Graduates how did you get your job?

Isaac Sibson said:
Couple of things to note here...

I have a 100% reliable inside source that of 2002 graduates, Computer Science had the highest level of unemployment 6 months after graduation (although worth noting that working in macdonalds counts as employment... it's not referring to relevant (as in to the degree taken or vice versa) employment) of ALL degrees. Electronic engineering was second worse (iirc the figures were 14% and 12% respectively but could be wrong).
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I also read the same I think it was an article in the Guardian or Times. I am trying not to worry too much though, I know without sounding too arrogant I probably know more than a lot the people on my course so my biggest worry is competing with people from other universities. I have no idea how their skills would compare to mine.

The thing about grades though is when you are applying to somthing quite specific the grades should help in the interview and other tests they do. For example last year I did far more work than what was required to pass asignments so I often got about 75% which is very high for my course. This probably involves about three times as much and more complex work as getting a 40% pass which the lecturers almost tell you exactly how to get.

The fact I put this extra effort in meant I learn't a lot more which means when they ask me technical questions in the interview I should be able to answer it.

My biggest problem is probably that my course is very much hands on, this would be ideal for lower end jobs who just want somebody that can do the job without years of further training but it also means I might not know as much theory as people say from Computer Science.

The area I want to specialise in is probably database driven website accessibility as I know its a niche at the moment. As far as I know it is not somthing that is currently taught in many universities because the idea is quite new to companies that their website must be accessible and comply with many accessibility laws.

I also only have 21 old fashioned UCAS points (260 new) so I don't think many graduate schemes would even offer me an interview.

Either way it is quite depressing that my subject area now has the highest unemployment but I guess there are a lot of people on this forum from electrical and computing backgrounds.
 
Interesting thread.

amazingtrade - the task you are facing is the same, whichever route you go, and the the only thing I can suggest is get as many irons in the fire as you can, and start early. You know what you want to specialise in, which can be half the battle, so go for it.

Go for it now. Getting a job is a fulltime job, and it can take a while.

Find out who the players are, research, research, research. Prepare yourself, your CV and your 'pitch'; don't be afraid of speculative applications - they might just need someone at short notice); don;t worry about an 'unconventional education history - it could be presented as flexibbility in adverse circumstances/problem-solving ability, for example; tailor your applications to your intended target and don't worry if you get nowhere to start with. Most importantly, always pursue feedback on your application, however tentative or unsuccessful. The way to stand out is to communicate better, and that's a two-way skill which only comes with practice.

Like Churchill said 'never, never, never, never give in'; it' s the only way to get the role you deserve, and it will happen for you.

FWIW I'm an architect, a profession which spans everything from the very technical through management to pure sales - often all at once. There is no graduate programme... and a nasty tendency to redundancy in downturns (construction falls off first, and picks up last!). In ten years at it, I've moved through several practices yet only actually had two interviews. I got both those jobs too ;)

Best of luck with it :)
 
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Thanks. I got an email out of the blue from my old employer, they have a lot more work now so it looks like I have got a part time job again. I am not sure exactly what it is but I have a feeling it is somthing to with multimedia accessability. I have to phone him tomorrow and he will give me the details. It seems the job is mine anyway and it can't hurt my CV and it will pay for my trip to dublin.
 
Keep trying and keep thinking.

Gone are the days of a job for life that started with the "milk run" by the likes of IBM, Ford, Tax Office, Big accountants and Law firms doing the rounds of unis and taking ten from each and offering them a chance to become a company man for life. The picture painted by felix is I think is quite a fair view of modern life as it shows that what is now needed is a portfolio of skills that are amended throughout your whole working life which further points to a life long learning financed by you (in the old days the company would do this). A useful portfolio of skills plus some hardcore networking can lead to a long and happy cash filled life but you need to work at it a lot.

BTW I hear that a Mrs Robinson is offering as series of very tempting entry positions for the right young graduate if they are up for it that is:p
 
I would love to work for Mrs Robinson but I think I would have to pay her :p I would also have to take her to church to proove to her that Jesus loves her more than she will ever know.
 
I have found out details of the job now, its is an all weekend job which means I will get paid a lot of money but have to have the project finished on the monday. I guess if I can achieve it (which I will do) then it will look very good on my CV. They must also trust me as the website is advertising a large event so its crucial it is completed on time.
 


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