Introduction

Some people know what they want from an early age, they research it, plan it and achieve it. That is not normally the case for most people!

Your choice of course may vary over time or because of outside influences. Selecting the right course is important and that's why you should start to think about it as early as possible.

Schools and Colleges will offer advice on careers and applying to university; in addition you can get advice from the Connexions Service or from the university you are applying to.

Before you get to university

• Planning your career should start with your choice of level three qualifications, these are AS / A Levels, BTEC, or, for mature students, Access to Higher Education
• The level three qualifications you take may rule out some courses (and careers) at degree level so it's important to get this right!
• Talk to your careers adviser and tutors about the career you are thinking of and find out what qualifications you will need
• If you have a disability, make sure that the support you get in your study can be transferred to the working environment, if necessary
• You should also check the employment requirements of professional bodies in certain careers (like nursing, radiography, teaching) to ensure you are not excluded if you have a disability or are dyslexic
• Spend time researching what the career you wish to take will involve, consider: hours, salary, progression, typical duties and the route you may need to go to reach your ultimate career. A good reference book is "Occupations" available from most school or college careers libraries or from Connexions Offices
• Once you have decided on your career start to look at the course you need to take at university - make sure you are taking the right entry qualifications at school or college; make sure you can get the grades required; make sure you have a 'back up' plan if you don't get the results (e.g. retakes, alternative course)
• If you are still unsure about your career you need to make sure you have an alternative plan if you study a specific vocational programme or choose a general programme (e.g. modular or humanities)
• Get information from the university you want to study at - interviews with lecturers, open days, university information shops or centres
• Keep a current CV and make sure your National Record of Achievement (NRA) is up to date
• Finally, think about what method of study suites you best - this may be full time / part time; pure academic / vocational; with a prolonged work experience break (sandwich); learning on line

On your course

• When you start your course you may find that it is not as you expected. If you do, you should talk to your personal tutor, a careers adviser at the university or the information centre / shop at university. They may be able to reassure you that you are on the right course or advise you about alternative routes to consider
• One of the key aspects of your course will be to develop your employability for when you graduate. Most employers now look for more than just the degree, they will also look at:
  • Work Experience you have taken
  • Part Time employment
  • Your CV and application
  • Your interview
• Employability skills can be built up over the length of your course and will normally be delivered in conjunction with the university careers staff and academics
• Visit some of the careers fairs that are organised all over the country to get an idea of what is on offer. You will meet employers, representatives of professional organisations, training providers etc.
• Take your CV and examples of your work, if appropriate, to careers fairs and prepare questions in advance to ask

Moving On

• Hopefully, you have been planning your career well before you complete the course and have lined up some employment. If not, then keep using the resources of the careers service at university in your final year. They will have many links to employment opportunities
• Have a good CV ready and draw upon all your previous experiences
• Develop your interview skills
• You will find that the university careers service arranges special sessions that will help you with things like CVs and interview skills. Use these! Especially in your final year
• If you have a disability, make sure you are aware of the Access to Work programme (located at your local Jobcentre), which can help employers meet any additional costs when taking on a person with a disability. In addition, make sure you are open about your disability when applying and at interview; talk about how they can support you if you got the job - give solutions
• Be aware that you may still use the University careers service after you graduate - either where you studied or in your home area if that is different (contact universities for details)
• Get ideas and information from the Hobsons Graduate Careers Directory, available from university careers services. Get a copy of Hobsons Student Pages
• Use the Careers Calendar provided in the Hobsons Directory to plan your next move

Top of page