Making yourself employable
What do you mean, making yourself employable...?
One of the many reasons people come to University is to help
them with their future career, to help them get into a certain job,
or to improve their job prospects more generally. There are so lots
of opportunities at University to get involved in a whole range of
things that will help you achieve these aims. Even if you have no
idea what you want to do afterwards, you can still gain skills and
experience that will help you with life after York St John.
But doesn't my degree do that for me?
Well, yes, and no! Most employers recognise how useful a degree
is, and getting a good degree from York St John can make all the
difference when it comes to applying for that perfect job, and
throughout your career. But, increasingly, employers are telling us
they are looking for that little bit more than someone with a good
degree.
What do you mean, a little bit more?
What we mean is, employers are looking for people who have
developed skills and gained experience outside of your degree, or
at least, outside of the lecture theatre. Employers in all job
areas are keen to see people who have got involved in things like
volunteering, part-time jobs, internships, perhaps been programme
representatives, or been on the committees of University societies.
Anything which has given you a chance to develop and practice new
and transferable skills that will be useful in the workplace in the
future.
My course has a work placement module, is that enough?
One of the things which sets York St John students apart from
others is often the experience gained on a work placement, and this
is a really good opportunity to gain new skills, as well as
demonstrate to potential employers that you are genuinely
interested in an area of work. However, if at all possible, it is
worth trying to build on the experience that you get on placement -
it is a really useful thing to have, but the more you can do the
better. Of course, you can make some great contacts whilst on
placement, and you might have the opportunity to continue working
with your placement provider in the future, either through
volunteering or possible even in a paid role.
So how can I go about 'making myself employable'?
Well you're already on the right path by asking yourself that
question! Take a look at the links on the left hand side, about
'your skills' and 'gaining experience' - they're a good place to
start. They will also direct you to YSJConnect - the University's hub for
jobs, volunteering and other opportunities that can make all the
difference. And of course, you can always contact us to make an appointment to see a
Careers & Employability Adviser who can help you make some
progress.