design: designer@big-careers.co.uk General Info lini@big-careers.co.uk 9 Gunnery House, Gunnery Terrace, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London, SE18 6SW www.big-careers.co.uk
S W E N Know Your Rights If you’re working full-time, part-time or weekends- make sure you’re getting paid the correct and legal wage. The minimum wage rates for workers in England are: Apprentice £2.68 Under 18 £3.72 18-20 £5.03 21 and Over £6.31 More info at www.gov.uk
True or false? The most spoken language in the world is English False: The most spoken language in the world is Mandarin with over a billion speakers!
A Career in Driving…? Put on the Brakes!
The government is considering new plans to raise the legal driving age to 19 years. It is proposed that young people should spend at least a year learning how to drive at 17, then once they pass at 18 there will be tough restrictions until they’re 19. These include only being allowed to drive after 10pm with someone over 30 in the car. So, if you want a career as a taxi driver, delivery driver or self-employed courier, you might have to put on the brakes for a year... or two!
10 Leave school and get a job at just 10-years-old! Yes that’s right, when compulsory education was first introduced in 1870 under the Forster Act, the school leaving age was just 10-years-old. Could you imagine 10-year-olds leaving school in 2014 to get jobs? Tweet us your thoughts @bigcareersuk
Winner’s Corner Big Careers would like to congratulate Kevin Coxe from Woodhouse College for winning four tickets to Wembley.. You have to be in it to win it! More competitions on page 5…
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NEWS
Fancy a career in the sun… or snow? We hear a lot about the EU and migrant workers coming to the UK for work. But have you ever considered working outside of the UK? Take advantage of your EU status and seek work in the sun, snow, sleet or sand…..
Widen your job search to find more opportunities Popular countries to work in
EU COUNTIRES Spain Italy Germany France Portugal
NON - EU China USA Switzerland Dubai Australia
WORK PERMITS
As an EU member you do not need a permit to work or live in another EU country. But seek more advice if you wish to work in a non-EU country, as each has its own rules.
Fancy winning an iPad? Well the brilliant people at NCFE are offering you the chance to win a FREE iPad to help towards your big career. Simply log on to their website and sign up for your chance to win! www.ncfe.org.uk/apprenticeshipsinfo £500 & a Fashion Stand up for Grabs! Yes, we still have £500 off a Cabin Crew Course and a stand at a London Fashion event to give away. If you fancy a career in the sky or want to showcase your fashion designs, please visit our website for more details on how you can win www.big-careers.co.uk
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Career Spotlight In each edition we will shine the spotlight on 3 careers. This edition will focus one the careers of a Hairdresser, Accountant and a Fashion Designer. Check out each career spotlight to see if one could be for you!
Hairdresser£14,000- £35,000+
Hairdressing is a great career that offers diversity, fun and choice. You can specialise to become a hair stylist or colourist and your place of work can also vary. Some Hairdressers choose to work a traditional 9-5 in a salon while others opt to work from home, in hotels or spas, as personal hairdressers, or as self-employed mobile hairdressers. A career in hairdressing can take you all over the world
as it’s a profession practiced everywhere. Hairdressing can even bring you fame and fortune. Famous hairdressers include Lee Stafford, Trevor Sorbie MBE and Vidal Sassoon CBE. Get into hairdressing There are a number of routes into this profession. You can get onto a hairdressing apprenticeship with a local salon. Apprenticeships can be found at www.big-careers. co.uk/jobs or the National Apprenticeship website. Alternatively, you can take a vocational hairdressing course
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at a local college or specialist hairdressing school. Training can last between six months to three years depending on how far you want to take your studies. Salaries for hairdressers start at around £14,000, rising to £24,000, with experience. Salon managers can make between £28,000, to £35,000. Television hairdressers can earn up to £250 a day. Tip: Get work experience. Finding a placement in salons can be very competitive, so widen your search to hotels, spas and boutiques.
Career Spotlight
Accountant£26,000-£85,000+ You don’t have to love maths to be an accountant, it’s a diverse role where no two days are the same. One day can see you advising a big company on new business ventures while the next could see you consulting with an individual about how to manage personal finances. Of course, there will be large elements of maths and numbers involved, but you will also spend a lot of time getting to know your clients and their business. Like most professionals,
Fashion Designer£16,000-£85,000+ A career as a fashion designer can open many doors. You can work as an in-house designer for an established clothing brand, or start your own clothing company selling original designs. If you don’t want to design clothes for retail, you can work in the creative sector designing costumes for films, theatre productions, pantomimes and plays. Or you can even use your design skills to create clothes for animals or children’s dolls. Well known UK fashion designers include Stella McCartney, Paul Smith, Victoria Beckham and Vivienne Westwood.
accountants can choose to be employed by a company or work for themselves as a consultant. Get into accounting The traditional route into this career is through a university degree progressing onto a professional courses which leads to qualification as an accountant. Alternatively, you can skip the degree by getting onto an accountancy apprenticeship. Contact a local accountancy firm or check online at www.big-careers.co.uk and www.apprenticehips.org.uk to see what opportunities are
Get into fashion designing Your first step should be choosing the type of fashion design you would like to do- adults, teenagers, children, babies, animals, costume design..? Once you have made a decision, you can take a course at a local college to learn the basics. After completing the course you can attend university to do a fashion degree, or a vocational college that specialises in fashion courses. You do not need a degree to become a fashion designer, but some chose this route to learn more about their craft. Whatever route you take, our advice is to
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available. If you want to skip the degree and apprenticeship, you can apply directly to a college or private training body that offer professional accountancy qualifications. You can start from as early as aged 16! Tip: Get some work experie nce or ask to shadow an accountant for a week. This will give you the best insight into the job.
start creating your own pieces and make a portfolio. Tip: Lend your design skills to local theatre companies or local drama schools. All experience is great for your CV and skills set.
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Social Media and Job Hunting- are you making the most of it? Job hunting is changing. Gone are the days of searching through newspapers or looking at adverts in shop windows. More and more employers are using social media to advertise their jobs to the masses and find new candidates. Why are employers changing? Cost: it is much cheaper for companies to use social media to advertise jobs- Tweeting is free! Time: social media allows jobs to be advertised across the country in a matter of seconds Reach: social media is available across the globe which means companies can communicate with millions of people with one tweet!
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Job Hunting Methods: Traditional Vs Social Media
Traditional
Social media Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Email
Newspaper adverts Handing out CVs Job Boards Job Centre Employer’s Website
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SOCIAL MEDIA
How do I make the most of Social media in my job search? 1) Sign up to Twitter
2) Join LinkedIn
Get onto Twitter by creating a free account. Once you’re set-up, follow the companies you’re interested in. They will regularly tweet about their job vacancies, apprenticeships, school-leaver programmes or graduate schemes.
LinkedIn is the professional version of Facebook. You can create a profile with a picture and fill in your work history, academic qualifications and interests. Use LinkedIn to search for job openings, join company groups and network with people in sectors you’re interested in entering.
3) Utilise Facebook
4) Digitalise your CV
Most employers will have a Facebook page or profile. They will use this to connect with people seeking opportunities within their company. Join the Facebook group to keep up-to-date with new vacancies and opportunities.
There has never been a better time to adapt your CV to the digital era. Simple adjustments such as adding your LinkedIn profile URL to your CV, can have a great effect. Equally, if you have a website or online portfolio of work, add the links to your CV.
Remember: Join the Big Careers Facebook Group to receive regular job updates www.facebook.com/bigcareers
Royal Navy Jobs To maintain the Royal Navy’s world-class reputation, not only as a naval power but also an investor in people, we seek high quality and motivated individuals to join the Officer Corps. Currently, the Royal Navy and Royal Marines have vacancies for young men and women in the Officer Corps. Opportunities exist in the Warfare, Aircrew, Logistics, Engineering, Medical & Nursing branches and also the Royal Marines (males only). Join the Royal Navy for a life without limits. To find out more:
royalnavy.mod.uk/careers
08456 07 55 55 #NavyJobs
YOU’RE HIRED
You’re hired! Why Apprenticeships are a great route into work If you’re not sure about university and want to earn a wage while still getting qualified, an apprenticeship could be for you. Becoming an apprentice is a great way to learn all about a business or trade from within a company. You can complete paid work in roles ranging from hairdressing, electrical engineering, youth work and animal care.
More than 280 types There are more than 280 different types of apprenticeships which last between one and four years. You can get started from the age of 16, working around 30 hours a week in your chosen industry. Some apprentices train entirely on the job while others spend a few hours per week at a local college. At the end of the apprenticeship you will receive a qualification such as an NVQ plus there is a good chance you could land a permanent job with the company you have trained with. That is exactly what happened to 20-year-old Londoner Laurence George.
Potential Promotion Two years ago he started a business administration apprenticeship at training provider JGA Group in Eastcote, London, and he’s just been promoted to become the company’s apprenticeship account manager. “I was doing well academically at school but no longer enjoyed the classroom style of learning, after all sixth form and university aren’t for everyone,” says Laurence who lives in Ruislip. “I was offered my apprenticeship in business and administration after a couple of months looking and now I’ve almost finished an advanced apprenticeship in marketing as well. “It’s amazing how far I’ve come in the past two years and I definitely believe I made the correct decision leaving the classroom and becoming an apprentice.” He adds: “I’ve learned a great deal, gained a wealth of experience and acquired many new skills.” You can start at intermediate, advanced or higher (degree) level. Higher apprenticeships offer an alternative route to university into professions such as insurance, accounting, and law. And there’s no need to worry, training is paid for by the government
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and your employer, if you’re aged between 16 and 23. Those aged 24 plus have the chance to apply for an FE loan to cover college fees.
Get Paid Companies must pay apprentices the appropriate national minimum wage which is £2.68 for those under 19 and first year apprentices, £4.68 for 19 and 20 year olds and £6.19 for those aged 21 and over.
Entry Requirements Different apprenticeships have different entry requirements and if you don’t have good GCSE grades in maths and English, you might need to take a literacy and numeracy test. If you would like to speak about apprenticeships with a career adviser face-toface or on the phone, contact the National Careers Service by visiting www.nationalcareersservice. direct.gov.uk, calling 0800 100 900 or speaking to them at one of our Big Careers Fairs. To find out more about apprenticeships check out the National Apprenticeship Service website at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
To find out more about apprenticeships check out the Big Careers Website at www.big-careers.co.uk Five Apprenticeship Advantages 1) Get paid while you learn 2) Get an early foot into a company
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3) Gain hands-on Experience 4) Take home industry recognised qualifications 5) Feel a great sense of achievement once complete
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DID YOU KNOW/double dutch
Did You Know? Data from Guardian Newspaper online http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/dec/18/what-are-the-best-paid-jobs-uk-2013 18th December 2013, Donna Ferguson
Highest Paid Professions in UK- 2013 6. Company lawyers pay: £63,484.
1. Head of major organisations pay: £84,453.
7. Public relations directors pay: £60,486.
2. Aircraft pilots pay: £78,356.
8. Senior police officers pay: £57,664.
3. Marketing directors/ Sales Directors pay: £68,438.
9. Information Technology directors pay: £55,426.
4. Transport associate professionals pay: £64,889.
10. Senior officers in protective services pay: £54,539.
5. Medical practitioners pay: £63,677.
Double Dutch! Double up your chances of success by learning a new language. Employers will be jumping at the chance to employ you! Our top picks Mandarin Spoken In- China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia Useful for international trade! French Spoken in- France, Canada, Switzerland Great for working in bi-lingual companies Arabic Spoken in- Dubai, Egypt, Qatar Language of ‘new money’ and wealth! Spanish Spoken in Spain, Columbia, Puerto Rico Great for working in fast developing economies in South America Portuguese Spoken in Portugal, Brazil, Angola Brazil’s economy is expanding at a fast rate – get in early!
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Interview questions you don’t expect! You’ve got an interview, well done. But what are they going to ask you? Each edition Big Careers will explore some popular interview questions, as well as those you might not be ready for. We’ve got you covered!
Describe any positions of responsibility This is sometimes viewed as a difficult question, but with preparation it is very easy to answer. The interviewer wants to know when you have been given responsibility in a team. This can be a school/college society, a sports team, a group project or a past job. Remember to describe your responsibilities and all the things you had to do - big and small things! Useful Tip: Make sure you explain what you learned from your positions of responsibility and highlight any challenges such as having to meet deadlines, working under pressure or solving problems. This will demonstrate your ability to be reflective.
Questions you expect
What is your greatest achievement? The interviewer is looking for honest and unique answers. Make sure the answer reveals something about your personality. In addition to skills and experience, the interviewer is looking for someone with interests. Be proud of your achievements and don’t be scared to show them off. Useful Tip: Your chosen achievement can be anything ranging from exam results, something you’ve won, to a charity fundraiser or something you made
Give an example of when you worked as part of a team
Got a job interview coming up? Go through interview questions with a friend or a member of your family. Be Prepared!
If employed, you will be joining a team of people already working together. The interviewer needs to be certain you will get along with others and fit in. When preparing your answer make sure you explain the type of team you’ve been in, the activities you did and the role you played. Leader, motivator, supporter, organiser….? Useful Tip: Remember you can draw on any experience like being in a sports team, on the school council, in a choir or a weekend job.
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interview questions Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Questions you don’t
This answer needs to convince the interviewer that you are serious about working for their company and have the ambition to progress up the ranks. Great answers always include plans of becoming a director within the company or being promoted to a senior position. You can also include personal goals such as travelling, owning property, running a marathon or even visiting space. Plan how you would answer this question before an interview. Useful Tip: Even if you do not see yourself in the same company in 10 years, do not reveal this to the interviewer. This is one of many steps to your dream career. Never close doors of opportunity.
What do you do in your spare time? The interviewer is trying to find out who you are and what passions you have. Are you a part of a sports team? Do you volunteer? Are you a member of any clubs or societies? Do you collect anything? Do you play an instrument? Can you sing or dance? Useful Tip: Things to avoid saying, even if true: sleeping, Facebooking, texting, winding my parents up, nothing!
Have you had an interview recently? Did you struggle with
Have you had any other interviews this week?
answering the questions? If
We recommend that you answer this question with complete honesty. If this is your first interview, don’t be afraid to say. Everyone has to start somewhere and your interviewer will take this into account. If this is your second, third or fourth, feel free to say. This could even act in your favour as they will recognise that other companies are taking an interest in you. Useful Tip: Be honest.
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yes, send them to us and we’ll help you answer them. Simple, strange, silly, send them all to magazine@big-careers.co.uk or post them on our Facebook page
COPING WITH EXAM STRESS
Coping with Exam Stress Deadlines, deadline, deadlines. Whether it’s course work, assignments or exam revision, we all have deadlines to meet. May to July tend to be the months where most students face such deadlines - coping during this time can be difficult. Big Careers has devised some useful tips for remaining calm and controlled for the next four months.
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Plan Ahead - use a timetable or diary to plan out your revision and remember your deadlines
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Ask for Help - don’t be afraid to ask your tutors and teachers for help or clarity on any work you’re finding confusing. They are there to help you!
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Share the Burden - don’t suffer in silence, speak to your friends and family about your exam stresses. They may be able to offer you advice on how they are coping
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Stay Healthy - exercising and healthy eating are great for de-stressing and staying positive. If you’re not a gym person, try taking a walk or going for a swim
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Take sensible time out - be sure to take regular breaks between studying. This is vital for maintaining concentration and productivity
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Group Study - create a study group with friends. You can test each other , share exam tips and offer support
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ROCK
h witg es .
Learn as you earn in many exciting careers. Come and see us at Stand 24 at the Big Careers Fair Midlands
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Maintain Good Sleeping Patterns – simple but true. Remember to sleep and give your body (and brain) a good rest. Tiredness only adds to stress!
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Don’t overload - be realistic about what you can fit in each day. Try breaking revision down into small sections that can be completed separately
10 www.esguk.com esgltd
@esg_ltd
Practice - one of the best ways to cope with exam stress is to be prepared by practicing past exam papers.
Don’t Panic!
More advice and help Young Minds: http://www.youngminds.org.uk/ 14
PLAN YOUR SUMMER NOW!
Plan your summer now! Staying in England this Summer? Fed up of doing the same thing each year? Well try something new and use the summer to get ahead in your big career! Join a Vacation Scheme Larger companies offer young people the opportunity to experience real work through vacation schemes. Most schemes last between four to eight weeks and are paid. These schemes are very competitive so get your applications in early! Summer Benefit: Working in a large company and earning some money!
Volunteer Volunteering is a great way to spend your summer. Find a charity that you feel passionate about and offer them your time. Your volunteering is not restricted to the UK, in fact international charities organise schemes for British students to volunteer overseas. Summer Benefit: Doing something worthwhile and life-changing – for you and others.
Tap into your business side If you’re interested in business, use your summer to trial a small business adventure. You can sell items on 1303_ARU_Open_Day_portrait_01.pdf ebay, trade at a car boot sale, offer private tutoring, create items for your local market or wash neighbours’ cars….. The opportunities and ideas are endless. SECURE YOUR Summer Benefit: Learning valuable business skills and experience
FUTURE
Learn a Language Learning a new language can place you in a great position when looking for careers and applying for jobs. The language you choose and the way you learn is entirely up to you: audio CDs, language books, group classes or private tutor….. The choice is yours. Summer Benefit: Becoming bilingual – this might take longer than one summer but it’s a start!
Other things you can do:
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Learn to play an instrument Learn how to drive a car Take up a free courses at your local library Join a sports club & become part of a team
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For further information and to register visit www.anglia.ac.uk/bigcareers
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25/02/2014
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Work and study: Double Trouble or Winning Combination? For many of us, working and studying is the only option we have. Whether it’s keeping a full time job or working on the weekend for extra cash, thousands of young people are opting to do both. But is working during your studies a boost to your future success, or a burden on your studies? We look at the debate to see if it’s double trouble or a winning combination.
Double Trouble Working and studying can be a dangerous duo. Some of the negative effects include:
Winning Combination Working and studying could place you in a great position during and after your studies…
1)Poor Health
There’s nothing better than having extra cash while you’re studying. You can spend the cash on extra resources, books, nights out…..
Working and studying can leave you tired and exhausted with poor sleep patterns
2)No Free Time
Exams preparations and coursework deadlines combined with demands at work can create high stress levels
3)CV Building Having a job during your time in education is great for your CV. It shows you can balance your time effectively
4)Conflict of Interest
2)Gain Skills Working can supply you with excellent skills for the future: Time management, customer service, team work, sales experience….
If you’re working after college/uni or on the weekends, you will have little or no free time to relax
3)High Stress Levels
1)Earn and Learn
Conflicts can arise when your employer wants you to work more hours during your exams or study periods.
5)Tough to meet Deadlines If you work during your free time, problems can arise when you have looming deadlines.
4)Keep Busy If you only have six hours of college or university per week, getting a part-time job is a great way to help structure your time
5)Reduce Debt Levels If you’re earning, there is less reason for you to take out a loan. If you do decide to, it could be for a smaller amount
Tips for doing both successfully...
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WORK AND STUDY
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THINK FIRST! Do you really have the spare time to get a job? Some college courses and degrees have more contact time than others. Don’t over stretch yourself!
Location is key - Choose a job close to your home or place of study. Don’t waste valuable time (and money) travelling
Choose your employer wisely - make sure you choose an employer that is ‘student friendly’ and can offer you the best hours to fit in with your studying
Check your contract- check your contracted hours are suitable for you and the days of the week you have to work are set in the contract. You don’t want any surprises or changes in work patterns over exams
Stick to your hours- try to stick to your contracted hours unless you have free time available.
Stay organised- remain organised by keeping a timetable and diary of your exams and upcoming deadlines Take holidays during exam periods – book your annual leave around your exams Inform your employer- let your employer know that you are a student studying. This will allow them to express some flexibility and understand your situation Stay on top of your finances- just because you are earning does not mean you need to spend more! LOOK AFTER YOU! Make time for leisure activities like spending time with friends and family
FURTHER EDUCATION OPEN DAYS: 17TH OF MARCH 2014 8TH OF NOVEMBER 2014
UNDERGRADUATE & POSTGRADUATE OPEN DAY: 14TH OF JUNE 2014
University College Birmingham offer courses at Further Education Undergraduate and Postgraduate level in the following areas:
HOSPITALITY & EVENTS TOURISM BUSINESS & MARKETING SPORT FOOD HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE COMMUNITY EDUCATION & CHILDHOOD HAIRDRESSING & BEAUTY THERAPY
SPECIALIST MEDIA MAKE-UP If you would like to visit us or find out more, please go to www.ucb.ac.uk.
ACCREDITED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
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THE BACK-UP PLAN
The Back-up Plan! We all have career dreams and ambitions but there is nothing wrong with having a great back-up plan. Your plan doesn’t have to mean opting for a ‘second choice career’, but a career that you equally love and can succeed in.
Why do I need a back-up plan? We all have insurance for our mobiles, guarantees on our laptops and back-up clouds for our data, yet people don’t have back-ups for their careers. Formulating one can give you piece of mind and a sense of security if things go wrong. Plus, it’s an alternative career route you can take if you grow to dislike your current job.
When will I use my back-up plan? Some people will never use theirs but instead stay in their chosen career until retirement. However, you might have to use your back-up plan if you: • Don’t get a place on your chosen course, degree or apprenticeship • Lose your job • Face redundancy • Dislike your job • Want to make more money • Fancy a career change • Become ill / Sustain an injury • Move home- within or outside UK
The back-up plan rules Consider your qualifications: Make use of yours by choosing a back-up career that you’re already qualified to do. If you have a BTEC, look at a career that requires your qualification or if you have a degree, make use of it. This will require some research.
Use what you know: Think about the knowledge and skills you already have when choosing a back-up career. If you can dance, consider a back-up career in theatre. If you speak another language, consider a career as a translator. If you can drive, how about a career as a driving instructor….?
Be realistic: Choose a back-up career that you can achieve and is in your reach. Follow your passion: Choose a back-up career that you have a passion for - think about all the things you wanted to do as a child. You can still make it happen!
Don’t be afraid of change: If you’ve failed exams, chosen the wrong college course or are struggling in your chosen career route, don’t be afraid to change.
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LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Great places to get help and support: Big Careers Job Board and Library National Careers Service Start Up Loans Job Centre Plus
Look on the Bright Side Techniques and tips to help find the positive in every situation Failure is something we don’t like to think, let alone speak about - but it will happen to most of us at some point during our working or academic life. Let’s stop seeing failure as something negative and see instead what we can learn. Big Careers has taken three common situations you might face and outlined our advice to gain something positive.
Results day: Bad exam results/ lower grades than predicted Your First Reaction: Feeling deflated and anxious about the future – especially if you needed higher grades to get onto a particular course or degree. Our Advice: If you need higher grades, you can always retake the exams. Speak to your teachers about early entry as you may not need to retake the entire year, just one or two modules. Alternatively, if you’re not so keen on retaking - or doing any more classroom learning - you could consider a vocational apprenticeship. There are hundreds to choose from and no set start date - apprenticeships are available throughout the year. Take your time and choose the right one for you! Look at the Positives: Although you did not get the grades you wanted, congratulate yourself for completing your studies to the end and taking the final exam. Not everyone does, so WELL DONE!
Left school or college: Struggling to find work Your First Reaction: Feeling demotivated and frustrated at the lack of suitable jobs. Our Advice: Strengthen your CV by gaining work experience and new skills. Volunteering is a great place to start. Visit your job centre or ask local businesses for one to three days of volunteering. Most small businesses will welcome a volunteer for a few days a week. Equally, have you considered working for yourself? You could start up a shop on eBay, sell items at your local market or offer a local service such as window cleaning, flyering for local businesses or gardening…….. Look at the Positives: Once again feel proud you have completed your GCSEs, BTECs, A-Levels or degree. Also, there is funding and support available for under 30s that want to start a business.
Interview: Not hired for the role Your First Reaction: Feeling upset due to the unsuccessful outcome. Our Advice: Always request feedback from the interviewer/company. Interview feedback is so important, but not enough people request it. You have the right to ask for feedback and this could be the key to discovering why you were unsuccessful and you can build on this next time. You should also practice interview questions with friends or family. Filming yourself is always a great way to see how you are presenting yourself to employers. Look at the Positives: You did very well to get to the interview stage – which for most jobs is the final stage. All interviews should be seen as a learning curve. With each interview you will inevitably get better and gain more confidence.
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Big Careers on TREND
Our top picks for dressing for success this spring. School, college, apprenticeship or training: look your best and achieve big! FOR HIM SHIRT £10 f+f @ Tesco mens
RED BOMBER £45 NEXT
slim chinos £23 asos
trousers £12 primark
SUNglasses £13 NEXT
bag £32 asos
blazer suit £28 primark
mens jumper £14 tu AT sainsburys
shorts £18 ASOS
grey boots £22 matalan
shoes £26 next
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STOCKISTS
t-SHIRT £8 f+f @ tesco mens
TU at Sainsburys, F+F at Tesco, Bank Fashion, Love Label at Very
TOP £14.99 blue inc
big careers on trend
navy bag £15 matalan shorts £25 Love Label @ very
FOR HER
yellow shirt £12 george
HAT £18 next
Top £8 matalan
TU at Sainsburys, F+F at Tesco, Bank Fashion, Love Label at Very Next, George at ASDA, Matalan, Blue Inc, PRIMARK, ASOS
STOCKISTS
playsuit £35 Love Label @ very
trousers £29 Love Label @ very jacket £28 f+f @ tesco
Skirt £38 asos
shoes £14 f+f @ tesco
green shoe £12 matalan
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Fun Stuff! How will you celebrate the end of exams?
Top 10 New Movies Releases this summer!
Celebrate in style (and in budget) 1) Picnic – Grab some snacks, a blanket and your mates. Head over to the park and have some fun in the sun 2) Movie Night- An oldie but a goldie! Relax and watch your favourite movies with friends 3) Coach Trip- Take a day trip to somewhere you’ve never visited in the UK. National coach trips start from just £5 and most operators offer discounts to students under 25. TAKE ADVANTAGE! 4) Games Night- Chill out with friends by playing your favourite games. PlayStation, Wii, Monopoly or even good old chess… 5) Lazy Day- You’ve been working hard all month, so take a day off and chill out. Tweet us your celebration pics @bigcareersuk
1) Transformers 4: Age of Extinction (July) 2) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July) 3) Godzilla (May) 4) The Expendables 3 (August) 5) X-Men: Days of Future Past (May) 6) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (August) 7) Captain America: The Winter Soldier ( April) 8) The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May) 9) Need For Speed (March) 10) Sin City: A Dame to Kill For ( August)
Match the Movie/tv show to the school, university or college movie/tv show school James Wood High The Social Network Forks High School The Simpsons Movie Bel Air Academy Family Guy Springfield Elementary School Harry Potter Rydell High Grease Hogwarts Fresh Prince Of Bel Air Harvard University Twilight Saga
Who does what? superhero Spiderman Batman Iron Man Superman Captain America
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www.big-careers.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/bigcareers Twitter: @bigcareersuk Is £4.53 the minimum wage for some over 18? NO, the minimum wage is £5.03 for 18-20 year-olds and £6.31 for those
4)
Can you do more than one apprenticeship? NO, you can only do 1 apprenticeship in the UK
3)
Do apprentices get paid? YES
2)
Can you become an accountant without a degree? YES
1)
aged 21 plus (as on Feb 2014)
Can British people work in America without a VISA or permit? NO you need to apply for a green card or permit to work
10)
Can British people work in France without a VISA or permit? YES
9)
Do you have to pay for careers advice? NO, It is free with National Careers Service
8)
Are college courses free for everyone? NO, they are free for under 19s.
7)
Can you join the army at 51? NO, Maximum age for a new hire is 32 years and 11 months
6)
Can you join the army at 15? NO, the minimum age is 16
5)
1) Can you become an accountant without a degree? 2) Do apprentices get paid? 3) Can you do more than one apprenticeship? 4) Is £4.53 the minimum wage for some over 18? 5) Can you join the army at 15? 6) Can you join the army at 51? 7) Are college courses free for everyone? 8) Do you have to pay for careers advice? 9) Can British people work in France without a VISA or permit? 10) Can British people work in America without a VISA or permit?
Quick Quiz Questions quick quiz questions