Self Analysis & Marketing
Before you can make an effective application, whether for a job or a course of further study, you have to know what you have to offer. It is not enough to simply list your qualifications and work experience. You also need to offer evidence for your skills or competencies.
Knowing your skills and abilities will help you develop greater self confidence and enable you to present a positive image to employers.
See what job suites me?
Researching Career Options
You have a number of choices available, most of which require advance planning. Many students don't start career planning until they are in the last term of their studies, with deadlines looming and final examinations to be passed. Making a career choice at this late stage is an additional pressure most students could do without.
Deciding between options needs careful thought and planning in order to meet application deadlines and to make informed choices. There are a number of factors you may want to consider when making your career choice.
Also see Interview Questions & Answers
Goal SettingOnce you have conducted some research into your career options (and maybe spoken to a Career Consultant), you should be in a position to set some career goals. The more specific your goals are, the easier they will be to achieve. |
Setting goals that are SMART (Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic and Timed) is a practical way to begin.
An Example of a SMART Goal
A Law student wishes to become a solicitor. This is a long-term goal, of which the next step is to undertake a Legal Practice Course (LPC).
Gaining a place on a Legal Practice Course (LPC) | Details |
| Specific | This is a clear and specific aim ('to undertake further legal study' however is not specific, as there are a wide range of postgraduate Law courses available. |
| Measurable | Gaining a place on an LPC can be easily measured. |
| Achievable | Undertaking an LPC is expensive, you will either have to self-fund, or gain sponsorship. |
| Realistic | You will need to pass your Law degree (possibly with a certain classification) to obtain a place on an LPC. |
| Timed | Application to gain a place on a full-time LPC course has to be submitted by the beginning of December for courses beginning in the following September. |
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