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.
Clubs
& Societies
Engaging in a sport
or society shows employers you are engaged and 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 related
to marketing, such as Enactus or the Business Society, or take the opportunity
to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your
horizons and explore new interests. You may even be able to establish a new society
if you have a particular area of interest that is not covered by existing
societies.
Tutor and academic
support
Your tutor and other
academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development.
They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do
approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor
will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study
applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person
is invaluable.