Getting Started

Getting Started

Go to your Careers Service first...

Every university provides some form of Careers Service for its students. Many students are unaware of the range of information and advice available from their Careers Service – and are really missing out as a result! Careers Services are there to help you, so make sure you drop into the office in the early stages of your job-hunting (preferably in your penultimate year, or earlier) and find out all about the resources available.

The range of Careers Services provided varies from university to university, but most provide print and web resources, workshops, individual assistance and an on-campus graduate employer programs or events. Even if you are not in your final year, this information will be valuable, as career researching is important task at any stage of your study.

But can’t I just go on the net?

The internet is great for background research and finding out general information about employers and industries, but your Careers Service can assist you in ways the wonderful web cannot. Staff can tailor the assistance they provide you, recommending a course of action suitable to your discipline, ambitions, strengths and individual circumstances.

What if?

I know the career direction I want to head in...?

Careers staff will be able to provide targeted information on graduate recruitment programs, vacation and volunteer work programs and ongoing opportunities.

I don’t feel confident about applying for jobs and don’t know what skills I have to offer?

Careers staff can provide you with essential job preparation skills, such as self assessment, résumé preparation, networking, application writing and interview techniques. They will also assist you to recognise the value of any part-time work you may have done in boosting your employability. This applies equally to voluntary work, sporting endeavours, community involvement and clubs/societies participation. You have more skills than you think you do!

Help! I don’t know what I want to do…

If you are unsure about the direction you should take, request a one-on-one session with a careers advisor. He or she can assist you in exploring your background, skills, experiences, qualities, aspirations and the rewards you seek in future work settings.

As well as providing personalised attention, your Careers Service will have a wide range of resources to assist you in making the right career decisions, such as books, journals, videos/DVDS and workshops on specific industries or occupations.

Graduate employer information

Careers staff are well-connected to the graduate employment sector and regularly assist employers with their recruitment. They can tell you which employers recruit graduates from your campus and/or discipline, and when and how they recruit. They are also up-to-date with the labour market, so they can tell you where the jobs are now and future growth areas.

Most Careers Services have a range of online services, such as email updates letting you know about the latest career opportunities.

So, the message really is…see your Careers Service early and see them often! For university Careers Services contact details see the Campus Contacts page on this site.