Recession Support
With the recession hitting the headlines on a daily basis, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s all doom and gloom in the graduate job market.
However, there’s plenty you can do to make yourself recession proof.
Follow our top tips to put you in the best possible position to land that dream job...
Don’t panic
Some large graduate recruiters are cutting back on their recruitment, but others are looking to the future and recruiting at normal levels. Many predict that although senior jobs may be lost, they will still need new graduate talent.
Some sectors such as engineering and retail (we all buy more alcohol and chocolate in a recession!) show no signs of slowing, and others such as the civil service are likely to grow.
The large graduate recruiters employ a very small proportion of graduates, and there are plenty of good opportunities within small to medium enterprises - check out hundreds of vacancies we're advertising to see what's on offer.
But do take action
Graduates will be still in demand but competition will be stiffer. Prepare now so that you stand out from the crowd by...
Getting the most out of Gradsouthwest
Gradsouthwest is currently advertising hundreds of graduate jobs and we can send them to you by email. To register for this free service, simply log in to your account and select 'create a new jobs by email request' from the main menu. Tell us what you're interested in and we'll deliver it direct to your inbox.
Consider paid placements
Paid graduate placements schemes offer the opportunity to develop your skills and experience as well as demonstrating that you are serious about your chosen field. You will normally have a specific project to work on alongside a programme of training and development. It’ a great way to develop your skills and experience and get a foot in the door - many placements lead to permanent employment.
Placement schemes are open to graduates from all Universities and include:
University of Exeter Graduate Business Partnerships (GBP’s)
University of Plymouth Graduate Business Partnerships (GBP's)
Graduate Skills for Torridge (North Devon)
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP's)
Shell STEP (for students and graduates)
Graduate Challenge Programme (Gloucestershire)
Vacancies from all these placement programmes are advertised on Gradsouthwest.
The Government is drawing up plans for a National Graduate Internship Scheme which will offer paid employment to graduates who are out of work. Watch this space for more information....
Skill up with training
Employers are increasingly saying that a degree is not enough. Top up your workplace skills with the Peninsula Graduate Training Programme - a series of free workshops in subjects such as project management, leadership, networking and negotiation skills.
Your careers service will also offer a range of free training opportunities.
Take advice
Your careers service can offer a wealth of information, advice and guidance as well as practical help with writing CV’s, application forms, interview practice and assessment centres. Talk to your careers service early so that you are well prepared when you come to apply for positions. If you've already graduated, most careers services will still offer support and guidance and you may be able to go to your most local service rather than the one you graduated from.
Be creative
Adopt a creative approach to your career planning. You may need to broaden your horizons and consider related professions, overseas work or even setting up you own business. In the current climate, there’s lots of support for entrepreneurs – your careers service will be able to tell you what’s on offer locally.
Start somewhere
It’s better to start somewhere than nowhere. If you wanted a place on an accountancy graduate training scheme you may need to consider a job in a finance department instead – and then keep applying for graduate schemes. Don’t be too proud about where you start – it’s where you end up that matters!
Meet Employers
Careers Fairs and employer presentations are a great way to meet – and impress – employers. Put the date of your local careers fair in your diary now, and go along well prepared. Use the Gradsouthwest Directory of Employers to see who’s recruiting in the South West, and if you have any contacts, use them to get that first break.
