Book Description

The graduate of ten years ago started work armed with nothing more than a degree. With over 40 per cent of school leavers studying at higher education, you now need much more to impress a potential employer. Whatever you studied at university, you still have a wide choice of potential careers. The subject of your degree doesn't have to determine your career direction. What is important is how you go about getting that career. "Turn your Degree into a Career" covers everything you need to turn yourself from graduate to professional. It explores how you can decide upon your ideal career - what careers you might enjoy, what skills you want to use, and where you want to work. It deals with researching your career, and how to supercharge your CV with a year out. All the basics are covered including how to write application forms, CVs and covering/speculative letters that really work. You'll find useful information on preparing for a successful interview, dealing with aptitude tests and assessment centres, notes on pursuing post-graduate qualifications, as well as tips for survival in the world of work. CONTENTS: Part one Before you start applying - making a confident career choice - considering other directions - skills you bring an employer - having the courage to follow your career choice - researching your career choices - test driving your career - building a cunning plan - how to develop your own brand - supercharging your CV with a year out Part two Applying - the undoubted power of speculative letters - keeping your application form from the bin - don't be afraid of the big bad application forms - a quick guide to creating your CV - last minute tips about sending an application - well done - first interviews - top 20 questions and how to deal with them - on the day of your first interview - dealing with second interviews - perparing for an aptitude test - prozac for job hunters Part three Beyond your first job - planning for the next job or career - final words About the authors Dr Michael Collins runs a course on Personal and Academic Development at the University of East Anglia, offering undergraduates support on careers and job-hunting issues. Benjamin Scott, once a student on Mike Collins' course, is regularly invited to lecture on the PAD course. For over two years he worked for a London advertising agency - a job he owes to the skills taught by Dr Collins. He continues to assist the career center with mentoring and advising undergraduates.