Types of work

How you go about looking for a job depends on the type of work you are looking for.

GET INFORMED

Before you start looking for a job it's helpful to have some idea of the make up of the local economy. If you need information about the situation in Scotland make sure you look at the How do I find out about jobs? section.

There are different patterns of work that you can do:

Part-time and temporary work whilst you are studying. This has lots of possible benefits;

• Gaining an understanding of the Scottish work place
• Getting an insight into a particular career area
• Developing your English language skills
• Meeting people outside your University environment
• Earning additional income

Part-time jobs are advertised throughout the year, as are temporary jobs. You may find particular periods when there is a higher demand for part-time and temporary staff, for example in the hotel industry during the summer, in shops around Christmas. In some areas there will be local events which create more demand for part-time and temporary staff, such as in Edinburgh during the famous Festival.

University careers services usually advertise part-time work and are one of the best places to start looking. Job centres and recruitment agencies also advertise part-time jobs. Look out for adverts in the windows of shops, cafes and restaurants. Word of mouth is an important way of identifying this sort of work, so let your friends know you are looking for work.

Work-placements and internships related to your studies can be extremely valuable. These can be highly competitive and are often targeted at students about to enter the final year of their studies, although some projects do exist for students in earlier years.

Applications for structured internships in the summer with large organisations can be advertised as early as Christmas with closing dates for applications in the spring. So it's important to start your planning and research early!

Opportunities may be advertised through:

• your university careers service
• your university department
• speculative applications
• the national council for work experience

Voluntary work has many benefits;

• Gaining an understanding of Scottish culture and working environment
• Getting an insight into a particular area of work
• Developing your English language skills
• Developing skills in a particular field
• Meeting people outside your university environment

University student run organisations often provide opportunities to volunteer so check with your student's association. The network of volunteer centres across Scotland can help you identify opportunities. www.volunteerscotland.org.uk and their guide for overseas volunteers is a great starting point www.volunteerscotland.info/coming2scotland/coming2scotland.htm

MAKE IT COUNT

Whatever type of work you do whilst you are a student, getting the most out of your experience is vital when it comes to finding a job at the end of your studies. If you want to maximise the benefit of your experiences take a look at this SORTED module.

Full-time employment after graduation. Job opportunities for new graduates can be found through:

• University careers services
• Newspapers
• Direct from employers websites
• Recruitment agencies
• Speculative applications

The recruitment process for some organisations begins in the autumn for graduates to start the following summer, so it's important to begin planning before the end of your final year. Smaller organisations may not advertise their vacancies until just before the summer, and other companies will only recruit when vacancies become available. All of this means you need to check the different sources of vacancies regularly.

You may need to get some experience before you can find your ideal graduate job; work experience, volunteering and part time jobs can enable you to do this.

Working through this SORTED seminar will help you understand more about finding your first graduate job.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING?

If you are not sure what career you want, you could speak to a Careers Adviser at your University or try this on-line resource www.prospects.ac.uk/links/pplanner