Gain work experience
Undertaking
work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the
crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate
employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and
qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It
can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices.
Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people
who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.
You
have plenty of options open to you. You could apply for a placement year, work
part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations
directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations
offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.
The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of
volunteering opportunities
Tutor and academic
support
Your tutor and other
academic staff are excellent sources of support for your career development.
They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so definitely
approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your
tutor will ultimately write references for your employment or further study
applications, so establishing a positive relationship with this person is
invaluable.
Clubs and societies
Engaging in a sport or
society shows employers you are engaged and can seek out opportunities. It also
helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills.
Committee members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and
will gain experience of meetings, handling funds and society promotion.
You may choose to join
a society that
is specifically linked to events management or take the opportunity to explore
the university’s wide range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help
you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.