We haven’t used the blog much for a while but thought it would be a good way of sharing information that is published via our e-newsletter. For the October edition then we asked Anna, one of our student volunteers currently in 3rd year studying Paychology, to write something about the benefits of and finding work experience.
Getting work experience
The new academic year has just started, and naturally everybody is more concentrated on the routine of going to (or missing) lectures rather than summer placements. But, careers are worth considering even now, as both work experience and graduate job markets are getting very competitive. Therefore, even if you are a first year student, it would be beneficial for you to start thinking about life outside university. The University hosts the Internship Fair on 28th October in the Hunter Halls – a good starting point to get work experience.
Where to find vacancies
Have a look at the Glasgow Uni Careers Service (see their website), who offer advice on jobs, placements, internships, voluntary employment and much more. They list opportunities exclusive to Glasgow Uni students under their Club 21 program. In addition, vacancies are advertised through JEM. If you are stuck, you can speak to one of the advisors on various aspect of getting a job. They will help you to write a CV, or talk you through some career options you might not have thought of before.
It is also worth searching other websites on the Internet, such as www.prospects.ac.uk and www.milkround.org , and keep an eye on newspapers’ job sections and the Job Centre. You may not realise that application deadlines for summer programs end early in 2009.
Networking
The huge disadvantage of advertised positions is that competition is often enormous. Therefore, to be one step ahead of the crowd, you need to ask around about hidden opportunities. This process, called networking, is often dreaded by students. In reality, it’s rather simple: if you are doing a science degree, e-mail researchers at your department about volunteering as an assistant; if you’re a business student phone up relevant companies from Yellow Pages and ask about possible placements. The possibilities are endless. If you are proactive, you have a very good chance of getting a positive response.
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