After you’ve spent years studying, you may think that your degree will be all that potential employers are interested in. However, a study carried out by High Fliers, a graduate recruitment research company, reveals that graduates with work experience, or who have undertaken an internship while at university, are much more successful in securing employment.
According to the UK Graduates Careers Survey, published in June 2013, graduates who had gained practical experience in the workplace were three times more likely to secure a job than their inexperienced counterparts. Researchers from High Fliers spoke with 18,000 graduates from 30 universities across the UK.
1. Basic Workplace Skills:
Employers are looking for graduates who understand how a workplace operates. The rules that apply to attendance, timekeeping and deadlines at university are perceived to be more lenient than those that apply in the workplace. Employers do not want to spend the first few months of a graduates’ employment educating them about basic workplace rules and etiquette. If you have a proven work history, even if it is not in the same field, you can demonstrate to an employer that you have basic workplace skills.
2. Putting Theory into Practice:
The theories that you learn at university may not always work in practice. Most employers prefer to offer employment to graduates who can take a practical and pragmatic approach to the workplace.
3. Employment References:
Many graduates can only provide references from academic sources, such as lecturers or former school teachers. While this may reveal an individual’s ability to study, they say little about his potential as an employee. A reference from a former employer will carry more weight and can answer some of the questions that are most important to a prospective employer.
4. The Opportunity to Impress:
If you can secure employment in your chosen field, albeit in an entry level position or on an unpaid basis, you can begin to impress a potential employer. Some employers view summer placements and internships as a way to “try before they buy”. If you work hard, demonstrate a positive attitude and deliver results while undertaking work experience, an employer may offer you a permanent opportunity when you graduate.
5. Networking:
If you can secure a placement or internship in your chosen field, you can begin to build up a network of contacts. As a lowly student, almost everyone you work with will have more experience that you. Use this to your advantage, by asking questions and learning from more experienced individuals. Soak up all the information you can when colleagues are prepared to share their know-how. Build relationships that you can draw on when you are job hunting after graduation.
6. Part-time Employment:
For most students, part-time employment offers the best way to gain work experience and earn some extra cash. You can search for part-time job opportunities on sites such as Essential Personnel. If you need assistance to secure a part-time job, your consultant can help you compile a CV and apply for suitable vacancies.
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| All Work, No Pay: Finding an Internship, Building Your Resume, Making Connections, and Gaining Job Experience | 10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College, Revised: The Skills You Need to Succeed | You Majored in What?: Mapping Your Path from Chaos to Career | They Don’t Teach Corporate in College, Revised Edition: A Twenty-Something’s Guide to the Business World |
About the Author:
Steven Pearson enjoys passing on his employment tips through blogging. When he is not writing articles for employment blogs, business often consult with him on recruitment techniques.
Image courtesy of nongpimmy / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.