The government has produced a guide for graduates with suggestions on how to get through the recession. Working abroad, volunteering and trying to set up a business are among the suggestions. The guide, which will be sent to all graduates, is supported by NUS and encourages graduates to try a range of options.
"It is more important than ever to ensure that students leaving university are supported and given advice on how to take advantage of the opportunities that are available," said Aaron Porter, NUS Vice President Higher Education.
Skills audit
One of the first things you should do, says Graduate Prospects spokesman Dr Charlie Ball, is find out what skills you have, so when the time comes you are properly prepared to sell yourself to employers.
“A lot of graduates find it difficult explaining their experiences to employers. Make sure you are not one of them. Go to your careers service and talk to an advisor about how to organise your CV. Tell the advisor everything you have done during your studies, so they can help you translate these into job skills.”
Temporary measures
If you are lacking in key skills, Dr Ball suggests a period of temporary work to help you build up those all important skills that employers are searching for.
“If you can’t get the permanent post you want, try to get a temporary job. Later down the line, you’ll be looking for a permanent role and a period of work on your CV is better than nothing.
“Many graduates start their career temping in quite unlikely places (I started my career working as a temp in a shop selling herbal medicines), and you can often learn useful skills that you can take with you when you move on,” he adds.
Lending a hand
Working as a volunteer or intern will enable you to get to grips with an industry, and see if it’s the right career for you. It’s also a great way to meet people and network, says Dr Ball.
“Remember – a lot of graduates (statistics suggest as many as a quarter) find jobs through word of mouth. So the more people you meet and deal with, the more chance you have of hearing about an opportunity.”
The government has also announced anyone on an unpaid placement for up to 13 weeks will be allowed to claim job seeker’s allowance. Job seeker’s will be able to claim this benefit after having claimed the allowance for six months.
A website has also been launched for employers to post their internships. Organisations such as Network Rail, the police service, and Microsoft have already signed up to the scheme.
The government has also announced that graduates completing voluntary work or internships will still be able to claim job seeker’s allowance.
More study
In a recession, more of us are likely to turn our attention to further study to improve our chances in the job market. “If you spend that time learning as much as you can about the industries you are interested in, and make contact with potential employers, you’ll be well-placed when recovery comes around again,” says Dr Ball.
It’s true that further study can help you upgrade existing skills and to change career altogether, but you must do your homework first. Postgraduate courses can cost anything from £2,000 to £28,000, so find out first if an extra qualification is what an employer is looking for.
Further information:
Careers advice from Graduate Prospects