#QMCareers QMUL Jobs Blog

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Student Story: Schekinah Ndongala’s QMentoring Experience

Academic School: Law

Degree Course: LLB Law

How has QMentoring informed your career direction?

Although overall I did enjoy studying Law, it was a very challenging degree, and at the time I found myself losing interest for the profession. I also felt that the traditional legal route did not appeal to me, since I believed I would have to revisit areas of law that I did not particularly enjoy during my degree. Therefore, I sought this programme out in the hopes of finding a completely different career that I thought would be more suitable for me.

What valuable piece of career advice have you gained from your mentor?

A valuable piece of advice that I have received from my mentor is to be open-minded and patient. I was completely close-minded and refused to look for alternative legal routes. My mentor has been great in reminding me to be optimistic when trying to secure a graduate position. Having her tell me about her own personal experiences and having her support/encouragement has enabled me to be optimistic throughout the application process.

What have you enjoyed most about working with your mentor?

Overall, I’ve enjoyed having a professional mentor who has been on hand to respond to my queries and concerns, and who has been aiding me by giving me advice and suggestions for beginning my career. I have decided to keep in contact with my mentor for several reasons, one being that I am still applying for jobs. More importantly, however, I have established a rapport with a successful legal professional who I admire, respect and can seek direct career advice from.

Would you suggest other students participate in QMentoring?

In my personal view, I would make QMentoring mandatory for all students. It is a wonderful opportunity to develop rapport with a professional who has been in the same situation as you and mentors can provide a great deal of support in jump-starting your career path.

What advice would you give to a new mentee just starting out on the programme?

My advice for new mentees – particularly those who seek guidance and inspiration in terms of what to do next after graduation – would be to be open-minded. Do not be afraid to explore different options with your mentor, and take on board all of their suggestions. You never know what you may discover by doing just that.

If you would like to book an appointment with a QMUL Careers Consultant click here.

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Student story: My QTaster experience

Aakanksha Verma, 2nd year Economics and Finance

Having been interested in the banking sector after attending an Economics Summer School at the University of Oxford and consequently a ‘Young Investment Bankers’ Programme’ at UCL, I moved to the UK’s financial hub to study BSc Economics and Finance (Hons) at Queen Mary. I have attended insights into the world of Investment Banking and Sales and Trading at Goldman Sachs, HSBC and BNP Paribas and managed to attain a position at BNP Paribas’ 2017 Global Markets Spring Week. The week consisted of getting a deeper insight and experience across the Global Markets Division through work shadowing FX Traders and Quantitative Analysts on the trading floor, taking an active role in sales and trading games, analysing case studies and networking with some of the top professionals in the financial services. The 10-hour working days confirmed that this is the career path that I want to follow.

To achieve the goals that I’d set myself, I had to keep actively seeking opportunities to gain more experience in the field of finance. QTaster gave me the opportunity to attend insight days at Barclays, Bloomberg and ASOS and helped me to broaden my understanding about how the businesses function and about the roles available in different divisions. These sessions definitely increased my confidence and commercial awareness along with helping to widen my network across a range of employers.

I currently work as a Junior Associate within the Futures and Options team at Macquarie Investment Bank and the QTaster scheme definitely has had a positive impact in helping me to attain this role. I would recommend everyone to apply to this fantastic opportunity even if you don’t have any idea of the field in which you want your career to advance in because YOU select the companies that you visit thereby easily enabling you to explore different growth sectors.

To find out more, and to apply, visit our website.

The deadline for applications is 3rd September at 10am.

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Student story: My QConsult experience (applications open now!)

Thinking about autumn term already? Don’t forget that QConsult starts again next term and applications are open NOW. 

  Carola (2nd from left) & her QConsult team

Carola Bigogno (Biomedical Sciences graduate) took part in QConsult last year, working on a project for a local housing charity. Here’s what she had to say about her experience on the programme:

Why did you get involved with QConsult?

When I found out about QConsult I was thrilled. I thought it would be a great chance to improve my skills and gain new transferable ones, to learn more about a particular job profile – consultant, which I found extremely interesting, and also give back to the community in a different, but still valuable way.  And I was definitely not wrong, the overall experience was incredible!

Did you enjoy the programme?

The best part for me was working together in a team: putting together ideas and opinions and using our skills to present to our client and write up the best report possible. I think that I’ve always worked pretty well in a team, however, working with other people can be extremely challenging. Luckily enough, everyone in my group was very professional. We also became friends, sharing not only the experiences of the programme but socialising together too.

What skills did you develop whilst on the programme?

QConsult was definitely a challenge, and not everything went smoothly! Before starting the project, I wasn’t confident about my skills and abilities. I also wasn’t really sure what was expected of me in a professional environment.

At the end of the project we were able to reflect on the experience and the skills we had gained. We discussed the topic within the team and with the careers advisors, and we realised that we had been able to develop and strengthen any skills we could think about, at least all the key ones, including written and oral communication, initiative, organisation and attention to details. When asked to identify the skills we still need to work on we all identified time management. In fact, we were all doing very challenging and demanding degrees within the team, therefore it was sometimes hard to dedicate enough quality time to QConsult.

Do you think QConsult has helped your employability?

I believe QConsult significantly improved my employability for many reasons. First of all, because I had the chance to work in a professional environment, where people – our clients – trusted our abilities. Moreover, it was an incredible chance to develop a significant range of specific and interpersonal skills, which will definitely boost my CV and confidence.

What would you say to somebody who’s unsure about getting involved in QConsult?

Don’t be scared by how challenging QConsult appears at first, and don’t give up as the project goes on! Not everything will turn out as you expect, but this is a great chance to step out of your comfort zone and understand your abilities, strengths and skills. You will also identify your weaknesses and learn how to deal with them. Moreover, you will learn a lot in such a short time and you will meet amazing people that will always support and help you.

If you’d like to experience QConsult for yourself, then get involved! Applications are open now and close on 3rd September. For more information visit our website here: careers.qmul.ac.uk/qconsult

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Creating your skills story…

A CV tells a story about you and your professional journey to date.

As a student it can be common to have a varied range of work experience, such as part-time jobs, internships, or even placements during your degree. This can mean that your CV can seem quite broken up, with some of the work you did before or during university no longer feeling as relevant to the career you want to pursue now.

But by focusing on the skills you got from these jobs, rather than just the tasks they involved, you can refocus your CV to tell a story about a portfolio of skills you have developed across these different experiences.

Here are three quick ways to try this on your CV:

Start with skills: When describing your work experience, start each bullet point with a skill. Then describe the actions you took in the job that evidenced that skill. Even if you have done lots of different kinds of jobs, you will then be able to highlight the similar skills that connected them. Here are some examples…

Written communication: wrote weekly mail outs to inform customers of new services.

Teamwork: chaired monthly staff meetings, ensuring that all staff were able to speak and raise their concerns and thoughts.

Organisation: updated the online room booking calendar daily on Microsoft Outlook.

Include a profile: Try writing a profile at the top of your CV, which gives potential employers some context about you and highlights the key skills that link together your different experiences. The profile should be short (no more than a couple of sentences) and specific to you, for example…

I am a bilingual BSc Mathematics student, who has developed strong communication skills across a range of customer service jobs, and is now seeking to apply my knowledge of statistics in the public sector.

Use a cover letter: If you have the opportunity, submit a cover letter alongside your CV. On the cover letter you can select the most relevant aspects of your work history and education, to create a narrative about how your previous experience has given you skills to undertake the job for which you are applying. You can find advice on how to structure a cover letter here.

Good luck! And don’t forget you can always book a 1-2-1 appointment with an Application Adviser to get some feedback on your CV, cover letter or application.

Eleanor, Application Adviser

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Sectors Explained: Getting into Finance

There are a variety of job opportunities within the world of finance, and they don’t all require a degree related to maths or economics! No matter what you study, the strongest CVs within this field tend to show a consistent interest in the global economy, and demonstrate knowledge of the organisation and job role in question.

In this blog post, we will be breaking down some of the jobs you can expect to find within the sector, and what skills employers are looking for when you apply for work experience or graduate opportunities.

Job Types

Accountants – Accountants are responsible for managing and reporting on an organisation’s accounts. You can find these jobs in organisations of all sizes, and within a range of industries. In some instances an accountant might specialise in a particular area, such as in tax.

Banking and Finance – This might be the most obvious type of job related to finance. People working in banks or building societies help individuals and organisations manage their money and access financial help (like loans, insurance or mortgages).

Financial Planning – These jobs involve advising individuals and organisations when it comes to their money and financial futures. You might be helping people plan for retirement, or reach a shorter-term financial goal like save for a house deposit.

Insurance – Those working in insurance collect a range of evidence and information to assess and resolve insurance policies. You can work with clients, as well professionals in areas like law and medicine.

Investments and Pensions – These roles require you to use research to determine where best to invest, and support clients in their own investments. You will also be responsible for measuring performance and managing the related data.

Important Skills

Here are some of the skills employers within the finance sector will be looking for when recruiting graduates, and how you can go about gaining them while at Queen Mary University of London.

Numerical Skills – Although a degree in a finance-related subject is not always required, you will need to show that you have a reasonable level of understanding when it comes to numbers. You could develop these skills by managing the finances of a society here on campus, or maybe supporting the organisation of an event.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills – These skills are important in any job, and will help you work with colleagues and clients once you are hired. During your degree, have you had to work as part of a team or present to your fellow classmates? These are both great examples of communication and interpersonal skills.

Commercial Awareness – Showing that you are aware of current financial trends is important if you want to impress employers. Media outlets such as The Economist and the Financial Times are great places to stay up to date!

Team Working and Leadership – Roles related to finance can often be project-driven and deadline-focused. Being able to work well in a team, and take the lead when needed, will ensure you work effectively and deliver timely results. Getting involved in a sports team or society that interests you would be a great way to evidence these skills.

Integrity – People are very invested in their finances (no pun intended!). You need clients to trust you with their money, and you need to show your employer that they can trust you with sensitive information. Think about times you have shown integrity, and use the CAR model (context of the situation, the action you took and the result) to articulate this.

Want to know more? We have an in depth guide to getting into Banking and Finance on our website.

If you would like to talk to a careers consultant about getting into the sector, you can also book an appointment with us. 

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What’s On?: Events For International Students

The last week of February is International Students Week, and to mark it the Careers and Enterprise department are holding a whole host of talks, events and workshops to support and inform international students about employment.

Find out more about the events and how you can join them below!

Working in India Monday 24 February 1pm – 2pm

Are you interested in finding out about employment in India? In this webinar, led by market entry consulting firm Sannam S4, you will hear from an employer about what they look for in recent graduates and also the experience of a former student from India who has built a successful career in her home country, after studying in the UK at Queen Mary University of London.

You can choose to join us for the webinar in person at Scape Canalside TR1, or watch online using a weblink. The link will be shared with participants closer to the session.

Working in the UK After Study for International Students Tuesday 25 February 5pm – 6pm

This workshop will give you a full overview of the Tier 2 visa process for working in the UK after your studies, as well as the chance to ask any visa-related questions. Information about Tier 1 and Tier 5 will also be covered by our expert from QMUL Advice and Counselling, Rachel Hacking.

International Accounting & Finance Case Study Session with ICAEW Tuesday 25 February 12pm – 2pm

Come along to practice your team working and analytical skills with an international accounting & finance case study. Great for students considering or applying for finance & accounting roles with international employers!

How to Find UK Work Experience/Internships Wednesday 26 February 1pm – 2pm

We encourage all undergraduate and postgraduate students to find work experience or an internship while studying at Queen Mary. They fit into international students’ schedules and visa requirements, and they can possibly lead to longer term work!

One of the best ways to obtain one suitable to your goals is to find it yourself.  This interactive workshop will help you clarify your goals, identify potential sources, and identify some of the best approaches to securing experience. The session will be led by Laura Skedgell from the Careers & Enterprise team.

How to Use LinkedIn and the Queen Mary Network to Help with Your Global Job Search Thursday 27 February 1pm – 2pm

As part of International Students Week, learn how you can use online networks to get your career off to a great start. Please ensure that you have registered on LinkedIn before coming along to the session. To gain the maximum benefit, we would highly recommend bringing a laptop or mobile to use LinkedIn on the day.

The session will be led by Stefan Couch from the Careers & Enterprise team and Phil Davey from the Alumni Engagement Directorate.

Tier 5 – Internship Route for Working in the UK After Study with Zenia Chopra Thursday 27 February 4pm – 5pm

Zenia Chopra is the Head of Client Services within the Immigration Department at Kingsley Napley LLP. Zenia has had 7+ years’ experience working within the Tier 5 GAE visa route, and is one of the UK’s few leading experts on the Tier 5 GAE scheme and market.

She will be presenting an overview of the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange VISA scheme, which allows international graduates to undertake work experiences in the UK for as little as 4 weeks to a maximum of 12 months.

If you would like to book a one-to-one meeting with one of our careers consultants, click here.

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5 LinkedIn Features You Should Be Using!

You have set up your LinkedIn profile, taken a professional picture and added everyone you know… now what? In this blog post, we will be exploring the additional features available to maximise your use of LinkedIn profile, build your network and source job opportunities.

Networking with alumni

LinkedIn is a great place to find work experience opportunities and jobs. If you are making speculative applications, start by sourcing a Queen Mary alumni in the organisation or sector you are interested in.

Start on the Queen Mary, University of London profile page and select the ‘Alumni’ tab on the left.  You’ll find nearly 90,000 former students there, working across all industries. Simply enter keywords in the search box to narrow down the list to relevant contacts. For example, ‘HSBC’ to find all alumni who work at (or have worked at) HSBC, or ‘banking’ for alumni who work in the sector generally.

You can then connect with or direct message the alumnus of your choice. A good template to use for approaching alumni is below, however make sure you tailor this!

Dear {Name}, I hope you don’t mind me connecting with you, but I noticed you were an alumni of Queen Mary. I’m a current student and looking for work experience opportunities within {their company/sector}. {A few lines introducing yourself and your skills}.

I’d really appreciate any advice or tips you’d have, or I can send you a copy of my CV if you think there are any roles which might be suitable for my skill set.

Kind regards, {Your name}

Publishing articles

Did you know you can publish articles, blogs and thought-provoking pieces on LinkedIn? Your articles are published on the news feed and saved onto your profile for potential employers to view. This is a great way to show a portfolio of your work, whether it is opinion pieces, research or creative writing. You can also add links to external blogs or websites on your profile. To publish an article, click on the ‘Write an article’ link near the top of the homepage.

Requesting recommendations

Recommendations are a reference-style feature on your LinkedIn profile. You can request recommendations from previous or current employers, tutors, colleagues and peers. Building up your recommendations shows potential employers recognition of your work and an endorsement of your skills.

To request a recommendation, click on the ‘Ask for a recommendation’ link near the bottom of your profile page. You can then search for the connection you would like a recommendation from, and send them a message.

Boost your commercial awareness

Follow companies and individuals that inspire you. Businesses from all different industries post their latest news and blogs via LinkedIn, so it is an ideal platform to do some research around potential companies you would like to work for.

You can also find topics to discuss during interviews; many companies post updates about their achievements, social activities and charity fundraisers to give an insight into their culture. There is also a news feature on the homepage to keep yourself up-to-date with industry trends.

LinkedIn Learning

You can sign up for a free one-month trial of LinkedIn Learning – LinkedIn’s platform containing personalised learning experiences and courses taught by real-world professionals. There are thousands of courses available to enhance your skills and job prospects. When you’ve completed a course, LinkedIn even adds a certification onto your profile.

Course examples include technology training (with modules on Excel, Java, CSS, Python), creative courses (CAD, Photoshop, video editing) and business skills (interviews, communication, presentations, networking). Explore over 15,000 expert-led, online courses and video tutorials.

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our careers consultants, you can do so here.

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Skills Employers Are Looking For in a Graduate

Knowing the skills that an employer is looking for when applying for opportunities is invaluable. Not only does it allow you to determine whether you are suitable for the role, but enables you to showcase why they should hire you!

We asked a range of employers from a variety of sectors about the skills they want to see in an applicant, and compiled a series of videos outlining why theses skills are so important.

Teamwork

Regardless of the sector you are applying for, it is more than likely that you will have to work as part of a team. Therefore, employers want to know that you are capable of working with others, which can be shown in any number of ways. Maybe you were part of a sports team, a society, or have taken part in group projects as part of your degree.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills allow you to communicate or interact well with other people. In order to be productive at work, you will have to be able to work with a variety of people and personalities within your organisation. Interpersonal skills are also valuable when it comes to communicating with members of the public or stakeholders.

Communication

Employees who communicate effectively with colleagues, managers and customers are always valuable assets to an organisation, as they allow the organisation to be productive and operate effectively.

Problem Solving

In every role, there will be instances in which you are faced with some kind of problem. Employers are looking for people who are able to think on their feet, and solve problems themselves rather than wait for somebody else to solve the problem for them.

Adaptability

Projects and tasks at work won’t always go to plan. It is important that, when faced with unexpected scenarios, you are able to remain calm and offer viable alternatives. You can evidence adaptability in an application or interview by describing a time you have shown initiative or resilience.

If you would like to talk to one of our Careers Consultants about the skills you should showcase when applying for graduate roles, you can book an appointment here.

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How Volunteering Can Make You More Employable!

When it comes to gaining work experience, many people focus on internships. But volunteer work is another great way to gain new skills and experiences, and is something that potential employers are always keen to see.

In fact, a study by professional service network Deloitte found that 82% of hiring managers prefer a candidate with volunteering experience! (Deloitte, 2016)

Why do employers find volunteer work so appealing?

It shows you are passionate! Volunteering is a great way to evidence your passion for a subject, and shows a potential employer that you have a genuine interest in the work that you do! It also shows them that you are using your free time proactively to meet goals or interests shared by their organisation.

It shows you have drive! Volunteer work shows that you are driven by much more than money or job perks! Committing your free time to your work shows that you are highly motivated about the subject matter, which would be an asset should they hire you.

It shows you are knowledgeable! Volunteering within a sector is a great way to gain relevant insight, which you can then showcase in your applications and interviews. It also shows that you are open to learning new things, which is a trait that employers are often looking for in graduate employees.

How can you volunteer as a QMUL student?

Becoming a QMSU volunteer is a great way to develop volunteer experience. Not only are you able to access a range of opportunities in the local area, but you can use your profile to track skills development and earn volunteering rewards! Not only will these experiences boost your job applications, but they will also allow you to meet new people and develop new interests.

Another great place to look for volunteering opportunities is do-it.org. The site allows you to search for opportunities via your postcode, which is great for students who don’t live locally to QMUL. This is also a great place to go if you have a particular organisation you would like to volunteer for; this being another way you can filter opportunities.

If you would like to book an appointment with a QMUL Careers Consultant click here.

You can read more about internships in our Internships and Work Experience guide. 

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Sectors Explained: Getting into the Arts

It can be incredibly difficult to build a career within the arts. Not only is it highly competitive, with lots of people often competing for the same positions, but there is also often no set route.

It’s important to have a realistic understanding of the sector. Be aware that temporary contracts are common, wages are usually relatively low, and work often comes through who (rather than what) you know!

Job Types

Here are some popular areas within the arts sector, although there are many more jobs that may not fall within these specific groups.

Arts Education / Community Arts Usually involves working in local communities to engage with local people and with social or cultural issues. Outreach roles may involve running workshops and educational events alongside an exhibition or performance.

Performing, Writing or Directing In these roles you will be creating performance pieces and bringing them to life. As a performer, you can find work through auditions, networking and employing an agent. Writers and directors typically work freelance and apply for funding to develop their work.

Backstage and Front of House Backstage roles include stage manager, stage hand, lighting technician, and wardrobe assistant. Front of house positions include box office assistant and usher. These roles can be permanent or seasonal, depending on the venue.

Arts Administration Plan, organise and manage arts events. Support the overall smooth-running of arts organisations; from small organisations where you might be responsible for a number of different tasks, to larger ones where you are more likely to specialise.

Important Skills to Develop

Research and Evaluation Identify potential funders and understand how they evaluate projects, so that you know how best to pitch your ideas and meet their requirements.

Flexibility and Dedication You will likely have to work long hours and take on a wide range of tasks before being offered your dream job.

Resilience Developing a thick skin is important, because you will likely face many barriers when pursuing opportunities.

Adaptability Temporary contracts or gaps in employment are common. You will need to be able to support yourself between arts-related jobs, maybe by taking on other part-time jobs.

Passion Arts professionals are passionate about what they do. It is often real passion, as well as belief in the social value of the arts, which allows people to persevere and forge a successful career.

We have an in-depth guide into the arts sector on our website, which you can access here.

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Making Your Work Experience Count!

What kind of work experience do employers find valuable? It’s a question that many students ask themselves, and the answer can vary depending on the sectors you are interested in.

We asked graduate employers from a range of sectors to talk about the types of work experience they find valuable in an applicant, and how you can go about gaining it!

Extra-Curricular Experience

Employers aren’t necessarily looking for masses of sector-related experience, but evidence that you have developed useful and relevant skills that you can transfer to a new role. This is particularly the case when a role has no traditional internship opportunities.

For example, you might have carried out volunteer work in your local community, or been part of a sports team. Both of these experiences would show that you are able to work as part of a team and motivate those around you.

Internships

Internships are one of the more traditional means of gaining work experience. Although they are not a requirement when applying for jobs, a relevant internship can set you apart from the competition. Not only do they demonstrate that you have gained relevant skills, but they also evidence an existing knowledge of the sector.

University Projects

While at university, there are a range of skill-building opportunities to get involved with. These can be as part of your course, as part of a society or as a volunteer in the local community. You can find out more about these opportunities on the QMSU website, where they list the societies available to students, and how to get involved as a QM Volunteer.

To find out more about work experience, check out our online guide.

If you would like to book an appointment with a QMUL Careers Consultant click here

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How to Decide on an Internship

Deciding which internships to apply for can be difficult, especially if you‘re still not quite sure which sector you would like to work in once you graduate. With so many options, it can be tempting to choose them at random, but it’s important to think about how the internship will contribute to your future career journey.

We have pulled together some things to think about when searching for an internship, such as whether it is feasible for you, what opportunities you will have and whether you will find the experience enjoyable.

Is it feasible?

The first thing to consider is whether the internship is feasible for you.

What are the requirements? Are there certain requirements to apply for the internship, and do you meet them?

Will you get paid? For many people working for free is not an option, nor should it be! Find out whether the opportunity is paid, and whether you will be able to support yourself while working there.

Where is it? This isn’t such a problem if the internship is local, but if it isn’t you need to consider how you will travel there, or whether you will need to stay locally should you be chosen.

What opportunities will you have?

Arguably the most important thing to consider when applying for an internship is what you will get out of it.

What will your responsibilities be? Will you be taking on responsibilities you haven’t yet had, or will you be doing things you have already gained experience in?

Will you have the chance to network? Internships are a great opportunity to network. Will you exposed to different people you can speak to and learn from?

What skills will you learn? If you aren’t going to develop any skills, the internship won’t be as worthwhile. Think about the skills you would like to develop, and whether this internship will facilitate that.

Will you find it enjoyable?

After considering the above, it’s also important to think about whether you will find the opportunity enjoyable and fulfilling.

What is the environment like? What is the work environment at that organisation like, and does it match up with your own priorities?

What is the sector? Although it might not be the sector you end up working in, it’s important to be interested in whatever it is you are doing.

What have previous interns thought? There are several websites on which interns regularly feedback on their experiences at organisations. Reading them before you apply will allow you to determine whether the opportunity is right for you.

If you would like to book an appointment with a QMUL Careers Consultant click here.

You can read more about internships in our Internships and Work Experience guide. 

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How to Smash an Assessment Center Group Exercise

Group exercises usually see you placed in a small group (around eight people) and asked to perform a task set by the recruitment team. You can find out more about assessment centres and the types of tasks you might be asked to complete here.

During the exercise, the recruitment team will be looking for you to display a variety of skills relevant to the role you are applying for. This blog post looks to outline common skills they will be looking out for, and how you can demonstrate them effectively!

Listening

A key aspect to group work is listening to your team members. Make sure to focus on what they are saying, and use your body language to demonstrate this. You can do this by making eye contact with the person speaking, and nodding your head to show understanding.

Speaking

Speak clearly, and make regular and considered contributions to the conversation. Assessors can only mark you on what you say, so if you don’t contribute much it will be hard for them to give you a good score!

Persuasion 

You should try to persuade your team members to go for the project you are promoting.  Highlight the positives of the project, and be willing to answer any questions from other team members who may be hesitant. Make sure you understand their concerns, and that your answers address them.

Organisation and Time Management

The task is going to be timed, and you usually have to complete a set number of objectives. You could suggest a plan for how you to use the time allocated, and ensure your team follows the schedule.

Leadership

Remember that being a leader does not mean dominating the conversation or talking over others; it is guiding the conversation when needed. For example, highlight the goals and outcomes of the meeting, or articulate action points when appropriate.

Co-operation

Knowing when to compromise is essential. You may have to promote a certain idea or project, but know that this may not be the best one. Work with your team to find the best solution, and be ready to adapt.

You may come across more dominant team members than yourself, but as long as you demonstrate these key skills, the assessors will be able to see your full potential.

Good luck!

Find out more about assessment centers in our Online Resources section. 

Book an appointment with one of our career consultants.

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Is a Master’s Degree the Right Next Step For You?

There are many reasons you might choose to do a master’s degree, such as to enter a particular profession, change career direction or simply develop a personal interest. The large workload (and price tag) can make deciding to do one difficult, though.  Here are some important things to consider before you start applying –

What are the requirements?

The requirements for master’s degrees vary depending on the institution and the programme itself, but typically a master’s programme will require a 2:1 at bachelor’s level (or equivalent). Those with a 2:2, a third, or no bachelor’s degree might also be considered should they have relevant professional experience, though.

The best thing to do is contact the admissions team directly should you not meet the entry criteria, as you might still be eligible to apply!

Will a master’s degree help you get a job?

Having a master’s degree doesn’t mean you are guaranteed a job after graduating, but it can increase your chances. As well as there being career paths that require a master’s degree (such as becoming a lawyer), a master’s degree can help you stand out from the competition for in-demand jobs.

(According to labour market statistics, around 77% of people with a postgraduate degree are in high-skilled employment, compared to 65% of those with just an undergraduate degree.) 

Is it worth the money?

Although on average a master’s degree is cheaper than an undergraduate degree (there are exceptions to this such as an MBA), they are still very expensive. Should you decide to do a master’s degree, make sure to research means of financial support. These include government student loans, scholarships and university-specific discounts.

(A 2017 survey found the median salary for those with a postgraduate degree was £6000 a year higher than for those with only an undergraduate degree.)

Questions to ask yourself

Here are some important questions you should ask yourself when trying to decide if a master’s degree is right for you –

Will it equip me with the specific skills I need for the job I want?

Am I ready for the level of commitment needed to complete a master’s degree?

Do I have the means to fund a master’s degree (tuition and living costs)?

If you would like to talk through whether or not a master’s degree is right for you, make sure to book an appointment with one of our Careers Consultants.

For more information on postgraduate degrees, you can read our Postgraduate Study guide.

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Guest Blog: The Reality of Working in Accountancy

Accountants are often stereotyped as being a bit dull, but the reality of a career in accountancy can actually be pretty varied. The Accountancy Partnership set about busting (or confirming) some of the myths about making a living as an accountant.

What do accountants do all day?

Preparing accounts data and helping businesses be more tax efficient are the two most obvious functions of an accountant. Depending on their specialisation, they might also be involved in payroll, fixed assets, business development or even forensic investigations.

But an accountant’s daily tasks are influenced by the time of year too. The end of a tax year or a company’s financial year, or approaching deadlines for reporting information to HMRC can all change what the focus is that day.

The types of clients they look after have an effect too, because some types of business structure have different accounting requirements, such as the way that accounts data is reported and when.

Do accountants make good money?

Accountancy is one of those essential services that people always need, which means that job prospects tend to have long term stability. Salaries can vary depending on location and experience, but usually tend to be towards the healthier end of the spectrum.

Save the Student report the average graduate salary in the UK as just under £23,000, and a typical entry level accountant earns a bit more than this, at £23,180. It’s generally acknowledged that working in accountancy offers a decent starting salary, especially as having a degree isn’t essential. Which brings us to our next point…

What qualifications and skills do you need to become an accountant?

Some people start out in entry level accountancy jobs without any qualifications, and study as they work or receive on the job training. It’s also possible to study from a range of qualifications such as AAT (the minimum level), or ACA, ACCA, or CIMA.

These qualifications are recognised around the world, providing membership to a global network of accounting professionals. Each body’s website lists available courses as well as the education providers who have been vetted to deliver the course:

AAT – Association of Accounting Technicians

ACA – Associate Chartered Accountant

ACCA – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

CIMA – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

As well as studying with a training provider, it’s possible to find accredited employers who provide accountancy apprenticeships or junior accountant positions where training is provided whilst working. This is a great way to start earning as you train, and to gain more real-world experience.

A head for numbers is definitely useful to work as an accountant, but that doesn’t mean you need to have maths as a formal qualification. Being a patient person who is tenacious and able to spot patterns will also help!

Is accounting stressful?

Every job has its stressful points and yes, being an accountant can have some intense moments. There are lots of deadlines to meet, but being organised and planning ahead can help ease the stress.

Money can be quite an emotive subject, so helping other people manage their finances does carry a lot of responsibility. But there is a lot of support and oversight in the industry, and a good employer will always bring you on at a safe pace.

For more information on getting into accountancy, check out the accountancy guide on the Careers and Enterprise website. 

If you would like to book an appointment with a QMUL Careers Consultant click here

This blog post was provided by The Accountancy Partnership.

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Unpaid Internships: Know Your Rights!

In the UK, there are laws in place to prevent many forms of unpaid work, however, lack of specificity means it is still possible for many employers to advertise unpaid opportunities. In fact, it is estimated that as many as half of internships currently advertised in the UK are unpaid!

In this blog post, we will outline your rights when it comes to being paid for your work, and what to consider when you are presented with an unpaid opportunity.

Criticisms of Unpaid Internships

There are many criticisms of unpaid internships, many of these revolving around the fact that they are simply unfair. For instance, many people doing unpaid internships are doing the same work as their colleagues, but with no financial reward.

It has also been noted that unpaid internships act as a barrier to social mobility, with those from poorer backgrounds not having the same access to opportunities. Where as some people from wealthier backgrounds might be able to take on unpaid work, working for free is not an option for many.

Your Rights

Employers have to pay their interns the national minimum wage if –

The intern is considered a ‘worker’ (This can be through having a written or verbal contract, or being required to work at particular times not dictated by them).

The intern has been promised work upon completion of the internship.

Exceptions to this are when –

The internship is for a charity or voluntary organisation.

The internship is part of a higher education course.

The intern is only shadowing a worker, rather than carrying out the work themselves.

Considering Unpaid Work

There are still certain industries where paid internships are hard to come by, and where experience of some kind is often required for paid work. In these instances, you might decide to do a short period of unpaid work with the knowledge that it will ultimately help you in your career journey.

Here are some instances in which you might decide this is the case –

You know you will gain useful skills and experiences.

It is flexible in nature and will allow you to continue with your other work or studies.

It doesn’t break any of the laws outlined above!

It is important that you have in writing what you will be doing in the role, and an assurance that you will receive a reference at the end of the internship!

International Students

If you are an international student, you will need to check that your visa allows you to take an unpaid internship. QMUL Advice and Counselling provide details about visas here.

You can find a more detailed breakdown of your rights as an intern, and how to report if your rights are not being met here.

If you would like to talk about anything mentioned above, make sure to book an appointment with a QMUL Careers Consultant. 

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