Top Ten FAQs Frequently Asked Questions on the Recession

Top Ten FAQs Frequently Asked Questions on the Recession

1. In the current economic climate is it worth staying on at University and studying for an MSc or a PhD until the market improves or would it be better to leave with an MA/BSc and get work experience? It would depend on the area of work you are interested in and your long term career plans. There isn t any point in undertaking further university study or postgraduate research if you haven t been considering this option. It isn t an easier option to follow the postgraduate path as you might have to fund your studies and you would still need to find a job at the end of it. If you decide to complete a postgraduate qualification make sure you use that time to develop skills in other areas as well. It is a good idea to speak to a Careers Adviser to discuss what s right for you. Remember the drop-in duty Careers Adviser is available to answer queries, including postgraduate study queries from Monday-Friday 10.00-4.30pm, 2 nd floor of the Hub. Further Resources For more information visit www.abdn.ac.uk/careers/furtherstudy

2. How common is it to get a 2 (II) degree classification and how will this effect my careers prospects after graduating? Approximately 30% of all UK graduates are awarded a 2 (II) degree, so it isn t uncommon to receive this classification. A recent study of more than 500 employers found that, when hiring graduates, almost half were looking for relevant work experience, a good work ethic and a degree relevant to the job. Therefore, achieving a 2 (II) degree classification is not the end of the world. Make sure you have lots of other interesting information to include in your CV, such as skills acquired from volunteering, community work, involvement in societies or sports clubs and part time/summer work experience. The effect of a 2 (II) on your career path will depend on your area of study and your chosen career. Make sure you come and speak to a Careers Adviser to talk through your options.

3. How will the economic climate affect me? Some areas of the job market are more affected than others, so competition for positions might be stronger. It really depends on each individual sector but the key message is to be prepared. Make sure you start developing your skills and doing research into the areas you are interested in so you can spend time now adding value to your CV. Get advice from the Careers Service about CVs, Applications and Interviews so you can sell yourself with confidence when you do apply for jobs.

4. In the current economic climate, should I just drop-out and sign on? Considering all the articles in the media, you might think it s all doom and gloom but this is not the case. A survey conducted by the Association of Graduate Recruiters projects only a 5.4% overall decrease in graduate vacancies and some sectors, like Engineering, are even predicting a rise in their graduate intake. Offering an employer good qualifications and a good skills base will also help you once the recession is over and companies grow again. So, before leaving a degree course, make sure you discuss your options and don t make any rash decisions.

5. If there are no jobs available should I do a gap year? Taking a gap year can be a great experience and, if you use your time well, add serious value to your CV. Make sure you plan your year out carefully and set yourself goals, so you can later demonstrate the skills you have gained to potential employers. Consider all the available options volunteering or paid work, staying in the UK or travelling abroad and choose those which will help you develop skills you lack or will need in your chosen career. Speak to a Careers Adviser to discuss your options or visit www.abdn.ac.uk/careers/resources for more information.

6. How do I get an internship/summer placement? It depends on what you are looking for. Most companies advertise between February and May for summer internships so make sure you apply early. Some internships are for penultimate or final year students and are advertised throughout the year. You can also make speculative applications as some opportunities go unadvertised. Make sure you speak to a Careers Adviser to find out more and visit our website for more information via the Virtual Library Placement Development Unit and the Latest Jobs sections.

7. When should I apply for graduate positions? Be aware that many of the major graduate recruiters have deadlines between November and January of your final year. Make sure you don t miss out if you are interested in any of these vacancies/graduate schemes. Other recruiters have deadlines throughout the year so make sure you keep up to date by registering for our vacancy email alerts. You may want to consider making speculative applications especially to SME (Small & Medium Enterprises) to tap into the unadvertised job market. Improve the chance of your applications being successful by speaking to a Careers Adviser and having CVs and applications checked. 8. Should I be prepared to look for work in other areas? It is always a good idea to have a Plan B. If you have a dream job, you could try to find a job in a related area to build up your skills and experience but, even if this isn t possible, working in any area will almost certainly increase your skills and it might also introduce you to a new career interest. However, make sure that you evaluate your prospects and your career path regularly, so you don t get stuck in a rut. You can always discuss your options with a Careers Adviser, even after you have graduated.

9. What should I do to improve my chances of finding a job? You can do a variety of things to improve your chances of getting a job, such as developing your skills, keeping your options open, doing your research and networking. Make sure you start your Career Planning early so you can improve your chances of success. To get ahead ensure you have an up to date CV that has been checked by a Careers Adviser on Duty. You can get lots of advice about CVs, Applications and Interviews by visiting the Making Applications section of our website and by speaking with a Careers Adviser. 10. Where can I get advice and information about Career planning? At the Careers Service! Visit us in The Hub or use our online resources via www.abdn.ac.uk/careers

Where are we? 2 nd Floor, The Hub www.abdn.ac.uk/careers Email: careers@abdn.ac.uk Tel: 01224 273 601 Careers Guidance Appointments What we can help you with: Quick Queries answered on Duty (10am 4.30pm Monday Friday) Mock interviews, Numerical tests, Verbal reasoning tests, Information Library, Virtual Library Advice on: CVs, Applications, Covering letters, Career Planning, Options with your subject, Work Experience, Interviews and more!