In the Zone - Issue 7 - Spring 19

IN THE

ONE

Z

ISSUE 7 SPRING 2019

YOUR CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY MAGAZINE

Shoot for the Stars SOURCING A STELLAR INTERNSHIP p4-5 BECOME AN EXEPERT p6 MY CAREER ZONE DIGITAL p8-9 FINDING A JOB THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA p12

In yo T ur he tim Zo e ne, at c Ex are e t er er p ... la an nn d in be g yo for nd !

BLAST OFF

Welcome to In The Zone This year’s issue features the successes and challenges of a number of Exeter alumni who have been ‘shooting for the stars’. Our aim at the Career Zone is to facilitate you on your journey, whatever background you are from, discipline you are studying or career stage you are at.

This magazine has been produced in order to showcase that engaging with the Career Zone really does pay off. You’ll learn about the power of networking, planning for success (and dealing with failure), our growing suite of digital resources and fantastic schemes like career mentoring and the ‘Pathways’ programmes. At the end of this edition we proudly launch something we’ve been working on for quite a while, a careers service that lasts forever.

Our support does not end upon your graduation; we are still available to help you navigate your future after graduation – even if that takes you to the moon! Happy reading!

Oliver Laity Careers Information and Systems Manager, UoE.

Houston, we have a problem.

What am I going to do after graduation?

Your graduation ceremony will be a real milestone, and marks the completion of your study at Exeter (unless like me you’ll be doing graduation all over again with a postgrad course). Yet after the balls and parties you may be left wondering, what now? Blasting off into the ‘real world’ after what could be nearly two decades in the education system is a daunting prospect, but the Career Zone has lots of help and advice to ease the process for you.

Let’s face it, most graduates don’t know what they want to do for the years following University, let alone the rest of their working lives. It’s perfectly fine to take some time out after university, try a variety of roles, and find out what works for you. After completing my Master’s I’ll be moving up north, but beyond that, the next few years really could have anything in store for me!

So whether you’ve got a grad job already lined up, decided to pursue further study, taking a gap year, planning to gather experience, or even if you’ve got no idea what the coming months will bring, ensure that you keep in touch. The Career Zone is here to help.

Imogen Knox (BA History 2018 graduate, MA History)

so ar e

Reflect on yourself: who you are and what motivates you.

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Write down some routes you may be interested in.

er e

1

H

Deciding, Planning or Competing for a job.

m

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st ep s

to

ta

ke :

2/3

3

Everyone faces a variety of pressures when considering what career route to pursue.

There are logistical factors: some people love the fast pace and opportunities offered by central cities, others may prefer to stay closer to their family and friends. A dream job could require a huge relocation and economic pressures may potentially limit staying in a desired place.

4

Everyone gets conflicted when choosing a career; what do they value more passion, ability or money? What if they want to work in another country, or for a specific company? They might have no idea about where to start, or what they should be thinking about when choosing a career path. There may be specific needs in a job, such as wellbeing or accessibility.

Explore them… condense your options.

5

Engage with personal development resources.

6

Make your choice and write a careers plan.

Identify achievable goals.

Everyone is in a different stage of their career journey: you may be at the start of your degree and just thinking; you may be close to graduation and still thinking; you may have graduated and still not have a firm idea; you may have graduated and decided the job you found isn’t the right fit for you.

7

If you’ve got a range of options and you’re struggling to narrow them down, the Career Zone offers resources to support you in every one of my suggested steps (above).

Bethan Watson Current English Student

Factoid: 1392 GRADUATES LOGGED INTO OUR CAREER ZONE WEBSITE LAST YEAR

Create a support network to help you achieve them.

A

SO ST U EL RC LA IN R G IN A TE RN SH IP

common misconception is that internships are only for students in their penultimate year. Internships can also provide that vital stepping stone for graduates after University, whether you need a taste of the career before finding a graduate job, or you are looking to gain experience in a different career area.

It can be daunting organising an internship but the Career Zone’s Access to Internship team is here to support you. The Career Zone offers a range of advice for students and graduates including help on deciding what to do, updating your CV and providing funding (subject to eligibility) to enable you to create your own internship, tailored to your preferred industry and location.

OUTSHINE THE COMPETITION: • The experience will enable you to explore potential career areas.

• Looks good on your CV. • You can convert your academic knowledge into work based skills.

• You can make professional contacts.

Here’s how you get started: 1. Check your eligibility for funding via the A2I website.

2. Decide on the sector(s).

3. Check your CV and cover email is targeted.

4. Approach prospective employer(s) and direct them to the website for more information.

5. After you’ve received confirmation, apply through the online application form.

6. The A2I team will sort out the rest.

For further information on the Access to Internship Scheme; www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/internships/access/

4/5 Like most of us at the start of University life, graduation seemed far away, but my aim in my first year was to make the most of as many opportunities as possible. With no certain career path my best option was to explore as many avenues as possible. Career Zone helped me in this respect and I signed up for Green Consultants, Grand Challenges and attended many Exeter Award sessions.

This helped me turn my aspirations into something tangible.

As part of my course, Mathematical Sciences, we attend a Networking Panel with various companies associated with Penryn Campus, local and otherwise.

One of the panellists was the CEO of NJW Limited, a software company and he mentioned that they might have an internship opportunity. I connected with the CEO on LinkedIn, did my research and made a speculative application which was successful.

This internship was my first time in a professional setting with an independent assignment to complete. Everyone was busy, but helpful and I learnt a lot over the course of the project. During my interview for a Graduate job in Tax and Technology with KPMG. I was able to discuss the experience even though it was in a different area and this definitely helped me secure the role.

The role at KPMG is both an exciting and daunting prospect, but My Career Zone Digital is a treasure trove of resources and has information on things like career management and negotiating in the work place. I’m really excited and grateful that I‘ll have access to these resources and Career Zone for as long as I might need them.

Roweena Dasgupta (Mathematical Sciences, Penryn)

I applied for the graduate internship at Livewire PR while in my fourth year at Exeter. Like most students, I was anxious about what my future and career held so I was excited to discover the great roles available through the Graduate Business Partnerships. My internship is 22 months long, so in some ways is like my first graduate job.

My main duties include liaising with the media on behalf of our clients, writing press releases, completing administrative tasks and running clients’ social media. I have found this role invaluable as it has developed my writing skills, especially for different audiences and in various styles.

I have also had the opportunity to increase my knowledge about the way the media operates. I hope that this internship means I will be well set up in the future to work and succeed in the education and/or media sectors.

Rachel Stubbs (MA English Literary Studies 2018 Graduate) Now Public Relations Junior Account Executive.

I didn’t consider an internship prior to graduating.

Outpriced by postgraduate education and put off by the duration and vocational nature of many grad schemes I, like many of my peers, found myself graduating without a clear plan.

After applying through the Career Zone website, I was appointed Education Development and Student Experience Officer for the College of Humanities with a focus on Widening Participation.

My internship only started in December and it’s already surpassed my expectations. It’s a brilliant way to enter a professional space as a graduate and be treated like an asset, given responsibility, but also have a bedrock of support. Internships are about skills acquisition and I increasingly feel that I have the capability and right to occupy professional space.

Natasha Bradshaw-Price (BA Liberal Arts 2018 Graduate) now Education Development and Student Experience Officer.

Factoid: Last year the A2I team AWARDED OVER £320,000 to enable 336 students and recent graduates to arrange their own internships

Ever wondered what other steps are out there to get you into a role you’ll excel in? Or what a typical day in the company of your dreams is like?

E M O T N C R E A E B P E X E

The Exepert Scheme is a great way to seek advice about a role from an employed graduate in your chosen sector.

You can gain insight into a specific career without expending the cost and time on a role that you’re unsure is right for you.

All it takes is filling out an application and waiting for the Exepert team to pair you up with an alum that fit your requirements.

You’re encouraged to email the alumni with queries, questions and ideas. They have a list of suggested questions online, but your choices are in no way limited by these. Shoot for the stars, create career goals and build industry knowledge.

I’d always wanted to be a teacher when I was little; every time people asked me ‘what do you want to be when you’re older?’ it was the only answer I would give them.

Then I went for a week’s work experience in a primary school during college and never claimed I wanted to work in education again.

Where did that leave me? Studying a degree with endless opportunities and no way to break them down. All I knew was that I loved books, so my next answer to ‘what do you want to be when you’re older?’ was an editor in fiction publishing. But I wasn’t about to make the same mistake I did as a child. I decided to fill out an Exepert application form – to find out if this was a career I’d enjoy without wasting many years (and work experience opportunities) thinking it would be.

I didn’t have specific questions; I just wanted an impression of the day-to-day life of an editor and the possible routes into the career.

I copied a few suggested questions off the website when emailing Matt McAllister and received a wealth of information. He was more than happy to offer me an insight into his career – the good and the bad. He gave my CV to the managing editor, should they ever be in need of an intern. Not only was I provided with information and advice into a career I am still looking into, I was provided with more contacts and a possible future work experience placement.

The Exepert staff were very helpful and I have no doubt I will be using the service when next in a confused state about my future careers.

Brittany Willis (BA English)

As the heady days of university draw to a close, the prospect of securing a job suddenly becomes real. But I remember how figuring out what steps to take next was both daunting and confusing. I signed up to the scheme to try to give students and graduates an idea of how I got a job in publishing (after months trying to break into the industry). I know it’s something I would have benefitted from.

It’s been great to share my experience with students and recent graduates. It takes me back to those final months of university and beyond. It’s also been interesting for me to try to make sense of my own career! I’ve been contacted by about a dozen students since I signed up the scheme. I often get asked how I secured my first job in publishing, what a typical day is like and what the good and bad aspects of the job are. Students are also keen to find out about how I managed the transition from university to the world of work.

However, all students have had their own individual questions about aspects of the industry they are interested in.

I’d definitely recommend the Exepert scheme to students, recent graduates and alumni. Alum can share their experiences and play a vital part in the University of Exeter’s career advice, and students/ graduates can obtain valuable first-hand stories of how former students began (and progressed in) their career. Of course, students who found the scheme useful can always experience it from the other side by signing up as alum later!

Matt McAllister BA English Studies 2001 Graduate Now Freelance Editor

The Career Mentor Scheme has been helping students for 10 years

The Career Mentor scheme is now open to graduates

6/7

THE CAREER

MENTOR SCHEME

Before starting the Scheme I was apprehensive because I felt that I did not have enough experience within journalism to get my foot in the door. However, I overcame these worries when my mentor created small, achievable goals that enabled me to pursue my interest in journalism.

For example, we started by enhancing my CV and then speculatively contacting people for jobs. My mentor worked as an assistant editor at the BBC and was able to offer her expertise and experience, helping me to better understand the industry and how it works.

The transition from University to workplace has not come easy; however, my mentor has made the change feel less overwhelming.

The guidance I have received makes me confident with the stages of researching and applying for jobs, which has only strengthened my desire to work in journalism. I would advise students to be honest with their mentors, and no matter how big or small, ask what is on your mind.

It could be the little things that help you find your way.

I am now looking to secure a graduate or training programme in journalism and think the help my mentor gave me will prove invaluable in this stage of my career.

Ceylan Kolukisa (BA English and Drama 2018 Graduate)

After seeing an advertisement on the University Careers page, I decided to apply to the Career Mentor Scheme in the hope of being allocated a solicitor based in London. I wanted to discuss applications and the route to legal qualification.

My mentor and I regularly communicate through email. I have received a wealth of advice and first-hand experience regarding interviews, applications and commercial awareness topics. My mentor has been able to proof read applications and signpost other resources for aspiring solicitors that have been immensely helpful. While in London, I was able to meet my mentor and tour their office.

In a profession which is highly competitive and often socially stratified, the scheme has given me insight into how to approach application processes. I would highly recommend it as an interactive and positive form of career progression.

Since completing the scheme, I have been successful in gaining a vacation scheme and am currently writing applications for future training contracts with a much more realistic understanding of a career in corporate law.

Rachel Strickland (BA History 2018 Graduate) Current University of Law student

Factoid: 667 alumni volunteered their time last year to help current students.

Searching for jobs can be daunting at first, but My Career Zone’s website has a new feature – My Career Zone Digital, which is a great place to hone your employability skills.

The resources are separated into three categories: Decide, Plan and Compete, to provide resources for students and graduates at all stages of their career journey.

The Deciding stage can help you to recognise your strengths and realise your priorities; the Planning stage aims to help you improve your hirability and company research; the Competing stage involves preparing for interviews and assessment centres as well as job hunting.

Our resources also go beyond this, offering resources on IT Skills, moving into management positions and improving workplace skills.

Below, Tasia Boyton (IR and Spanish), Hermione Blakiston (Physics) and Brittany Willis (English) have detailed how specific resources have helped them when researching and applying for future jobs.

In order to benefit from these top tips, just log into My Career Zone, click the MCZ Digital icon and start searching for those key phrases.

5 tips to calm your nerves 1.

Rehearse

2.

Breathe

3.

Visualise

4.

Laugh

5.

See the good in nerves

My first video interview experience was nerve-racking, and affected the way I presented. I decided to seek advice at the Career Zone and used My Career Zone Digital to practice. I previously had dismissed advice relating to mindfulness and anxiety, however the online resources present these techniques in a scientific way and I reconsidered using them.

Breaking these elements down also enabled me to reflect on my last video interview and it was clear that I had not rehearsed enough.

I realised that, for my next interview, knowing my material so I could focus more on my delivery was key. The article also reminded me that nerves are not purely negative; they offer a burst of energy that might better help you deal with any unpleasant surprises. Seeing nerves in this different light has allowed me to embrace and convert them into positive energy. I now view them as a source of empowerment.

Mock Interview

8/9

The interview simulator was game-changing for me. Firstly, it gives you the option to browse through commonly asked interview questions.

It’s not an exhaustive list but it’s definitely a good start and from there you can brainstorm or search for related questions. Once I drafted my answers and rehearsed, I used the Mock Interview. This can either be ‘pre-built’ so the questions are chosen randomly for you, or if you’ve got an idea of the questions you might be asked, you can customise the questions. Then, best of all (or maybe worst) you get to watch yourself back. This is ideal practice for automated online interviews. You can pick out any bad habits you might have. For example: looking at the floor, playing with your hair etc. It’s a great opportunity to listen back to your answers and evaluate your delivery.

Using Career Pulse This allowed me to sit down and think about what exactly I need to do next to access my ideal career. I found it easy to sit back and think I’d done all I needed to by writing my CV and I found myself all too quick to move past questions such as ‘how well do you know your own strengths out of 5’. When I clicked on ‘hints’ and it asked if I could define the word strength, name some and expand on why they are my strengths, I found myself thinking for longer than expected, and perhaps marking myself lower than I initially thought. As a result of taking 10 minutes of thinking, I was given 3 areas to focus on, self-awareness being my main weakness and the thing I now know I need to spend time improving.

Questions to find the right employer for you.

“Researching employers” posits 7 questions to help you think about what you want to preference in your future job: whether this is hours, atmosphere, colleagues, uniform, customer demographic or whether the business’ ethics align with yours. I knew I wanted to work in either the defence, energy, banking or engineering sectors, but this resource aided me in narrowing down my search to suit my interests and passion - which was aeronautical engineering internships. I found that the production of missiles in the defence industry conflicted with my ethical beliefs and that the finance workplace may not be an environment in which I would thrive.

The aeronautical roles were advertised on employer search websites I found using Career Zone approved sites (such as GradCracker).

I applied for several of these internships and successfully attended phone interviews, but the company I ended up settling with I contacted independent of an online application - by email! The small aeronautics company were impressed by my speculative interest and personal statement. I am looking forward to starting in June.

Pathways is designed to take in those who are interested in a career in a certain discipline, and boost their knowledge, training and inspiration.

Week one is an intense learning week. You participate in talks from professionals, training sessions, Q&As and a project that’s presented in front of industry professionals. It covers loads of ground in your discipline – All in one week.

Week two is totally different. You are sent off into the big wide world to apply what you’ve learned into a business you are interested in.

Within this one-week internship, you get to know the ropes, meet the people and prove to yourself that you’ve got what it takes for a career in this industry. It’s the perfect taster; short, intense and varied.

For me, I went to a small marketing company in Exeter. I learned loads in just one week, and was able to ask my questions and improve my performance while I was there.

Sarah Hunt (BA Liberal Arts)

Jumping straight into the job market can seem pretty scary, right?

Before last year, I had this vague idea that marketing might be my career of choice, but I couldn’t say for sure. Not only was I worried that I wouldn’t have a strong grad scheme application, but I was also concerned that, in a workplace, I’d be doing a whole lot more sinking than swimming. Basically, I needed some metaphorical armbands, and I needed them quick.

ENTER

While other internships might expect me to already be a pro, I needed only passion to get onto the Pathways scheme, and came out of it with increased knowledge, confidence to apply to grad schemes, and a load more passion that resulted from the fab experiences I’d had.

There’s a wide variety of Pathway disciplines and talks from people who are specialists in those areas. If you’re not into marketing, there’s everything from politics to culture and heritage, and loads more.

For me, the most important part was that it gave me confidence to know that this is the right career path for me. For others, it may be the experience that helps them turn around and go in a different direction. Ultimately, Pathways is out to help you achieve the best for your future. It definitely did for me.

> Professional

Pathways

Summer is the opportunity to break free from university, to go out and live our best lives. That’s why a three-month summer internship can seem daunting; you go straight from exams into an even more testing environment. Pathways is different. You don’t have to give up your whole summer, and in return for spending two weeks in a structured scheme, you get peace of mind that you’ve gained a fabulous lilo of experience to keep you afloat during application season and in jobs.

It means you can chill when you’re bobbing around the pool just two weeks later.

There are currently eight pathways to choose from:

ARTS, CULTURE AND HERITAGE

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

CHARITY AND DEVELOPMENT

MARKETING

DATA ANALYSIS

POLITICS, GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR

DIGITAL INNOVATION

SPORT AND HEALTH

10/11

TESTIMONIALS I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this programme. I built relationships with other likeminded students and networked with industry professionals.

After the initial group learning and presentation, I completed a placement at the RAMM museum. My role involved creating frameworks to reduce visitor bias and incentivise visitors to complete feedback surveys. RAMM later informed me that they were implementing some of my ideas. It was fantastic to hear that I was solving real-life industry problems.

I was also contacted about another 3 month internship, which became a 6 month internship. Without the programme I would not have made these contacts, built professional relationships or been able to show potential employers my work.

After 6 months, my internship ended and I now work at Watts Gallery – Artist Village in Surrey. My new role is ‘Adult Programme Assistant’ which involves planning and running big events, workshops and courses for adults. I know that without my experience at the RAMM on the Pathways Programme, and its subsequent internship, I would not have been qualified for my new role. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that this programme provided me with, and would recommend anyone wanting to begin a career in the arts, culture and heritage sector to apply and make the most of such a rare and wonderful programme.

I decided to apply for the Pathways programme because I wanted to learn more about the opportunities surrounding arts, culture and heritage. I also wanted to learn sector-specific skills and marketability.

The experience was interactive with independent and teamwork exercises, as opposed to being like a lecture. I was given helpful advice on how to tailor my CV to a specific job. I felt more confident in communicating the transferrable skills I learned from my part-time and voluntary undertakings.

Following my internship with Hall For Cornwall, I was offered the opportunity to continue writing and editing their blog page.

Ellie Wilkins (English, 2018) Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage, 2018

The Pathways programme allowed me to network in the international trade sector and also with fellow students across multiple disciplines. I applied to the Pathways programme in my final year, having already secured a place on MA International Relations.

I wanted to gain more experience of international trade, expanding on an extracurricular course I took. The training week consisted of various representatives from the Department of International Trade & Business West speaking to us about their career opportunities and how different countries and cultures conduct business practice. Within my internship at Sassi Holford, I drafted a business case for expansion into the London market, which was a fantastic way of improving my business knowledge.

It’s now been two years since I’ve completed the Pathways programme and my master’s degree. I am now a trainee Business Analyst on the NHS Digital graduate scheme. I would encourage those who are interested in any of the Pathways programmes to take a leap and go for it!

Jodie O’Neill (BA History 2017, MA International Relations 2018) Pathways to International Trade, 2017

Charis Martin, (History with Study Abroad 2017) Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage, 2017

Factoid: 23% OF graduates find employment in the South West.

Finding a job

through Social Media

Here’s my top 5 tips for how to go about making the most of the wonder that is Social Media when doing your career planning: 1. What Happens in Vegas Stays… on YouTube…

Facebook...Twitter n Make sure you lock down your privacy settings and regularly check

these as they are often updated. n Google yourself – check what is already online about you and do this regularly. Clear up anything you wouldn’t want anyone to see if they googled you too. n Set up Google Alerts for your name to be informed about anything that is posted about you. n Lastly, just take a second to think about the effects anything you post may have before putting it online.

2. Build Your Brand Building your brand online can help you get ahead of the game and stand out to employers for the RIGHT reasons. The more active you are on social media sites, including LinkedIn, the higher you will appear in Google searches.

3. To Blog or Not to Blog…That is the Question Blogs are easy to start up; check out Word Press. You can use it to demonstrate your knowledge of certain areas, interest in a topic or skill sets. For example if you were interested in becoming a journalist your blog can show your writing ability. You can then add a link to it on your CV or LinkedIn account. Make sure however that you update your blog regularly otherwise there’s no point.

4. #Employers They may stalk you online but you can also do the same, so get proactive. n Subscribe across multiple platforms to get regular updates on job openings / events / company information etc. n YouTube can also be a great way to find out more about what the company offers. n Don’t be afraid to ask them a question or get involved in discussions.

5. We love LinkedIn And we hope you will too. Feedback from students shows that a large majority have LinkedIn accounts but aren’t sure how to make the most out of it. n Networking – Start connecting with people: students, friends,

contacts, employers, work colleagues. n Profile – Just like your CV, it should be targeted to the area you wish to get into. n Research – LinkedIn gives you access to millions of people’s profiles and career history across the globe, including University of Exeter alumni.

To start on your social media journey why not follow the Career Zone on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date with all things employability.

Happy Networking!

Rachel Coombes Careers Consultant

Chris Filsell and Matt Whittle put their English Literature skills to good use when they founded Full Fat Videos, a YouTube channel that dissects everything from movies, reality tv and internet culture.

Having just reached the end of their first year, they have garnered millions of viewers and are at the cusp of gaining 100,000 subscribers online.

Chris

12/13

MATT

Matt and I met at University when we were both members of Exeter’s student TV Station, XTV. We got on immediately and started collaborating on short films and videos together, running the student television station in our final year at university. Whilst both working full time in the TV industry, we wanted to keep our passion for making videos alive and started making video essays together.

One video quickly snowballed into 60 and we’ve now got a hard drive stacked with hundreds of ideas!

Whilst being a fun creative outlet, it’s also made us 1000x more employable and we’re both using the experiences we’ve gained from Full Fat Videos in our day-to-day jobs.

If you want to achieve something, you shouldn’t put constraints on yourself. Just keep pushing and eventually, you’ll get to a place you want to be!

Chris and I had always been fascinated by YouTube. After university we wanted to keep working together, and starting our own channel felt like the best bet! It feels like we found a way to keep our XTV work ethic alive and kicking. We slipped right back into sending each other 100’s of attachments and edit drafts every week… I think we secretly love the chaos.

We recently celebrated our one year anniversary. That was surreal.

We want to keep expanding the channel and the work we put out, with our first web series in pre-production at the moment.

If you want to get noticed, pick up a camera and make your own stuff.

Make more stuff after that. Keep making stuff until someone notices.

I’ve said stuff too much now. Stop reading this and grab that camera!

Matt Whittle (BA English 2017 graduate)

Chris Filsell (MA Literary Studies 2017 graduate)

Factoid: We have 125,000 alumni in 183 countries

SPECULATE TO

ACCUMULATE University provides an excellent platform for exploration. During my time so far, I have adopted an open-minded approach, engaged with resources, asked questions and, as a result, I am informed about my choices and don’t feel pressured to pursue only structured, well-publicised routes.

I entered the Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage scheme through Career Zone. I was initially interested in the heritage sector but after a week’s training with industry professionals, I realised I didn’t want to pursue this route. I contacted the Career Zone, who were able to put me in touch with TwoFour’s recruitment team.

They are a production company in Plymouth that spoke during the Pathways programme. As a result, I completed a week’s placement with them.

Networking isn’t rocket science. It’s about creating relationships; the most successful networking is based on genuine interaction. If you find someone who shares something inspiring on LinkedIn, writes a piece that you connect with on their blog, or currently works in your dream role, then reach out to them. My pro tip is be honest; be sincere.

For example, I recently undertook a two-week work experience placement at the BBC. I went into the opportunity with some ideas of what I wanted to accomplish, and my line manager responded to my engagement. I contributed during meetings and I made sure to ask individuals personal questions about their career journeys. The response I had was overwhelmingly positive, and I was given industry contacts in other areas of the UK. Getting a job doesn’t always mean following a set process through the well-advertised, structured routes. There might not be a formal scheme for what you want to do. You might not enjoy the framework of a formal graduate or internship role. An alternative is to reach out to employers that do interest you, regardless of whether they are currently advertising opportunities. All you need is a speculative application.

Bethan Watson (BA English).

Writing a speculative letter is a tricky concept. When you look up advice online, you’re met with broad statements like ‘tailor your letter to the company’ and ‘convey your skills’ which don’t immediately seem applicable.

It can be a struggle to stand out in a speculative email - I found this particularly difficult as an English student looking within the publishing industry. However, once I sat down, listed my work experience and interests and linked the transferrable skills to publishing, I soon found it wasn’t as scary as I thought.

Begin with a paragraph explaining who you are, your availability and the role/area you’re interested in. For me, this included what I studied, my dates outside of term-time and my interest in a role in publishing.

Next, explain why you chose that company. When I looked at their website, I was able to pick out two books they recently published that interested me.

What can you do for them? I currently lack formal publishing experience. So, I gave three experiences I had that I could relate to publishing. In my speculative cover letter, I explained how I would like to develop these skills in their workplace.

And most importantly, be patient and persistent. The process was not straight-forward. The company I wanted to work with replied to my first application asking for confirmation of details but didn’t respond to my reply. However, I persisted, and after politely but regularly chasing them, I was offered a role. It’s important not to shy away from reminding employers of your application or asking for feedback. Perseverance is key.

Brittany Willis (BA English)

14/15

There was a time when everyone’s career path was a clear process of picking your employer and moving forward through promotion.

More recently, it has been compared to laying your own crazy paving.

THE CAREERS RESOURCE TO GRADUATION AND BEYOND

It may not always feel like it but life will go on beyond that proud moment of graduation. You need to start that first graduate job and then continue to manage your own future. This can mean grasping the varied opportunities your employer offers or looking for new possibilities elsewhere while maintaining and developing your skill set.

Career Zone staff always encourage students to make early use of the help available, to find that dream job or postgraduate course.

For some, it can be a relatively painless process of knowing they were born to be a Banker and all the stars align for this. But for many, confusion can continue after graduation. Others can struggle to adjust to the rigid demands of their first job. So we remain available to give help, after you graduate. Career Consultants offer guidance and support on career choices and application strategies.

Some graduates do not find suitable jobs immediately and ask for help to focus on and continue their job search. Others may find that, despite their success in finding a job, they are not fulfilled and wish to change career or study at postgraduate level later. Many travel, volunteer and work abroad and can then feel distanced from the UK job scene. Other graduates may want a complete change from something very commercial to a more altruistic role or wish to explore the possibility of a portfolio career or self-employment. As those halcyon days at Exeter recede, changing circumstances may prompt the need to move into a new career phase and lifestyle that requires the information, support and guidance Career Zone can continue to offer.

I graduated from the University of Exeter nearly ten years ago.

Towards the end of my degree and in the midst of the global recession, I knew I needed a job which gave me a good start on the career ladder, but I knew very little about the private sector. At this time, I found Exeter’s careers resources invaluable in helping me with materials and Mark Armitage talked me through quite a few options (like consultancy - I had no idea what that was!).

After a year’s break where I worked in shops and volunteered in Ghana, I started the Barclays Graduate Management Programme.

Throughout this scheme and during my five years at Barclays, Mark remained very willing to help me by talking with me about my current career situation and alternative routes or checking CVs and application forms. The corporate working world is tough when you get started, so I really appreciated the support.

I now work at an independent Marketing Performance consultancy called Ebiquity, situated in the City of London. I specialise in website behavioural analytics, and recently I applied for an MSc in Social Sciences of the Internet at Oxford University’s Internet Institute to learn new skills and carry out some research of my own. Mark kindly helped with my application and I have now been successful with an offer.

Thank you Mark and Exeter Career Zone for your continued support!

Emily Young (BSc Archaeology with Information Technology Graduate)

Good Luck, Mark Armitage (Careers Consultant)

Factoid: 48.1% OF graduates find work back in their home region.

FOREVER IS FOREVER As a graduate from the University of Exeter the Career Zone is available to you forever.

We aim to offer the following services to our graduates: with a Careers Consultant n Career information and resources n CV, Covering Letter and Application Form checking n Access to My Career Zone job listings n Interview support

n Internship opportunities n Online webinars n Career Mentoring n Alumni careers networking n Alumni events n Enterprise and entrepreneurship support

For more details go to

www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/graduates/

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n Careers advice and guidance, via 1:1 appointments