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CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Keep Active
Mens sana in corpore sano Classicists will recognise this time enduring maxim!
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Translated as ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’. It may seem obvious but one can easily drift when times are uncertain. Maintaining a structure to your day helps, as does taking exercise. Take a break from your computer or phone. No need to go to the gym (if it’s open). Even walking rather than taking the car to the shops helps.
Volunteer
MICHAEL WONG MCCLURE 1976-1983 OMS CAREERS
Volunteering offers the opportunity not only to help others, but also develop one’s personal skills. This could take many forms: join a local community group, so many have sprung up during this Covid crisis, seek out a local charity or other organisations. See this link for helpful advice: www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering/iwant-to-volunteer/volunteeringcoronavirus
NETWORK
Think creatively about who you may know. Talking to your family, your friends’ parents, could be a start, but you may already have some ready-made networks through your societies, sports clubs etc. Sometimes it takes a bit of confidence to strike up conversations, but most people enjoy talking about what they do for a living. But in these difficult times be sensitive to others’ situations as they may be unable to help right now.
Always remember to make notes of what you’ve learnt; useful for future reference when making future applications, and to thank people for their time.
Sign up to networks such as Linkedin and other professional groups is another way to develop your networks. OMs have had to suspend their networking events for now, it may be able to put you in touch with its members for informal discussion or advice in different careers.
Careers Services
Make use of your university or college careers services. They continue to be open providing a full range of virtual services: guidance discussions, talks, and work opportunities.
Keep a record and update your CV. People often compose a CV and think the task is done. However it should be regarded as a ‘living’ document and to be revised and updated regularly so is available to be submitted quickly if needs be.
Here’s a link to a helpful site: www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/ cvs-and-cover-letters
