Professional Training at Surrey

• The University has one of the highest graduate employment rates in the country

• Professional Training develops students professionally and personally

• Attracts students to the University

finding and getting the right placement

year 1 workshop

why should I do a placement year?

The killer reasons why

enhance your future job prospects build a great CV acquire new, transferable = marketable skills learn how to succeed in an organisation = “soft” skills earn some money improve your final year performance have a better idea what career to pursue apply the mathematics you have learned have fun

why wouldn’t you want to do a professional training placement?

?

the competition is fierce

The placements are there but you have to find them and compete for them

The more effort you make the stronger your prospects You can improve your prospects

the earlier you start the better your CV and covering letters the better your on-line applications the more research you do the better you perform in interviews

What can you do?

You can improve your prospects The earlier you start The better your CV and covering letters The better your on-line applications The more research you do The better you perform in interviews

It’s not too late to build your CV! volunteer, interests, societies,

languages….

Some Recent Placements•Pharmaceutical - GSK/Pfizer/ Quintiles/

Roche

•Finance – Bank of England/Lloyds TSB/HSBC/HFC/Goldman Sachs/Disney

•Actuarial – RSA/AXA/Mercer/AVIVA

•Computing – Microsoft/IBM/ Intel

•Education – HEFCE/AQA

•Government – Civil Service/Customs and Excise/DTI/ONS/DSTL/

National Vetinary Labs/LOCOG

•Car Industry – Rolls-Royce/ Ford/

Peugeot/Citroen

•Marketing - Marks and Spencer/ Reuters/Nestle/Kimberley Clark

•Statistical/Mathematical - Datalytics/ Broventure/NATS

Professional Training Results

July 2012 degree classifications:

All students (84) Prof. Training (29)

First class 43% 55%

Upper second 31% 38%

Lower second 24% 7%

Third/Ordinary 2% 0%

what is the process of finding a professional placement?

attend workshops and other sessions designed to help you complete the PTY form and give it to Steph Evans in PTY Office

on BB 04 or give it to her today write your CV and e-mail it to John Rayman for comments use the resources available to research sectors/companies and

placements be ready to start applying late summer 2014

complete the professional training form

information you’ll need for your CV information for the professional training office

creating your CV

the purpose of a CV structure content cover letter resources to help you

assess this CV

would you select this applicant for interview? how many mistakes can you find?

Curriculum Vitae Personal details: Name: Julie Maureen Crisp Address: 21 Station Road Shrewsbury SW2 3GH Telephone: 01483 805678 Date of birth: 9th January 1992 Place of birth: Manchester Nationality: British E-mail littlejackiewackie@gmail.com Qualifications: 10/2011 – 2014 Surrey University, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH Mathematics BSC Sept 2003 – July 2010 Oswestry School, Cheshire 2010 A levels: -Mathematics A - Physics B -Computer Science A -Chemistry A 2008 GCSEs: English Language A -Maths A -Biology A -Physics A -Chemistry A -French B Geography A Economics C Business Studies B Work Experience 2011 Norwood Finance Ltd, 27 Winterbourne Road,

Birmingham B 7 3 HF

Summer internship, 8 weeks 2009 – 2010 Toys R Us, part time sales assistant Developed communications skills through being on customer services desk, and ability to work under pressure at peak times 2005 – 2007 Direct Call Services, Part time customer services clark Promoted to senior clark Interests and Achievements I enjoy building computers and developing websites. Voluntry work: Working on a talking newspaper for the blind Fund raising for the RNIB, eg organised raffles and an auction Music: play saxophone in jazz group Reading, watching films, listening to music.socialising Playing computer games, especially violent kinds References available on request

Curriculum Vitae Personal details: Name: Julie Maureen Crisp Address: 21 Station Road term time? Shrewsbury SW2 3GH Telephone: 01483 805678 home or university? Date of birth: 9th January 1992 Place of birth: Manchester Nationality: British E-mail littlejackiewackie@gmail.com j.crisp@surrey.ac.uk Qualifications: Education 10/2011 – present 2014 Surrey University, Stag Hill, Guildford GU2 7XH Mathematics BSC BSc year 1 marks, year 2 marks? Sept 2003 – July 2010 9/03 – 7/10 Oswestry School, Cheshire 2010 A levels: -Mathematics A on one line only - Physics B -Computer Science A -Chemistry A 2008 GCSEs: English Language A on one or two lines only -Maths A -Biology A -Physics A -Chemistry A -French B Geography A Economics C Business Studies B Work Experience 2011 Norwood Finance Ltd, 27 Winterbourne Road,

Birmingham B 7 3HF

don’t break a section Summer internship, 8 weeks 2009 – 2010 Toys R Us, part time sales assistant Developed communications skills through being on customer services desk, and ability to work under pressure at peak times

list what you did and the results you got in bullet points

2005 – 2007 Direct Call Services, Part time customer services clark Promoted to senior clark what did you do? skills and Aptitudes? Intrests and Achievements

bullet points, punchy and specific I enjoy building computers and developing websites. Voluntry work: Working on a talking newspaper for the blind Fund raising for the RNIB, eg organised raffles and an auction Music: play saxophone in jazz group Reading, watching films, listening to music. socialising Playing computer games, especially violent kinds is this a sensible thing to put? References available on request

spelling

spelling

purpose of a CV

from your point of view to get the interview, not the job demonstrate in the CV that you have the skills,

experience and motivation to sell yourself

from the employers’ point of view weed out unsuitable candidates quickly make a short list

imagine that you are the product and the CV is your advertisement

get your unique selling propositions (USPs) across only have a few seconds attention from the reader

your particular strengths unique combinations of attributes what do you have that the competition doesn’t?

things to think about

first impressions are critical in job hunting as in life. the CV and the covering letter are your first contact with a potential

employer. your CV is competing with all the other CVs the CV needs to show immediately that you have

the relevant aptitudes, skills and knowledge the necessary experience the motivation

these features can be demonstrated by your CV

how the CV is written is as important as what it contains

structure

Up to you – it’s your CV must be logical and easy to follow no repetition everything the reader needs must be clear and easy to find typical example

education employment (work experience, volunteering) skills and aptitudes interests bio data references

two pages of A4 – also be able to produce a one page version explore internet for examples/templates

style

sharp, positive and focussed most space given to most important aspects make every word count reverse chronological order for education and

employment bullet points – short and punchy, not prose active verbs – e.g. organised, managed, presented don’t use the word “I” don’t repeat yourself

education

give your overall marks for first semester (then year 1 when you have them), don’t list modules studied

individual module marks if very good and relevant to the job

A levels and year list GCSEs briefly but mention specifically English and

foreign languages awards, scholarships and prizes (most emphasis on

university)

possible education template

Education

2012 – present University of Surrey BSc Mathematics year 1 first semester mark 68%

2010 – 2012 St John’s College, Wigan A level Maths (A*) Biology (B) Physics (A)

2005 – 2010 Templecourt School, Warrington GCSE 7 A, 3 B, 1 C including English (A),

French (B)

employment

company name, location (not address), job title, dates e.g. 6/11 – 9/11

describe company’s business list what you did and the results you achieved and any

achievements describe any training given include volunteering or internships in same detail briefly mention short work experience don’t cover skills used or developed employment experience is probably the most

important elements employers are looking for

possible employment template

Employment

4/10 -9/10 Courtauld’s Ltd, CoventryArtificial and Synthetic Fibres Division

Laboratory technician o set up apparatus for preparation of novel compoundso carried out syntheses and tested resulting products using mass

spectrometryo wrote up reports of work carried outo presented verbal report on work at weekly meetings

skills and aptitudes

developed from studies, employment, volunteering, interests … either integrate into sections with the activity - but

risk of repetition or a specific section

give evidence for each claimed skill no clichés select your key strengths

where you think you are better than most

written communication

ability to write concisely and convey meaning in a way appropriate to different readers presenting a persuasive argument

oral communication

ability to express ideas verbally in a way easily understood by others who are unfamiliar with the topic, including delivering presentations, giving accurate information or acting as a spokesperson

problem solvingdevising and then using an appropriate method, rule, technique or logic to solve a problem

leadership ability to organise and motivate others

creative thinkingbeing original and inventive in order to solve problems, generate ideas or produce novel designs

numeracyability to understanding and interpret facts and ideas expressed in figures and non-verbal data

team workingworking cooperatively and effectively with wide variety of other pee to achieve a common goal

commercial awareness

having an understanding and appreciation of the products and services of an organisation, its markets and customers

language skillsunderstanding and being competent in another language

judgment

ability to think clearly and logically under pressure, giving consideration to the potential impact upon other elements before deciding on the wisest course of action to be taken

computer literacyprogramming skills, competence in operating software packages

negotiatingagreeing a course of action that is both appropriate and beneficial to those involved

persuading

ability to challenge the attitudes and points of view of others in a logical, non-judgemental way that people can understand

decision makingtaking responsibility for what needs to be done and setting achievable goals frequently within a set time frame.

time managementability to organise one's work prioritise and sequence what needs to be done within deadlines

project managementability to take responsibility for the management and delivery of all or a part of a programme of work

self motivationcapacity to identify, address and compete tasks without needing to be prompted or micro-managed

ability to meet targets and deadlines

comfortable when faced with different tasks with different, tight deadlines. Able to maintain accuracy under pressure

customer relationscomfortable and positive in face to face contact with customers, especially those who are dissatisfied.

Skills and Aptitudes Review

skill what this meansactivity

(e.g course, employment, club/society. volunteering etc.)

evidence (describe circumstances in

which the skill was demonstrated)

skills and aptitudes that employers want most

verbal communications team working integrity intellectual ability self-confidence organisational skills interpersonal skills writing ability numeracy analytic skills/decision making

interests

demonstrate breadth of personality if you don’t have interests – get some! socialising with friends doesn’t count current/recent most important sports, clubs, charities, cultural activities.. interesting travel, projects… be specific – what, when, what level, where… be aware of current affairs

listen to radio 4, Today programme read a quality newspaper

bio data

addresses, phone (mobile) and non-quirky e-mail boozytommy@gmail.com ? much better t.jones@surrey.ac.uk

d.o.b., nationality optional two referees

academic, employment/volunteering not “references supplied on request”

a reader friendly CV logical structure all key information clear and easily available no jargon, no acronyms professional looking presentation

text balanced over 2 pages good use of white space very good quality paper if printed single conventional font e.g.

verdana ariel times new roman

11 or 12 point size, but headings can be larger, use bold, italic and underline appropriately CAPITALS CAN BE UGLY

putting the CV together

sweet spot – middle of first page – should have your best aspects

get someone else to check it before you send it – especially if English is not your mother tongue

never rely on spell check e.g. hobbit never tell lies

everything on the CV must be true not everything that is true must be on the

CV blow your own trumpet but no hyperbole

some signs of a bad CV more than 2 pages long, poorly word processed

or printed, section breaks over page gaps in chronology spelling or grammar mistakes irrelevant, trivial details gimmicky fonts quirky presentation

some employers’ pet hates

typos 61% inappropriate e-mail addresses 35% no section on key skills 30% more than two pages 22% decorative paper 20% with a photo 13%

personal statements?

“I have a real passion for learning and I approach all tasks with great enthusiasm. I am a responsible and reliable student who is willing to work hard in order to develop my career.”

actual statement from a student with 72% overall

“I have a real passion for learning (obvious – you got a first) and I approach all tasks with great enthusiasm (where is the proof?). I am a responsible and reliable student (repeated what you just said in the first sentence)  who is willing to work hard in order to develop my career (can you imagine someone saying that they are not willing to work hard to develop their career?).”

use the “not” test

I am a hardworking and honest individual and an excellent timekeeper

I don’t work hard, I’m not particularly honest and I am a poor timekeeper

but when might these three attributes be worth putting down?

sending CVs to employers

use original print hard copies not photocopies electronically use a PDF, not Word document send/e-mail to named individual with cover

letter

cover letters

grab the reader’s attention and interest highlight the relevant skills and experience

in your CV show you have done your research on the

job/activity and employer demonstrate why you want to work for that

employer Could be applying for a vacancy or speculative

writing the cover letter

no more than ¾ of a page of A4 addressed to a named individual specific for particular application even with a

template written in formal business style well laid out, clear and easy to follow perfect spelling and grammar good quality paper

cover letters are formal

written English is not spoken English written down some words to avoid

don’t, can’t, I’d, Dad, shouldn’t, it’s (which only means it is!)

don’t start sentences with “and”, “but” … typed, not handwritten but signed by hand short sentences each with a verb, subject and object not bullet points

typical structure of cover letter

Your address and the address of the company subject e.g. professional placement/ job title para 1 introduce yourself, what you are applying for,

where you saw it para 2 why do you want to work in this job/activity? para 3 why do you want to work for this company? para 4 why you are a suitable candidate, what relevant

skills and experience you bring positive ending your signature your name

can I improve what goes into my CV?

during the semester get actively involved with clubs/societies develop an existing interest or take up new interests go to evening classes to learn something useful volunteer

use the long vacation this summer get a paid job do an internship volunteering at home or overseas major project learn to drive travel somewhere interesting, do something useful there

don’t just sit back, your competitors are on the case already

1960s and 1970s degree = employment

1980s degree + extracurricular activites = employment

2 (i) + good university1990s + extracurricular activities = employment

+ work experience

2 (i) + good universitynow + extracurricular activities = employment

+ work experince of real value

what employers look for in graduates

very likely 5%

quite likely 39%

not very likely 47%

not at all likely 9%

10 20 30 40 50

percentage of top graduate emkloyers

probability that Graduates with no work experience would get a job offer 2013 survey

resources – summer activities

http://www.exeter.ac.uk/careers/research/sector/vacationworkandworkexperience

http://www.careers.cam.ac.uk/sectors/Vacwork/index.asp http://www.prospects.ac.uk/work_experience_vacation_w

ork.htm http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/careers/experience/

placements/vacation-work.html

what should I do now to prepare for applying for a placement?

fill out the PTY form and return to Steph Evans get your CV written and send it to John Rayman

useful resources

www.surrey.ac.uk/careers/current/leaflets/index.htm www.surrey.ac.uk/careers/current/work/cv/index.htm www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs_and_cover_letters.htm www3.surrey.ac.uk/destinations/units/unit-cv005.shtml http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-hunting-tools-

downloads

applying for jobs abroad: www.surrey.ac.uk/careers/current/work/abroad/

index.htm

more useful resources…… http://www.milkround.com  www.work-placement.co.uk  www.gradjobs.co.uk  www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk www.RateMyPlacement.co.uk http://www.gradcracker.com/ http://www.allaboutcareers.com/jobs www.Wikijob.co.uk www.fledglings.net