Summer is upon us and, firstly, relax! You’ve earned it. Spend time with your friends and have a break away from revising or studying. However it’s also a good time to think about the direction you’re taking on your career path and get work-ready.
You have two choices. Just continue and apply for jobs when the time comes (we’re shaking our heads at this) or you take action now to open up endless opportunities and stand yourself apart from your competition (correct answer!) Getting that first job after you leave school or university is more competitive than ever so you want to make that transition from education to employment as smooth as possible. Where you start depends on you though. And just how you’d like to go about achieving that career choice. Read on.
Secondary school students
If you’re still at secondary school, it’s a great idea to start getting yourself ahead of your competition and starting your CV early. Gaining work experience while still at school can be a valuable way to build skills, enhance your CV, and explore career interests. Here are some strategies to help you get started:
1. Clubs and societies
While at school think about joining student clubs and if they don’t exist, then set them up yourself to show initiative. Make sure they’re related to your field of interest. It could joining the school newspaper or setting up a minority society mentoring younger students. Leadership roles and active participation can provide practical experience which, when on your CV, will impress the people that matter when you need it.
2. Volunteering
Volunteer work can offer valuable experience and skills that are transferable to many careers. Seek out opportunities that align with your interests and career goals. Often schools are linked to local community projects like elderly retirement homes and youth clubs. Talk to your teachers and see what’s possible.
3. Part time jobs
We know it can be challenging to find part time employment when under age 18, but think about local summer camps for younger children and sports programmes that run in the holidays. These programmes often seek general helpers and students skilled in sports to help out during the day. Other ideas are babysitting, paper rounds, dog walking, gardening and washing cars for friends and neighbours.
4. Career experience summer programmes
Although these programmes do come with a fee to attend, they are valuable. They are a great taster of a variety of careers and can be based out of prestigious universities with unique access to many different professionals and speakers linked to the programmes. To find out more, take a look at our Immersive Career Experiences page and get in touch.
University students
If you’re already at university, your focus should be on part time paid work and paid internships during the holidays, with a view to it leading to a job offer after you graduate. Take a look at the following options:
1. Part time student jobs
Look at part time employment opportunities in your local area or on campus that can fit around your degree course. Retail, food service and administrative positions are commonly available and often flexible around students schedules.
2. Internships
Many companies offer internships to students which can provide hands on experience in your field of interest along with ample opportunity to network. Internships can be paid or unpaid and they might be available during the school year or summer. Exceptional interns might be offered the opportunity to return in a full-time role – but there’s no guarantee. See advice about increasing your chances of securing a job offer from recruiters Micheal Page. Internships are highly sought-after and there is an internship application cycle so you need to be sure to apply before the deadlines. Look at www.brightnetwork.co.uk, www.prospects.ac.uk and www.10000internsfoundation.com for more information.
3. Degrees with industry placements
These degrees can be very useful for several reasons. Like with internships they enable you to network in your industry of choice, provide hands on experience in the real world setting, help students develop a range of soft skills that are highly valued by employers like problem solving and teamwork and enhance employability for graduates often leading to job offers after graduation.
4. Online courses and certifications
Taking online courses and earning certifications can enhance your skills and make you more competitive in the job market full stop. There’s that flexibility with it being online; enabling you to develop your academic skills at times that suits you wherever you are located. And with video chat, you’ll be able to network “face-to-face” with course leaders and classmates to establish more meaningful connections.
5. Mentorship programmes and industry networking
Many universities offer mentor programmes where students are linked with alumni as well as networking with professors and professionals in your field of interest. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable advice. Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile and continue to update it and build your network. A real must.
6. Work experience through travel
BUNAC is an organisation that provides work, volunteer, and internship opportunities abroad for students and young people aged 18 to 30 in amazing locations like the US, Canada and New Zealand. It promotes cultural exchange and international work experiences. It’s another great way to enhance your CV and add to your experience before starting on your career path. As well as making tons of new friends and being an experience of a lifetime!
Ready?
Whether you’re a student or a parent of a student wondering what the big wide world can offer you, don’t forget to utilise your free time well. Internships, volunteering and many of the areas that we’ve covered here will play a vital role in making you work ready by bridging the gap between academic knowledge, your school life and practical application, all in aid of fostering your professional growth and enhancing your employability.
Wishing you a great and productive summer!
