Whatever year of study you may be in, it’s important to begin planning for your career early. If you try to build your C.V. early on then it takes the pressure off when you’re about to graduate. This is especially true if you have a specific kind of job you would like to apply for. It also means you’re more likely to gain the placement you want.
What can you use to develop your C.V.?
There are plenty of opportunities available to you at York. For example, there’s volunteering, over 200 different student societies, part-time jobs and internships. Any experience you have could allow to you to build your C.V., as you’ll be developing important skills (even if it doesn’t seem like it!) These things make a great addition to your C.V. and are just as important as grades to some employers.
What support does the Uni offer?
If you’re looking for a part-time job or an internship, there are plenty to be found on the University’s Handshake system. These opportunities are mostly local and are exclusive to University of York students.
The Careers and Placements team are always there to help you with planning your career. They offer helpful advice on writing your C.V. and job applications and can answer any questions you have about the career process. Simply book an appointment or come to one of the drop-in sessions. They also hold events such as a mock assessment centre, which is a part of the process for many graduate job applications. This gives you a head start when you attend the real thing as you know what to expect.
How did I get experience?
During my first year, I applied and got the role of being a College Communications Intern at Halifax College. My main responsibilities included making and sending out a weekly newsletter and posting important events or information via social media. I also had the experience of using various software for creating engaging graphics when creating posters for events. This role was a great way to earn some extra money and also gave me a chance to develop my time management, communication, and leadership skills.
What are my next steps?
I’ve chosen to do a placement year as part of my degree. This means in my third year, I get to work with a company in a role suited to my degree. Luckily, my department runs a dedicated industrial placement scheme and arranges companies for students to have an interview with. Currently, I’m still applying to companies and have attended various interviews. Even though I have been rejected by some, the process was useful as I gained valuable feedback. I can now use this to perform even better next time.
Read more about career development and building your C.V.
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