4 things I’ve learnt working in a careers service as a recent graduate
University of Glasgow Careers, Employability & Opportunity
By Hannah Vuozzo, Communications Manager?
I was one of those pandemic graduates. I started and finished my masters online. When it came time for me to find a job, I ended up applying to a communications role at UofG Careers. It has been an incredible learning experience, especially as a recent graduate.?
Here are four things I’ve learnt working for UofG Careers.?
Read up on the labour market.?
When I was studying, my tutors said things like, ‘Most opportunities in communications and public relations are in Edinburgh or down in England.’ This made it feel like I wasn’t going to find a role in Glasgow. Having accurate and up-to-date knowledge about the labour market would’ve given me more confidence and guidance in my job search.?
Researching the labour market would’ve also been particularly helpful as an international graduate. I had zero knowledge of the labour market in Scotland or the UK.?
Resources to check out are:?
Make connections.?
Whether it’s by joining a club or society, pursuing a part-time job, completing an internship or messaging someone who inspires you on LinkedIn, making connections can completely change your career journey for the better. Looking back, I now realise how valuable my own connections were.?
I started my undergraduate degree in architecture but later switched to technical writing. I had this idea to pursue architectural journalism but didn't know where to start. So, I Googled architectural magazines and newspapers and emailed their editors, enquiring about internship opportunities. The editor-in-chief of a publication invited me to a meeting where he offered me an informal, unpaid internship. I gained beneficial insight, skills and experience just because I emailed a stranger.?
(Not everybody is able to work for free, especially in the current economy, and that’s not something to pursue unless it’s a legal volunteership at a registered charity. Make sure you know your employment rights. My internship was in the U.S. where, at the time, unpaid internships were legal.)?
Then, when I was a postgraduate student, I got a part-time role as a student representative. My supervisor ended up being a reference when I applied to my current role.?
Take advantage of careers resources and events.?
Before starting my postgraduate degree, I was looking forward to preparing for my career. I envisioned myself learning about organisations at careers fairs, having one-on-one chats with guest lecturers and attending other careers and employability events.?
But that was before the pandemic hit.?
What I’d envisioned wasn’t possible. There were still some events, but the digital environment threw me off. I didn’t feel connected, so I didn’t engage. And I regret that.?
Fortunately, we’re now able to go to in-person events again, and I encourage you to take full advantage of that. (And remember that there are plenty more events online!)?
Careers and employability events aren’t just for recent or soon-to-be graduates. For example, careers fairs allow you to learn about different sectors, organisations and opportunities. You can always read a webpage about working at Organisation X, but you can’t always have a face-to-face conversation with someone who works there.?
Thinking back, I definitely should’ve gone to careers and employability sessions on topics like CVs and application forms. I had assumed that these things would be the same as in the U.S. (They aren’t!)?
But now, I know that UofG Careers is so much more than careers fairs and sessions. We share labour market information, publish YouTube videos, write articles, post job vacancies, host alumni speakers, record Instagram Reels (seriously!), invest in careers tools for your use and more. It’s all to empower you to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.?
Find fulfilment.?
At UofG Careers, we want you to figure out your next steps, but we also want you to find fulfilment. Remember to reflect on your values and interests as you continue your career journey.?
I applied to work at UofG Careers because I value higher education and supporting people as they build their futures. I feel so fortunate to have this role and work on a team of talented and dedicated professionals, and I hope you can find one that makes you feel as fortunate.?