Written by Glenda Morgan, Employability Skills Adviser, University of Wales, Bangor; Member of AGCAS [The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services].
Forget the old stereotype of the careers adviser urging you to enter a ‘respectable’ profession. Today’s careers advisers are committed to helping you work out what you want to do yourself. Expert Advice Each university careers service employs trained advisers providing one-to-one guidance on every aspect of planning your career. They hear the words ‘I don’t know what I want to do!’ on a daily basis. And while they can’t provide instant answers they are trained to help you recognise your own skills and use your life experiences to work out what your dream job would be, or weigh up alternative options. Whatever stage you are at, seeing a careers adviser will get you focused on planning your career and make you aware of your opportunities. Most careers services operate a drop-in or ‘clinic’ which is ideal for brief queries like CV or application form checking. Longer sessions can help you consider your careers goals in greater depth. A number of careers services now accept e-mail enquiries. First-class information resourcesAll careers services have a library containing information on occupations, graduate employers, postgraduate study, self-employment, opportunities overseas, voluntary work and job-hunting. For occupational information ask to see the copies of the AGCAS Careers Information Booklets. This series covers everything from Going for Interviews to Working Abroad. Each booklet explains what a job involves, personal qualities needed, working conditions and how to get into the particular field. The contact details and up-to-date company literature of a vast number of graduate employers are also held by careers services. Such employers have corporate brochures specifically to tell graduates about their organisation (including the skills they are seeking and what they can offer graduates). You will also find free copies of useful publications containing details of opportunities and job-hunting advice. Additional servicesWorkshops, presentations or even online learning schemes cover every aspect of career planning from knowing yourself, to creating the perfect CV and giving your best at interview. Employers sometimes facilitate these workshops themselves so you can learn about a company’s culture in a safe environment. Graduate employers of all kinds advertise their vacancies and opportunities via careers services. Your service may provide a vacancies bulletin or perhaps even a ‘job shop’. Keep an eye out for events and careers talks run by your service. Employers regularly stage presentations or events within universities – these opportunities are a great way to find out more about an organisation and about your own likes and dislikes when it comes to work. Related topics
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