Despite learning a great deal both academically and practically whilst at university, when it comes to job seeking, a 2:1 or above in your subject of interest doesn't always cut it. This isn't surprising when you consider the mass of people graduating each year...a degree is no longer enough to make you stand out in the crowd. Therefore some work experience is desperately needed!!!
Whilst job seeking and filling out application forms, you may find you have an excess of time on your hands. By volunteering your services you will have a boost in positivity, once again serving a purpose outside of the world of job vacancies, whilst also gaining new skills to increase your employability.
Volunteering is key in order to gain direct access to the elusive "industry relevant experience" that almost all graduate job descriptions seem to demand.
Even if at first you struggle to find work experience directly related to your field of interest, any experience you can gain will aid you in your job search, even if that is simply gaining basic office and administration skills. These skills, along with having a taster of how the average working environment operates will put you in a much better position when applying and interviewing in the future.
Recently I have started volunteering in a local MPs office. The voluntary nature of this work meant I was able to negotiate the type of tasks I would be carrying out, ensuring the work experience was beneficial to both myself and those I am working for. Because of this, I am now gaining vital knowledge of how digital communications function in a busy working environment; gaining experience using web management software that many past PR and marketing job applications had requested.
Therefore, if you feel you have hit a slight wall in your job application process, I really recommend hunting out some work experience...you never know where it may lead!!!
Whilst job seeking and filling out application forms, you may find you have an excess of time on your hands. By volunteering your services you will have a boost in positivity, once again serving a purpose outside of the world of job vacancies, whilst also gaining new skills to increase your employability.
Volunteering is key in order to gain direct access to the elusive "industry relevant experience" that almost all graduate job descriptions seem to demand.
Even if at first you struggle to find work experience directly related to your field of interest, any experience you can gain will aid you in your job search, even if that is simply gaining basic office and administration skills. These skills, along with having a taster of how the average working environment operates will put you in a much better position when applying and interviewing in the future.
Recently I have started volunteering in a local MPs office. The voluntary nature of this work meant I was able to negotiate the type of tasks I would be carrying out, ensuring the work experience was beneficial to both myself and those I am working for. Because of this, I am now gaining vital knowledge of how digital communications function in a busy working environment; gaining experience using web management software that many past PR and marketing job applications had requested.
Therefore, if you feel you have hit a slight wall in your job application process, I really recommend hunting out some work experience...you never know where it may lead!!!