finding career and course- related work experience · finding career and course-related work...
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Finding career and course-related work experience
What BMS students need to know
Alison Clay, Careers Adviser Dr Louise Robson, Dept of BMS
“Over half of recruiters warn that graduates who have had no previous work experience at all are unlikely to be successful during the selection process and have little or no chance of receiving a job offer for their organisations’ graduate programmes.” “.. 31% of this year’s entry-level positions will be filled by graduates who have already worked for their organisations – either through paid internships, vacation work or industrial placements” High Fliers 2015 (survey of The Times Top 100 employers)
EG application / interview questions
• Of the work experience (you have already gained) which did you enjoy the most and why? What did you learn from it?
• Please describe key situations where you have worked as part of a team, your contribution and the difference you personally made.
• Highlight your contribution to an event or project, detailing how you resolved problems encountered and ensured a successful completion.
EG: What do AstraZeneca want?
Innovation (produce novel ideas, generate
options and alternatives)
Commitment to core values
Analytical thinking diagnosis & developing solutions
Skill development (personal effectiveness, IT, business driven skills
Business awareness
Team Players (who can make
a difference)
Enthusiasm & Drive (good ideas depend on good people)
Technical skills
Some options ....
Summer 2016
(apply from summer 2015)
• Year long placement in industry – DEE (Helen Thorpe, Careers)
• Summer internships (lab or otherwise)
• Organise own ‘placement’
At other times in L2:
• On Campus Placements
• SURE
• Plus everything on the right
L1 / this summer
(boost CV)
• Work shadowing
• Insight day
• Short placement
• Volunteering
• Part time / temp. work
• Clubs & societies
• Other extra curricular
Which work experience is best for me?
It depends on what career you want……
Careers with my degree: www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/students/degree/bms
Talk to your tutor Talk to a Careers Adviser
New - Placement Team
• Appointments available (to book tel: 0114 222 0900)
– Mon, Weds and Thurs 3.00 - 4.20pm
– Tuesdays 12.00-2.00pm @ Student Job Shop
• Placement talk - 23rd April – book via: www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/students/events
• For more info: www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/jobs
• /UoSPlacements
Explore a combination of:
1) Advertised opportunities
2) Speculative approaches
3) Using your network of contacts
4) Schemes for BMS students:
− DEE
− Summer Studentships
Finding work experience
Advertised opportunities
• My Vacancies plus links to internships, placements (inc. On Campus Placements) and other useful websites – www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/jobs
• Links to other useful websites: www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/infotree
• ‘Finding work experience’ booklet – Careers Service
• Your academic department
• Trade directories, magazines, journals eg: New Scientist
• Professional associations and learned societies
• www.bioscience.heacademy.ac.uk/ftp/events/dlforum07/studentships.pdf
• Company/organisations websites
• Internet search
Speculative approaches
CV and covering letter. Source organisations via:
• Occupational profiles: www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm (‘Employers & vacancy sources’) and at
targetjobs.co.uk/career-sectors
• Directory of British Associations (University Library)
• Careers Service information resources: www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/infotree
• Yellow Pages – www.yell.com
• Your networks……
Networking for success
Do some research & get talking:
• Tutors and lecturers (www.shef.ac.uk/researchsupervisors/view)
• Neighbours, friends, acquaintances – join University and/or other clubs and societies
• Careers Service events eg, fairs, panels, networking
• Join ‘professional’ societies (eg, Society of Biology; Enactus; etc)
• Attend conferences / open days / networking events
• Go to trade fairs
• Work shadowing
• Social media.........
• Set up your online profile (like a CV)
• Search for people you know (family, friends, colleagues)
• Join relevant groups (professional contacts / group discussion)
• Search for companies (vital stats / employee profiles / employees’ group membership)
• Search for work experience
Workshops: www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/students/events
Online help: http://students.linkedin.com
Social media - LinkedIn
Twitter • Follow professionals of interest (gather useful information)
• Re-tweet and comment on hot topics (develop a professional reputation)
• Look for job ads and work experience
Facebook • Search for pages and groups by specific graduate recruiters,
career sectors, careers services and jobs
• ‘like’ employers you are interested in and take an active involvement in their Facebook page
What’s your digital footprint like?
Other social media
Work experience abroad?
www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/inter
my International career
Applying for work experience
• Look out for year out or L2 internship deadlines – as early as Oct / Nov ’15
• Professional application (www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/gettingajob)
• Get feedback on your CV from your tutor and/or the Careers Service
• Get feedback on a ‘final draft’ application form from the Careers Service – tel: 0114 222 0910
• Get help with interviews (www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students/gettingajob/interviews)
Make the most of work experience
Skills for Work Certificate: www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/students/advice/sfwc
The Sheffield Graduate Award:
www.shef.ac.uk/thesheffieldgraduateaward
HEAR :
www.shef.ac.uk/hear
Useful resources
Finding work experience – Information for BMS students: www.careers.dept.shef.ac.uk/pdf/bms_workexp.pdf
PowerPoint Presentation:
www.shef.ac.uk/bms/undergrad/careers/index (see ‘Downloads’)
www.shef.ac.uk/careers/students
Careers Service - 388 Glossop Road
Tel 0114 222 0910
9 am – 5 pm Mon – Fri, except Tuesdays 11 am – 5 pm
Student Jobshop – Students’ Union Building
10 am – 3 pm Mon – Fri, except Tuesdays 11 am – 3 pm
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