Pamela Coppola |

It’s deadline day for some opportunities with Gradcracker

As we reported recently on this very blog, some opportunities are closing today – 31st January 2018 – on the recruitment website Gradcracker. The deadline for applying for some 61 work placements/ internships and 121 graduate opportunities with companies such as Atkins and Dyson is today. There are still some opportunities on the website and new…

To do or not to do a Masters course?

That is a question many students ask, especially this side of Christmas. Should I consider the option of further study following a first degree? What are the pros and cons? It’s fairly commonplace for students who are predicted a good degree, i.e. a 1st or a 2.1 or want to get into a particular career to think about studying for…

GRADCRACKER – 380 STEM opportunities closing before the end of January

GRADCRACKER advertise graduate and work experience opportunities in STEM careers and as of today the 18th January 2018 they have 380 opportunities that close before the 31st January 2018. Act quickly so you don’t miss out … Log onto GRADCRACKER to find out more. https://www.gradcracker.com If you need help with writing a CV or an application…

Have you considered a postgraduate conversion course?

Students often think about popular career areas offering good opportunities and wonder how can they break into them when they don’t have a relevant degree. One way of doing this is a via a postgraduate conversion course and Prospects has an excellent section on these on their website. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/conversion-courses These courses are designed specifically…

2018 NHS Scientist Training Programme

Calling all final year scientists… information about the 2018 NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) application process is now available at on the Health Education England Website There is a list of open days available (details at the link above). The link for the application portal will also appear on this page. Applicants can also…

Five top tips for final years

For final year students the year of graduation has begun. If your career plans haven’t started yet or have stalled for some reason here are some top tips to get your career ideas moving again… Are you signed up for job alerts? if you aren’t getting ones that appeal you may need to revisit your preferences and…

Technology’s largest careers fair for women

Technology’s largest careers fair for women, Tomorrow’s Tech Leaders Today, returns to London on 31 January 2018 at the spectacular Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The free-to-attend event, organised by business-technology magazine Information Age in partnership with YOOX-Net-a-Porter, has grown in reputation as an unparalleled and exclusive opportunity for women to connect with…

Are you stuck for ideas?

We often get enquiries from students and graduates unsure what to do and don’t know where to start. Even those on vocational courses can find themselves thinking I don’t really want to go into this occupation or industry now, but what else can I do ? So here are some ideas to get you thinking……

Getting the best deal on salary

You have applied for a job, endured the interview and then you hear the phrase ‘Congratulations you’ve got the job ‘… Excellent if you feel its the right job for you… So far so good. If it was an advertised vacancy the salary details will be published and should now be adhered to and relatively easy to agree. But what…

Asking for feedback following an interview

Being turned done for a job you really wanted can be hard to take. You put effort into applying by writing the application, preparing for the interview and go along hoping for the best. And then you either here ‘no thanks’ or perhaps even worse nothing at all. Which can leave you waiting for a reply…

Be clear and ready to succeed at interview

Interviews can be nerve racking events, there is much at stake. However remember you are there because the employer is interested in offering you a job. So remind yourself of this … get ready and prepare. Here are some dos and don’ts that may help. DO Read through any information they have sent you on the…

Beware of myths when it comes to career options

When it comes to graduating and looking for a job beware of people who tell you with absolute certainly that this happens or that is the case. In my role as a Career Development Adviser (CDA) I hear students say they have been told , ‘ A graduate scheme won’t suit you because they specialise too early and can narrow your options’ or…

How to show off your skills and abilities

‘Demonstrate your passion, energy, drive and commitment’ ‘ Show how you can stand out from the crowd’. ‘What are your unique selling points?’ When it comes to job descriptions there are often those requirements that employers ask for. This can involve some deep breaths and head scratching before thinking what to say in reply. How can you demonstrate such qualities in…

Spring forward to the Spring Graduate Fair in London, 15 March

Attending a careers fair is a great way to find out who is recruiting, meet employers face to face and get feedback on your CV. Even if you can’t attend in person follow the link below to see who is attending and therefore recruiting. The Spring Graduate Fair at the University of London, sponsored by…

Writing a CV for a technical post?

There isn’t a huge difference between CVs for all graduate level posts and CVs for technical jobs in STEM areas, all CVs must be tailored to every job anyway. The main difference when applying for a STEM post is the importance of identifying and portraying your technical abilities and skills alongside your transferable skills and we will look at ways of…

Latest News from Gradcracker for STEM students

More news from Gradcracker … the end of January signals deadlines for some applications so don’t miss out. New employers offering opportunities are : The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) is a cluster of world-class centres for research into advanced manufacturing technologies. They are recruiting students from a range of STEM disciplines for their Graduate…

Are you ready for a ‘Situational Judgement’ test?

You may have never come across the term, Situational Judgement before but if you have received an invitation to an Assessment Centre it is highly likely you will be asked to do a Situational Judgement test ( SJT) as part of the process. Employers are increasingly using these as another way to test your ability and skills. So…

Is your CV wafer thin?

We recently ran a blog post on Unpacking Your Skills. You may have read this and either thought, yes I have most of that and can dig out some great evidence or you may have thought… ‘yikes what do they mean? ‘ or ‘I don’t have any of that!’ If you are in the latter group…

Unpacking skills

One of our well worn mantras at the Careers Service is ‘When applying for a job it is really important to be aware of all your skills and demonstrate these well with clear evidence’. Once identified, these skills can be used on a CV, in an application form, at an interview or assessment centre or…

More opportunities for STEM students on Gradcracker

Gradcracker have notified us of 3 new/returning employers. Bombardier is the world’s leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. They are recruiting students from a range of STEM disciplines for their Graduate Opportunities. Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day….