If you\u2019re in your last year of university, and staring graduation in the face, you\u2019re probably wondering what the future holds. Here are a few tips on how you can grab every opportunity to make the most of the last year to give yourself and your CV a boost.<\/p>\n
1. Consider never leaving<\/strong> 2. Visit the Careers Centre<\/strong> 3. Get some work experience<\/strong> 4. Figure out why you are the best<\/strong> 5. Organise something<\/strong> 6. Network<\/strong> 7. Volunteer or do something for charity<\/strong> 8. Consider your Membership<\/strong> 9. Join the Alumni Association<\/strong> 10. Buy an interview outfit<\/strong> And finally: graduate \u2013 and don\u2019t forget to celebrate!<\/p>\n by Joanne Dernie<\/em> If you\u2019re in your last year of university, and staring graduation in the face, you\u2019re probably wondering what the future holds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7002","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-students-and-graduate-tips"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7002"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7002\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7004,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7002\/revisions\/7004"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nWe don\u2019t mean squatting in the halls over summer, but considering a Masters or PhD. If your subject genuinely excites you and you fancy a challenge, it\u2019s an option worth looking at.<\/p>\n
\nBrush up that CV, get advice on application and job search skills or find out about funding for further study \u2013 a visit to the Careers Centre is a must for final year students.<\/p>\n
\nThis is arguably one of the most important activities you can do outside of your degree. Employers are on the lookout for graduates with practical skills in their discipline, and transferable skills like communication, leadership and time management. Work experience is the best way to make your CV shine.<\/p>\n
\nWork out what your strengths and natural abilities are. Identify what skills you have learned from your degree. Have you been involved in any societies or sports clubs? What hobbies and interests do you have? Nobody else will have the same education\/skills\/experiences etc. as you \u2013 you are unique, and is your job to tell employers why this makes you the best.<\/p>\n
\nYour university years are the prime time to put on an event, whether it\u2019s a debate, rally, conference, a social night or presentation from a visitor. As well as being fun, event planning on any scale shows off teamwork, problem solving and organisational skills \u2013 three of the top sought-after traits in potential employees, according to the Association of Graduate Recruiters.<\/p>\n
\nWhether its online or in person, networking is important both professionally and personally, regardless of the area you plan to work in.<\/p>\n
\nWhether you sit in a bath of baked beans, get involved in the university\u2019s RAG organisation or take up long-term volunteering, doing your bit is fun, develops new skills and looks great on your CV.<\/p>\n
\nJoining a formal society (e.g. Royal Geographical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry) relevant to your discipline can develop your interests, expand your intellectual horizons and provide you with a number of benefits. If your university offers Graduate Membership of the libraries, this could be worth considering if you are nearby and want to use their services or keep your skills up to scratch.<\/p>\n
\nMembership of the Alumni Association can offer a multitude of benefits such as university updates, keeping in touch with your department and fellow students, news of events, lectures and career opportunities, newsletters and special offers and discounts.<\/p>\n
\nWe know you\u2019re comfortable in those holey jeans, but if you can work yourself up to buying a good suit now, you will reap the dividends later. A good quality, classic suit, though expensive, will get you through any upcoming interview and is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.<\/p>\n
\nat Nottingham Trent University<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"