What next? How careers support can help

With assignments in and a couple of weeks to catch up with family and friends, now could also be a good time to give your future career some thoughts too.  Amongst the mince pies, wrapping paper and new year festivities, it’s a good chance to actually ponder the future too.  Why?  Because with all the familiarity around you, thinking about the ‘what if’s?’ and ‘how about?’ can be done without rushing or undue anxiety.  Of course, this process doesn’t have to be done on your own, without outside help.  The careers advisory service (CAS)is here to help you explore all the options, and to help you decide what is best. Hopefully the following will help you to focus your thoughts and show you how we can help too.



Planning ahead will help you graduate!

What are you good at? What skills have you developed, even a little? What motivates you? Conversely, what causes you the most angst on your course or work wise?  The difficult things may not be ones to avoid, tempting as it may be.  For instance, if presenting to others is something that does not come naturally, actually improving this skill will enhance your career prospects no end!  How can CAS help?  We can talk all these through with you, to help you identify what you are good at, what motivates you, things to develop etc.  In essence to find the golden thread from your previous experience, current situation and possible future ‘professional selves’.   
Identifying possible opportunities that match your skills, experience and motivation will be an important part of the jigsaw. Where are the opportunities geographically, how many are there, are you a good ‘fit’ or are there still ‘gaps’ to work on to ensure you have a good chance in securing an opportunity?  And just as importantly, how could these opportunities develop your golden thread of skills, motivation and experience for future opportunities? The careers advisory service can help you identify sources of opportunities, reflect on how well you meet the requirements, and how to address any gaps you have identified.  Critical friend role?  Absolutely!

So, having undertaken an audit on your own skills, motivation and interests, combined with identifying possible options you now need to consider how to successfully get the opportunity,

Wiki images source Druysts.t

whether it’s a job or place on a Masters or PhD.  Presenting a ‘professional self’ can be tricky, especially if you have not had much time in the world of work yet.  But it is definitely possible, even if it feels difficult.  We can help you with a CV, LinkedIn profile and mock interviews, and help you reflect on what you have learnt already from any employer contact you have had in the past.

So, in conclusion, the festive season will hopefully bring you many things, including time with family and friends, relief that assignments are done and maybe even some presents!  It can also give you a chance to step back and start to ponder the future. It is important to start this before ‘the future’ arrives, with the end of your course!  And hopefully, having read this far you know that there is help available to put all of this thinking into practise.