Apprenticeships

http://www.aimapprenticeships.co.uk/advice-centre/youth-employment-showcase-2014

Graduation

http://www.worcester.ac.uk/community/alexa-jane-moore.html

YEUK Magazine

Dear Parent/Parents, 5 reasons why getting a job no

Dear Parent/Parents,
 

Some of you may think that young people are ‘lazy,’ or are not ‘trying hard enough’ to get a job. Here are five reasons why comparing job hunting to your day just doesn’t work:

1.       The pre-requisites for even an entry level job are so high- no longer can you stroll out of high school and walk into an entry level job. You will need a degree for that.

2.       Underemployment- graduates are taking lower-skilled jobs, so other young people can’t get them.

3.       Employers want young people to have qualifications and vast experience- catch 22! In your day, young people were given a chance to work their way up an organisation, gaining qualifications and experience along the way.

4.       There are fewer jobs- FACT.

5.       The recruitment process is severe- it is no longer just about handing in a CV and getting an interview, think: CV, company specific questions, psychometric tests, telephone interview, assessment centre (usually with a group task and presentation element), and finally an interview! (Phew, I am tired just writing it!)

So, take these points on-board the next time you tell a young person to, ‘just get a job.’

Kind regards,

Young People of the UK.

About me!

I have a keen interest in Further Education, Higher Education and young people. Being a young person myself, I understand the dilemma of trying to decide what to do with your future. I attended WSFC and I found the careers department very helpful in giving guidance and organising work experience, so that I could try and decide what I wanted to do. While at university, I gained a keen interest in careers through voluntary and paid positions at The University of Worcester. I was employed by the careers department to create the jobs bulletin. This involved speaking to local businesses to find out about vacancies, creating the document, distributing it, advertising it on social media, and analysing uptake. I have found that students are very keen to take advice from a person who has first-hand knowledge and experience.




I undertook the Worcester Award to boost my employability, at the University of Worcester. I thoroughly enjoyed the award and I wrote a piece about the award as The Worcester Award Ambassador. I have attended events, at the university, to engage with students and promote the benefits of the award. I wrote a careers blog, for the careers department, about how to write a good CV, how to development relevant skills and how to apply for jobs (http://lifeofanundergrad.blogspot.co.uk/). This has now moved to my own personal blog.  My employability articles have also been posted by The Guardian and Targetjobs. (http://www.theguardian.com/education/mortarboard/2013/nov/29/students-employability-league-tables).



I have also been developing 'career videos' and info-graphics, which will assist first year students in understanding all of the employability options available to them at The University of Worcester. (http://www.powtoon.com/p/e607kIPvxtF/).

I currently work for Archway Academy, as an Education Mentor. The school is for young people who have been excluded from PRU and have SEN. I teach on a 1:1 basis, functional skills and SETPD. From starting with my pupil, she has gone from having no qualifications to gaining qualifications in English and Math.

I am a member of the CDI, studying towards a PG Cert in Coaching and Mentoring and NVQ L4 IAG.
In my spare time, I am a Youth Ambassador for YEUK. YEUK is an organisation that help young people action change. I have received funding from O2 Think Big, to organise an employability event. This event had ten different organisations, in attendance, and multiple elements, including: a panel, team work exercise, and employer presentations. I received positive feedback from the young people and organisations. From this, I have been nominated for a BVSC award and the Queen’s Young Leader Award. I am now putting in a bid for the second tier of funding.

I am passionate about employability and helping young people find the right careers guidance. In the future, I would like to be a careers advisor, in higher education, and have my own employability workshop business.

YEUK Midlands Event

I decided to hold a follow-up event, to the Youth Friendly MP Campaign, in Worcester on the 10^th October, at the University of Worcester. The aim of the event was to bring together organisations, and young people together, to discuss 'issues' in Worcestershire. The event was varied and contained lots of different elements. I did this, so that the young people had lots of different options. There was something for everyone!

 

The event started with a presentation, by myself, about YEUK. This was followed by a presentation from HSBC UK about their graduate programmes. This was targeted at the graduates, in the room. A panel element followed, so that young people could ask a variety of panellists questions. The panel included: Robin Walker MP, Alex Quang from O2 Think Big, Craig Bateman from Worcestershire Youth Council, Matt....from Worcestershire Hub, Tom...from the YMCA, Andreea...a linguistic consultant, and Alex from HSBC UK. I tried to make the panel as varied as possible, so the young people could ask a variety of questions on issues such as: volunteering, project funding, politics, minimum wage etc. The young people were a little reluctant to ask questions, but I had a few prepared! A team building exercise followed. The aim of this activity was to promote teamwork and to develop presentation skills. The young people had five minutes to make an animal out of materials and to come up with a one minute pitch. They then pitched to the panel, to decide on prize winners. The evening ended with free-networking, free food and drink and music.

 

With the help of Sylvia, I applied to O2 Think Big funding of £300. If you think creatively, then this is more than enough money. I got the venue for free (as it is my university). I spent £80 on prizes and materials for the team building exercise. I also spent £65 on food and £65 on advertising materials. I am not very good at creating advertising materials, so this is why I paid for materials, but I would like to develop this skill for future events. I would also advise on ordering less food than people that sign up for the event. 65 people signed up, 45 attended, and I ordered food for 35 people.

 

I thought the event went really well. I was nervous about attendance, but it was good! I got positive feedback, from the panellists, and some pointers that I could work on. Some of these included: explaining the relevance of each event element better and possibly making the networking more structured.

 

In the future, I would like to be able to apply for the next tier of O2 Think Big funding. With this, I would like to set up CV workshops.

 

My advice would be to just go for it! Try to partner with student societies and ask if you can have things for free in return for doing something. Make your event varied and free food will always get young people there!!

 

This month's A.C.E Magazine

YEUK - My O2 Think Big Event- Week Countdown

With just over a week to go, the event is coming together nicely. All stall holders and panel members have been confirmed. It is just about the marketing now, to get as many young people as possible to the event.

Here is one form of marketing, that I have used.

http://www.yeuk.org.uk/yeuk-ambassadors-lead-tackling-youth-unemployment/

Of course social media has been fundamental. I have also used the student newspaper, created relationships with other societies and contacted the local press.

Promoting Young People's Well-being in Youth Work Practice Programme

Today, I attended a great discussion lead by UK Youth and Right Here, about young people's mental health.'Right Here is a five-year programme, run by the Paul Hamyln Foundation and the Mental Health Foundation.' The aim of the project is to develop new, effective approaches to supporting mental health and well-being of young people, aged 16-25.

What I really liked about the event was that it was extremely interactive. Also, there was a lot of discussion, revolving around young people mental health, between people from education, youth work and the council. There were a lot of different opinions, from a variety of people. 

I was also very shocked by some of the statistics produced. Mental health issues are prevalent in young people and there is definitely a gap in services for young people, aged 16-18 years old. 

It was nice to see that the Right Here Project has consulted young people to develop activities, to discuss mental health issues. I really liked the 'Dare to Share' game; however, I thought it was a little pricey at £150! I also liked that innovation labs were used to develop digital resources, for young people. One that I particularly liked was Doc Ready. There is a lot of stigma for young people, around mental health, and attending the doctors is quite nerve racking. This website/app allows a young person to talk through what they would say to their doctor and gives them ideas about what they could say. This helps the young person be more confident, in asking for help.

The project ends this year, but I hope that its findings can be rolled out across the UK!

If you want to find out more find them on Twitter @RightHereProj 

50 Faces of Youth Work

Blog: Fiona Blacke on 50 Faces of Youth Work

---

9 Sep 2014

 

I have been included in the 50 faces of Youth Work and here is a very interesting blog by the creator!

 

I think most people agree that now is a difficult time to be a youth worker. Cuts to youth services are widespread and many in our profession are facing an uncertain future. Whilst the skills of youth workers are recognised by some, the role does not enjoy a high profile and is largely overlooked by politicians.
Against this evolving backdrop the National Youth Agency turns 50. As part of our half century celebrations we wanted to demonstrate the impact of youth work in a celebratory way that illustrates what’s brilliant about youth work. So we asked 50 people ‘what does youth work mean to you?’
Through their own words, youth workers and young people told us why it was important and what it could achieve. A lot of the contributions articulated the difference they could make in a way that was truly inspiring. These were some of the themes which emerged and which struck me with particular resonance.
‘We talk about teachers – we should talk about value of great youth work’
This was a line from Nick Hurd’s entry. It’s great that a mainstream politician believes this – it’s a shame that it requires a stint as minister for youth policy to gain this insight. I hope we can get Brooks Newmark being as supportive. Another contributor referred to youth work as ‘the underdog of education -misunderstood and misrepresented’ which I thought particularly perceptive.
‘Helping young people realise their potential is limitless’
Lots of youth workers mentioned this – and that the ability to offer this support is beneficial to us all, not just the young person. Many mentioned too that it was personally hugely rewarding and a blessing to be part of their journey.
‘Every day is different, every day is an adventure!’
I love the energy and dynamism of young people. Lots of our contributors are enthused by the passion and vigour of young people too.
‘Real local role models’
Several contributors wrote movingly about youth work providing positive role models for young people to look to. Youth workers’ ability to be flexible and tailor activity to an individual’s needs means their relationships can touch young people in a way others can’t.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 50 Faces. Despite the challenging environment, our contributors all display a deep commitment to the profession and youth work as a distinctive pedagogy. I challenge anyone to read these 50 entries and not feel heartened, moved and even invigorated by their insight and unswerving belief in the transformative power of youth work.
Read our 50 Faces of Youth Work here.

O2 Think Big - My Project

O2 Think Big - My Project



£300 funding granted for the Midlands Event at the University of Worcester!

Young people in Europe

http://www.ippr.org/publications/remember-the-young-ones-improving-career-opportunities-for-britains-young-people

YEUK Magazine

This month's magazine full of helpful hints and tips!

YEUK goes to Romania!

Erasmus is a scheme promoted by the European Union to increase cohesion between countries. A fellow YEUK Ambassador told me about a Facebook group called Youth in Action, where people promote their Erasmus projects. I accepted a project to teach English in Romania. 

At first, I was a little apprehensive about going to Romania due to how it is perceived in the British media. I was delightfully surprised! It is a beautiful country. 

Teaching English was actually a lot more challenging than I thought it would be, but it was a good way to improve my skills. Making lesson plans, managing a class and teaching to different abilities. Did you know there are eight different tenses, in English? I certainly didn't!

The trip was also an opportunity to visit a new country at a very low cost. As part of the scheme, I only had to pay 50% towards my travel costs. I got the opportunity to visit Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) and the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe. 

I would recommend a scheme like this to anyone! http://www.britishcouncil.org/erasmus.htm

iDEA Award

A group of us has entered a competition to design an app. Jess, the team leader, thought that an app where young people could search for opportunities, in one place, would be a good idea. I thought this was a great idea so I joined the team!

For the second round, we had to submit a video of our app. Here is my section: 


https://www.dropbox.com/s/4mbstskmn8zo147/DSCF0365.AVI

UK Youth Event

I have just got back for UK Youth's annual conference at Avon Tyrell. It was an opportunity for me to meet my fellow Youth Employment UK Ambassadors and other inspiring young people, from across the UK. 

During the weekend, I did some adventure activities (whooh zip wire) and I also took part in numerous workshops. My favourite was about democracy. It was a good opportunity to gain an understanding of why young people don't vote and why we should vote. The main reasons revolved around lack of information,to make an informed voting decision, and apathy towards politicians. 

I also learnt about the StepUptoServe Campaign, which is a new campaign to get 50% of young people doing something to help their community. As a group of young people, we already thought we were doing this but this needs to be recognised more in the media. This campaign hopes to ingrain volunteering into our culture through instilling volunteering in primary schools. 

To find out more about UK Youth: http://www.ukyouth.org/

Make your CV sparkle with STARR | Piktochart Infographic Editor

Make your CV sparkle with STARR | Piktochart Infographic Editor

YEUK Magazine

This month's latest YEUK Magazine. Written by young people, for young people. Full of helpful hints and tip about all things to do with employability!

The dos and don'ts of student networking

Hearing the phrase "it's who you know, not what you know", can be frustrating as a student.

If you're lucky enough to have a parent or cousin who works at the company of your dreams that's great for you, but most students don't. We have to make our contacts ourselves – and that's where networking comes in.

With 60% of jobs occurring in a "hidden job market" where roles aren't always advertised, networking is essential. It's good to start before you leave university so you have people you can contact within companies when you leave. But how do you actually "network" as a student? And how do you avoid embarrassing yourself?

Do

Attend networking events
It might sound obvious, but many students avoid networking. Networking doesn't have to be awkward or stressful. Volunteering, joining student societies and attending talks are good ways to network with your peers.
You can also try networking events in the field you want to work in after university. Eventbrite is useful for finding networking events, and also check out the Twitter feed of organisations you're interested in as they may well post about networking events.

Do your research
Researching should be more than a quick Google. You need to know who is going to be at the event and what you might get out of it. Once you've found out who will be attending, try using LinkedIn and Twitter to find out more about the company or person you want to speak to so you can prepare some good questions to ask. It can help your nerves too.Megan Judkins, a recruitment coordinator at the Sanctuary Group, says: "This is your chance to speak to recruiters directly and ask questions about the company. You can ask about their application process and the competencies you would need to demonstrate in your application."Sometimes companies send representatives from their graduate schemes to networking events. Ask them about their experiences and learn more about the company to assess whether it's somewhere you'd like to work after university."

Prepare a 30 second elevator pitch
People at networking events can be extremely busy and bombarded with people wanting to speak to them. As a student it can be even harder to get yourself noticed. If this is the case try giving a short pitch about who you are, what you're studying and what you're interested in doing after graduating.
But make sure to ask questions too. Laura Lewis, employability coordinator for the University of Worcester says: "Take an interest in the people you speak to, ask them questions about their role and their organisation. Remember people like to talk about themselves and what they do."

Bring business cards
As a student you might not think to make business cards. But you don't have to be a business owner or employee to have a business card: it's a good way of giving someone all your details. Include your email, mobile phone number and Twitter, LinkedIn or blog if you have them.There are many online companies you can use, or you could print your own. Try Moo for fun cards that show your personality.

Connect with people you meet on social media
If a recruiter gives you their business card you have impressed them. But it's important that you follow up. Send them a follow up email or tweet as soon as you can.

Don't

Never offer people your business card unless they ask for it.
If a person wants your business card they will ask for it. If not, yours will end up in the bin. Know when it's appropriate to share. 

Lose your manners through nerves
Some people get so anxious at networking events that they forget how to act among other human beings. If you are speaking to someone don't dive straight in with "I want a job". Don't interrupt other people if they are speaking – they will just think you are rude.And don't get drunk. The wine may be free and will probably calm your nerves but you want to be remembered for the right reasons.

Forget to introduce yourself
Rebecca Fielding, managing director and owner of Gradconsult says: "Most people forget to introduce themselves and say a bit about who they are."
It's always embarrassing to be asked at the end of a conversation: "and who are you?" 

Waste opportunities
Francesca Evers, people business partner at Virgin Management says: "Some people can be shy; networking is a chance to meet new people and have fun."
You might be shy, but networking really doesn't work if you don't speak to anyone. At most networking events there is usually some kind of presentation – use these moments to calm your nerves and as a helpful tool to think of questions.

Act like a stalker
Opening with "I've read your blog and I went to the same school as your kids" can come off more stalker than than well-researched.There is a fine line between well-researched and keen, and just plain creepy. Tread this line carefully.

Bright Futures Magazine

This month's magazine full of helpful employability tips!

The Catch 22

Exams are finally over and a wave of relief comes over the majority of UK students. No more assignments, deadlines and having to sit through laborious lectures while lectures read from Power Point slides. However, this is short lived. It then dawns upon graduates that they have to move into the ‘real world’. But, how do they do this? There is a Catch 22 pandemic in the UK that needs to be highlighted.

Numerous friends are now seeing the full effects of this. They have been at university, for the past three years, building their academic portfolio. This in itself is an endeavour, but now when they are looking for employment they hear the words, ‘but what experience do you have?’

A typically example of this is a friend who is looking to go into counselling. She has a top degree in Psychology and is looking to gain practical experience wherever possible. While at university she was recommended to apply to numerous charities to build up this experience. To her dismay, she was surprised to find that the majority of charities required experience, some as much as 2 years, or there were limited opportunities outside of London (Catch 22!). This left her feeling frustrated and to be honest I am not surprised! Like me, she thought that by being a voluntary organisation that they would be open to giving people ‘a chance’. When she told her lecturers about this she was hit with the response ‘oh, I didn’t realise it was so strict these days?’ To me this implies that it was a lot easier when they were starting out. Organisations were willing to give them a chance.

This kind of story is not unique and is probably being mirrored across the UK. Highly motivated graduates, with ample skills to offer, are being turned away. What I find the most frustrating thing is that this has now moved into the voluntary sector.

V: ‘Could I volunteer with you please?’

C: ‘Do you have any experience?’

V: ‘No, that is why I would like to volunteer with you so I can build up my experience.’

C: ‘Oh, well you need to have previous voluntary experience to volunteer with us.’

 Youth Employment UK is a voluntary organisation and has a lot of connections with other voluntary organisations. Hopefully, they have a connection to help my friend (and thousands of other graduates) to find the experience they need to make a start on the career ladder.

This Catch 22 situation can be and needs to be changed!

Tackling Youth Unemployment: Interview with YEUK

An interview involving myself and Lewisham youth worker Melissa Jane Knight. 

http://www.if.org.uk/archives/5239/tackling-youth-unemployment-interview-with-yeuk

Big Wild Sleepout

Big Wild Sleepout: Big Wild Sleepout

YEUK Magazine

New monthly magazine full of helpful tips for anyone. Plus, I am on the cover!

Never think employers will assume you have certain skills....

I attended an interview for an Assistant HR position at a big firm in Worcester. I really wanted to work for this company as I thought that my values fitted with their company culture well. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job. However, the company gave excellent feedback to where I went wrong. I wasn't able to demonstrate that I had the administration skills that they were looking for. Then I thought to myself, 'why is this?'.Then it dawned on me that I assumed that all people have the administration and social media skills that I have, so there was no point in mentioning them as it wouldn't distinguish me from the other candidates. How wrong was I! I believe that many graduates do this. They put a dampener on the skills that they do have as they believe all other graduates/applicants will have the same. After speaking to the recruiter, I found out that this was not the case. The outcome... for future interviews I have prepared examples to demonstrate my administration skills. I can input data, I can prepare reports, I can use Power Point, Word, Excel. I can analyse statistics with SPSS. I can use SAGE, Outlook and research for information as so much more! Doing these things everyday so that they are second nature doesn't mean they aren't skills employers want to hear about! 

Regus Connect: Connecting businesses, freelancers and interns....an article for them about YEUK!

Youth Employment UK is a Campaigning & Membership organisation that was founded in 2012 by Laura-Jane Rawlings to tackle youth unemployment through coordination. There are a lot of brilliant opportunities available for young people that don’t reach the young people. In addition, people don’t share good practice. When this happens, an opportunity closes, but the need is still there. This mistake perpetuates at the detriment of young people. YEUK joins the dots!

What is unique about YEUK is the fact that I see it as a ‘pyramid’. It has businesses, supporters and youth ambassadors that all mentor and support each other. I decided to be a youth ambassador as I am a young person who has first-hand experience of the catch-22 situation. I am enthusiastic, have qualifications coming out of my ears but I am lacking in the ‘experience’ that employer are looking for. The role of the YEUK youth ambassador, is indicative to a young person’s personal career goals; therefore, if a YEUK youth ambassador has the skill set and would like to own their own business they are aligned according. I have a strong interest in careers and recruitment and this is why I work on the Chance to Shine project. I also help with careers advice with the other YEUK youth ambassadors; create info- graphic training materials and CV direction.

Currently, we are running a campaign called #YouthFriendlyMP. This is where ambassadors are being ‘called to action’ to try and get their local MP to become youth friendly. This would involve MPs signing The Youth Charter (http://www.yeuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Positive-Youth-Charter.pdf); whereby, they are agreeing to commit to two ‘youth friendly activities’. This could be running CV workshops or networking events plus many more! From this they would receive a Youth Friendly Badge. Everyone would know that they are committed to resolving youth unemployment issues in their area. It is about creating a youth friendly network, free of cost for government. I have met with my local MP, Robin Walker, and it was interesting finding out about the projects he is already undertaking to support young people in the area. As a young person, I did not know about these. Being a supporter YEUK is a good way to promote these activities. All MPs will be invited to attend an event on the 9^th July to find out more about the project and the benefits for young people in their area.

Young people can get in touch and ask YEUK anything and we’ll help in whatever way possible. They can pick up the phone and call the office, through the email addresses on site and also through the NEW forum onsite. Tweet us, Facebook us too! Plus each month in the e-mag we highlight (in orange) the events where young people can come to for free and meet the team/the CEO or both. We are always looking for ambassadors!

Find out more about Regus Connect here: http://www.regusconnect.com/ 

Bright Futures Magazine

Whether or not you are part of The Bright Futures Society, they have an excellent magazine full of helpful hints and tips! 

How to create the perfect tweet!?

SOCIAL INTEL with Denise Holt - INFOGRAPHIC Write the Perfect Tweet from SOCIAL INTEL with Denise Holt

YEUK- Youth Friendly Campaign!

Youth Employment UK is a Campaigning & Membership organisation that was founded in 2012 by Laura-Jane Rawlings to tackle youth unemployment.


YEUK was set up to join up the dots in the youth employment space – there is so much happening for and with young people, but without coordination some of that excellent work gets lost or worse still young people cannot access it. I see YEUK as a ‘pyramid’; it connects businesses, supporters and young people.


I decided to be a youth ambassador as I am a young person who has first-hand experience of the catch-22 situation. I am enthusiastic, have qualifications coming out of my ears but I am lacking in the ‘experience’ that employer are looking for. The role of the YEUK youth ambassador, is indicative to a young person’s personal career goals; therefore, if a YEUK youth ambassador has the skill set and would like to own their own business they are aligned according. I have a strong interest in careers and recruitment and this is why I work on the Chance to Shine project. I also help with careers advice with the other YEUK youth ambassadors; create info- graphic training materials and CV direction.


Currently, we are running a campaign called #YouthFriendlyMP. This is where YEUK supporters are being ‘called to action’ to try and get their local MP to become youth friendly. This would involve MPs agreeing to commit to two ‘youth friendly activities’. This could be running CV workshops, supporting employers to recruit apprentices, careers talks or networking events plus many more! From this they would receive a Youth Friendly Badge. Everyone would know that they are committed to resolving youth unemployment issues in their area. It is about creating a youth friendly network, free of cost for government.


I have met with my local MP, Robin Walker, and it was interesting finding out about the projects he is already undertaking to support young people in the area. As a young person, I did not know about these. Being a supporter YEUK is a good way to promote these activities. All MPs will be invited to attend an event on the 9th July to find out more about the project and the benefits for young people in their area.


Any company of any size can get involved with the Youth Friendly badge, if you want to be seen as someone who helps young people then it is a great thing to have. It is absolutely free and easy to apply for. Visit http://www.yeuk.org.uk/youthfriendly/ for more information.


16-24’s can get in touch and ask YEUK anything and we’ll help in whatever way possible. They can pick up the phone and call the office, through the email addresses on site and also through the NEW forum onsite. Tweet us, Facebook us too! Plus each month in the e-mag we list events where young people can attend for free and meet the team/the CEO or both. We are always looking for ambassadors!

The mystery's of a 'group interview' solved!

Last week, I was invited to attend a 'group interview.' Just the thought of this situation filled me with horror. I just didn't know what to expect. I asked my careers advisor and she told me about situations where I could be expected to do a group task. Having done these before at assessment centres, I felt a little more confident as I have always done well in these. However, as I walked into the interview and saw two other candidates and two interviewers, I knew this wasn't going to be the case! It was an interview with numerous candidates. To be honest, I have never experienced this before and I didn't know the best way to precede. The interviewer just proposed a question to the group and left it 'open' for us to answer. 

Do I answer first? What if I don't, the other person may not leave me anything to say? I can't say nothing but I don't want to seem too pushy!? 

I decided to answer a few questions first and then when other people answered, agreeing with their perspective and then adding my own. 

As I had no idea whether this was the right thing to do, I left the interview a bit shell-shocked! 

When I got back, I decided to get on Twitter and ask some wise people their thoughts. Thanks to @GiraffeCVs @Dilger1Joe @EmployHub and @EcSolCareers for their input. The consensus on this issue was to engage with your fellow interviewees. See them as your peers, not competition. Acknowledge their opinions and build on what they say. 

Fingers crossed for the outcome of the interview!

If you need any advise please visit First Point for more information.

Are unpaid internships an issue?

This is a great video from GoThinkBig about the issues surrounding unpaid internships and young people living in big cities. 

Find a volunteering opportunity!

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain new skills, explore an alternative career path and to just help someone in need. There are lots of volunteering opportunities out there. Find out about some options here!

Monthly E-magazines!

A.C.E and The Bright Futures magazines are out! They are full of helpful tips revolving around employability. Grab some tea and cake and have a read!


Bright Futures

A.C.E 

 This contains an interview that I did with Simon who runs The Bright Futures Society.

Should students have lessons on how to use social media?

As social media is becoming more prominent, I think that new classes should be integrated into the curriculum. One of these should be 'how to use twitter to enhance your career'. As networking is so crucial in the 'adult world,' I have made an info-graphic for all novices to follow. 

 

I'm a networking novice! How do I use LinkedIn?

With networking so crucial for graduates/students or just about anyone to find a job, having a good LinkedIn profile is essential to progressing with a careers. Here is a quick guide to using LinkedIn and social media to raise your online profile.

Recipe for CV success?

Wondering what it takes to put together a great looking CV? Here is an useful info-graphic to help you along on your way.
[Source Giraffe CVs]

#LovetoRead

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain experience and vital skills. As I am a lovely person, myself and a few other volunteers have launched the #LovetoRead Project. Funded by the wonderful people a vInspired cashpoint, we have £300 to inspire children to read. Reading and literacy are essential skills some children are leaving school without and this is not good enough! We will be delivering workshops and giving out free books (yes, you heard me free books!). If you are 14-25 and want to launch your own project visit: http://vinspired.com/organisations/8034-vcashpoint to find out more about funding and the application process.

Is a masters a good way to improve your employability?

The University of Worcester (and numerous other Higher Education Institutions) offer MA level qualifications.I am currently going through the process of deciding whether a Masters is right for me. Will it improve my employability and is it necessary in the graduate jobs market? I think this depends on what sector you want to go into and whether you have any employment experience alongside studying. My thinking on this is that an employer does want an employee with a high level of education but not an employee that is just educated. As I love to learn, I think that a part-time MA alongside full-time employment would be right for me. So what things have I considered?

•   Do I want to study any more? After a three year slog to get my BA, I can understand why some people may want a break from studying. Nevertheless, a MA is something that you can come back to. 
• Will it benefit my future career? Some people like the student life and dream of staying a student forever, studying an MA as they can not find graduate employment. You need to think whether an MA in your chosen field is beneficial and whether an employer will see an enhancement? 
•  Do I want to do a full MA? You can enrol on the PG-cert,PG-dip or full MA. I have chosen to enrol on PG-cert and then I can apply to the subsequent years afterwards. I think relieves some of the pressure. 
•  Funding for the course? Unfortunately, there is no student finance for the MA. However, if you are a current University of Worcester student and wish to continue studying here, you can get reduced fees. I have also found this website extremely good for alternative sources of funding: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/funding_postgraduate_study.htm 
• Shall I do it part-time or full-time? I think is dependent on circumstances and what is right for you. Personally, I have a home to support so it is not possible for me to do it full-time. If I study part-time the time requirements are quite flexible so I can do the PG-cert over two years. This will also help with funding.

These are my own personal opinions. Please visit the university's website to find out more details about studying a MA or First Point in the Pierson Centre for a career's appointment.

A.C.E- YEUK Magazine

I am featured in this month's magazine as an ambassador!

March edition of the Bright Futures magazine!

Look here for loads of hints and tips from graduate employers and how to attend the massive networking event in London!

How to make your student loan go further so you can do more career-orientated things?!

Being a student is expensive, especially if you careers orientated like me. There are expenses involved with volunteering, attending talks and attending assessment centres (although most companies do reimburse you, it is after the fact). So, how do I make my student loan stretch further so I can do all these things!?

• ·         Get yourself a NUS card. From £12 it saves you loads on money on the things you would normally buy
• ·         Get yourself a 16-25 railcard. Snap this us as you won’t be this age forever! This comes in real handy when attending assessment centres or conferences which are usually in London or Birmingham
• ·         Ever used cash-back sites? Before I purchase anything, I look whether the shop is on Quidco or TopCashBack. These are free to join and give you cash-back on purchases that you can either have back a Tesco points, Amazon vouchers (good for university books) or straight-forward money.
• ·         Coupons! My friends laugh at me about all the free events, samples and coupons that I get. Having discounts or free days out saves money for petrol, clothing costs and food associated with attending events. I always look on The National Trust website for events and events put on by the local council such as The Love Festival
• ·         Get free samples to test and leave feedback! I am signed up to Bzz Agent which sends you free samples (this month it is four full sized bottles of Frizzi) and all I have to do is post reviews on Facebook!

These are my own personal steps/opinions and are not endorsed by the Careers Department or the SU. If any student needs financial advice, please visit First Point to book an appointment with a financial advisor.

Volunteering Week

The second volunteering week is about to commence! A highlight of this week is the volunteering fair on the 25^th February, 11-3pm, in the SU. I will be attending this, not just for the free pens, but to find out more about the opportunities available. I love volunteering as it gives me the opportunity to make a difference to people (I am fuzzy inside), try new things and gain valuable skills. So what are the rewarding things I am doing!?

• #LovetoRead project: This is a project that I have set up myself with funding from vInspired Cashpoint. This is where young people, aged 16-24 can apply for funding to set up their own projects. My project involve giving free books to underprivileged children.

• YEUK: Youth Employment UK is a charity trying to raise awareness about the concerning job prospects of young people today by getting the government to listen. I work on social media and interviewing employers for their E-magazine

• Careers blog: I do this blog voluntarily! I love to write and I love careers so matching the two is perfect. I write helpful advice for students, publishing the magazines and creating cartoons

• Worcester 6^th Form College: I volunteer in the careers department at the college. The main project that I have been working on is to create Facebook pages so the college can communicate volunteering and alternative options to university to students.

So why I am telling you all this! Well, have you heard the saying ‘it’s a Catch22?’ For example, ‘you need experience to get this job’ and you are thinking ‘well I need this job to gain experience? @S’ Volunteering is a good way to get this experience. 

What other perks can volunteering while at university give you?

• V-record: Anyone who logs 50 hours or more with receive a certificate showing their achievement

• The Worcester Award: This university’s employability award so you can show employers that you have been doing more at university that just studying

• The V-record and The Worcester Award will go on your HEAR which proves to employers what you have been doing while at university

• You can attend the VosCas in Achievement Week. Free sandwiches!!

• Making connections: if someone sees that you are passionate about something and have experience through volunteering, this will increase your job prospects

•  Gaining vital skills

• Doing a ‘good deed’ for someone else

For more information about volunteering contact Careers and Employability or the Students Union!

Survey link: Find out more!

Personalised Research Surveys 

 Completing on-line surveys are an easy way to earn a bit of extra money. Businesses are listening and valuing your thoughts and opinions on their products or services more than ever. Customer opinion is vital to brands, if there is something that you as a customer don’t like then there’s a good chance that others will feel the same way. It might be something really obvious to you but something that a business had never previously thought of and without customer feedback and suggestions brands risk alienating their customers and ultimately losing them. Once businesses have an insight into consumer’s thoughts, they can quickly respond to customer feedback and make changes suggested to improve their product or services. This two-way conversation is vital for building relationships and maintaining brand loyalty, and is becoming more important as market places become overcrowded with companies competing for customers. Partaking in surveys are a chance for you to get your opinion and voice heard. Previous surveys I have filled in online have been long and to be honest pretty boring (with not much reward at the end of it) and after lots of questions I began to lose interest which meant I didn’t give the questions my full attention or answered them honestly. I did, however, decide to give it another go when a couple of new companies came to my attention that ‘promised to be different’. After trying them for a number of weeks there was one that stood out; a company called SurveyBods. SurveyBods are a market research company who send you personalised surveys. Rather than filling in endless questions about products that don’t interest you or aren’t relevant to you, you first answer questions about your interests online and create a unique profile. Surveys are then sent to you based on your profile information, meaning that you receive surveys more relevant to you and your stated interests. Best of all, the maximum length of a survey is 20 minutes – perfect if you’ve got an attention span as bad as mine. I found that they were great to do together with my daughter (they often want to know children’s opinions and the surveys are designed to reflect this), it was a fun rainy afternoon activity and the fact that we earned some money for completing the survey was a fab incentive. I have decided to save all the money each time I do a survey for a fun family treat, maybe a day out somewhere. You get paid for every survey and I found it really satisfying the first time I completed one knowing that my opinion will make a difference. In this economic climate it is a simple way to earn some more money and genuinely influence brands. As a panel member you also get entered into a monthly draw for the chance to win big prizes. It’s not going to be for everyone and it’s not going to earn you a fortune but I do think it is worth signing up to in order to earn some extra cash to treat the kids or yourself.