i * Too Many Graduates...Not Eneough Jobs * Wake Up - Tomorrow Has Arrived * Don't Worry About Your First Job * Job Seeking...The Approach...starting out * Do Qualifications Count? * Making the most of Job Fairs * Internships ...work experience...Why not! * Special Feature - Internships could tackle soaring unemployment * Not going to University * Call to end unpaid work * Unpaid internships breaking the law (UK) * Enjoy festivals and be paid * Determination, Perseverance and Motivation *
This section is designed to help students with tackling problems of dealing with The Job Maze before and after graduation.
It contains information and advice concerning the basics of letter writing, completing application forms, writing c.v's or resumes, to dealing with the frustrations of Job Fairs, which are usually very busy and can be somewhat daunting as a first-time experience.
We will also examine Interview Techniques and other related topics to help students perform their best when the time comes to look for jobs.
If you can't find the information which you need, please e-mail your enquiry to: enjoyingenglishinfo@yahoo.com through the above link.
Keep an eye on the Update section of the website, where you will find the latest information and where to find it on the site.
Alan. July, 2009
Too Many Graduates-Not Enough Jobs. University and job places will be highly contested this Autumn as students prepare to start their first term
As the economic position throughout the world deepens, more students are taking the option of deciding to improve their opportunities by entering or continuing their education. However, an increasing number are graduating at 19, or at the end of their college / university education, and are finding there is increasing pressure in the job market.
A-level results are collected by pupils at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury. Photograph: Christopher Thomond
Although student's situations are different; some are completing Higher Education at middle or comprehensive school level, whilst others have graduated college or university, the problems they face are similar. What is the next way forward, and what are the various options? Students in both the east and west face a similar dilemma, facing an uncertain future, with various choices and having to make decisions.
Gap Year - a year off your normal routine either before or after entering college or university. This is becoming increasingly a choice for students in western countries, but less so in China and the east, for financial reasons.
So, what's the truth about a Gap Year, and how beneficial is it? Is it likely to be a beach-hopping romp around the world, or planning a 6 - 12 month project to bulk up your c.v / resume to give you a career advantage over the next guy in the queue?
Richard Blooms, Administrations Officer for the City University, London, says that a Gap Year for some students can be a positive advantage. They tend to return to university more mature and well rounded having had a broader experience outside the comforts of an educational environment.
The important thing is, that whatever a student chooses, they should be able to explain why they want or wanted, to defer university entry. They need to be able to explain co-coherently what benefits they have or would, gain from their experience.
Simon Owen, a partner at the global professional advisory firm Deloitte, says that a Gap Year should be carefully considered. He wants to know that there was a process of serious planning involved. He looks for a series of well thought out projects of reasonable duration, with specific aims and objectives. That, he says, would make him sit up and take notice of a student's application for a job.
Six students are battling for every university place across the UK … students at Birmingham University. Photograph: Martin Argles
Charity / social or voluntary work, aiming to improve the quality of life for others, or to improve facilities in the community, is another option which is likely to get you ahead of the pack.
An Internship or work experience in your chosen career field is also helpful. Learning an additional foreign language is also time well spent.
Sir Martin Sorrell, Chief Executive of Communications giant WPP, which employs 139,000 people in 106 countries worldwide, believes that the sooner you get on with it, the better. He emhasises that if you do something which shows initiative, it is of value to you and your future employer.
Another option, often favoured by students who are unsure of which way to turn, is to return to further extended education. In some ways, I think, this is prolonging the moment they have to face reality. There is a danger that some may become 'professional students', and there is the added danger that they may chose courses that are of little advantage to their future career. E.g. Philosophy or subjects which are already over-subscibed such as some IT subjects and Media Studies.
To sum up, the more experience you can gain, the better. One thing is certain, you won't experience anything useful to your career playing computer games on the Internet!
AC. August, 2009. Various sources including Agencies.
see also: other features on Student Info, Advice~line and Viewpoint .
Contact us if you have specific enquiries.
WAKE UP - Tomorrow Has Arrived!
Back to college or university following a long summer break and settling into your study routine. However, November is approaching, an so begins the start of the new Job Fair Season. Check them out regularly; you'll find details in the local press, your school notice board and, of course, - the Internet - see Job Fair Maze.
Be prepared to be flexible. The job you want may not be available in the place you want to work. You may have to move away or change your perspective - the way you look at things or your career options. Similarly, be aware that an unexpected opportunity may appear. Weigh up the good and bad points, and make a decision. Opportunities come and go; they rarely come round a second time. Americans have an expression, 'WIGIG' - when it's gone, it's gone!
Even if you have one or two years study left, it's worthwhile attending the occasional Job Fair to keep an eye on the way the job market is moving. You may consider changing your major or, better still, take on a parallel 'bolt-on' course. This involves more work and requires a dicipline, but is probably worth the effort and sacrifices in the long run.
Such circumstances are nothing new. In my situation almost 40 years ago, teaching jobs in Geography had dried up throughout England & Wales, (Scotland and Northern Ireland have different educational administrative systems). I chose English for students with special needs as a parallel course. A decision I have never regretted.
In more recent times, Wang Bo found himself with an opportunity he never dreamed of, even though he was still studying full-time.
I am very reluctant to tell students, 'You ought to do this or that,' because I believe you should take some responsibility for your studies and activities to improve your future development. The only thing that they 'ought to do', is make sensible preparations to take advantage of forthcoming opportunities.
Whatever you do, good luck! Contact us if you need further help.
Alan.
September 2008.
Don’t worry about finding your first job
From November onwards every year, university graduates are starting to look for their first job. So what is the most important element in a first job? Money? Promotion prospects?
Training opportunities?
Winston Churchill (1874-1963), the former British prime minister, once said: "Lucky are those whose interests and work are the same.” He is a good example. He once said that he had a gift for politics and a passion for it. He fulfilled all of his potential by being a politician and statesman for much of his life. Had he, however, followed his father’s advice to become a teacher, he would have achieved far less.
Finding the right job is a problem. Many students enter college or university not knowing what they want to do, and many leave with no clear direction of where they should be going. Too many, I think, rely on the notion that 'my parents will find me a good job'.
You need to match what you like with what you aspire in your life. I think that several points are particularly important;
- think about what you might like to do early on, certainly in the first grade, if not before
- match that with what you think your talents and interests are
- think carefully about the subjects you are studying. Ask yourself if they relate to the kind of job you might like to do
- keep an eye on the job-market. It is constantly changing. What may be neded today, may well be over-subscribed tomorrow.
Then, after you get a good job that meets your interests, what’s next?
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), the third American president, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.”
In other words, good fortune favours the prepared. Working is like searching for luck, the harder you strive and prepare for it, the more likely you are to get it and enjoy it!
Yet in the increasingly competitive job market, there are some unlucky ones who cannot land a job even though they have really tried their best.
Don’t despair. Keep on trying and opportunities will present themselves to you.
About 80 years ago, a young American cartoonist was searching for a job in New York city for quite some time but kept failing. Feeling depressed, he sat on a bench in Central Park and thought about leaving the city. He got a job drawing cartoons for the New York Times and eventually got a full-time job for the newspaper.
Eventually he started his own company based on drawing. 'It’s fun to the do the impossible' said Walt Disney
Experience shows, that coping with the broader aspects of student life; studying and enjoying life away from home - or not, as the case may be, three things are constantly at the fore-front of their thinking. They are; will my grades be good enough to secure a good job, are my family OK, and money - or lack of it.
Many students are pre-occupied with these matters and often leave matters relating to their future career until the last minute.
These things need to be put into perspective. Of course studying is important, your whole future depends on the final results, but it should not be at the expense of other things which make student life attractive and fun. Frequently, burning the midnight oil hs negative effects in terms of retaining information or progressing with your learning pattern. Student life needs to be organised and balanced.
To maintain that balance, one needs to enjoy a social life and relaxing persuits. Things which you like to do on your own, such as reading, and group activities with friends and class mates, such as sport. However, from the point of view of your future career, it is never too early to think about what you may like to do or where you would like to work and, of course, how much you would like to earn.
Most people have 'a dream'. It may or may not be related to your your family's ideas. You may have definite views on your chosen career path, or very frequently, you may have no idea of what you want to do in the future. Time spent during your first two years at college or university thinking about those issues, is time well spent.
If you are unsure of what you want to do, try to give it some serious thought. Do you want to work indoors or outdoors, for example. Are you happy working in a large city where salaries and living costs are likely to be higher, or would you prefer the intimacy of a smaller city or town. Do you want to work in a factory, or in an office. Are you interested in the prospects which may be offered by a large national or international company.
What do you want from life? It is sensible from time to time, to look at the Job market or keep an eye on the news from the press, television or the internet, to see the overall job situation. You can do this months, or even one or two years before you graduate. It is likely to improve your awareness of what is or is not on offer, and allow you to take steps to adjust your position when you come to look at job-hunting seriously.
The Job Market changes and fluctuates all the time. The number of graduates seeking employment increases from year to year. In 2006, 4.2 million students will graduate. The numbers for 2007 are likely to be 20% higher. That presents difficulties, but they are problems which have to be overcome.
An Internship or work experience in your final year or even post-final year, may be useful. Whether it is paid or not, is at the discression of the company you work for, but the experience is likely to be useful in two ways. It will help you decide whether you like the work you are doing - that includes relationships with colleagues. It is important to remember to treat an internship or part-time job as a real job. Don't be late for work and treat it seriously, whatever tasks you are asked to do. It is possible that it may lead to further employment upon graduation.
The second point is that it is a benificial addition on your c.v. or resume. Obtaining any experience in a work situation is an advantage.
For the moment, here are a few more thoughts. We are all aware that China's development rate is very high compared to the rest of the world - more than 9% year on year in China, compared with around 1.7% in Europe.
Despite the world's general economic turndown, multi-national companies continue to show strong interest in China's potential for investment. Many start their recruitment drives at the begining of the September semester, although the government preferes them not to approach graduating students until November.
Most companies, especially high-tech enterprises, are seeking well qualified talent, and it is possible that demand will outstrip supply. It is certainly worth considering looking for a job with a foreign company after graduating, as the prospects may be better, coupled with salaries and the range of benefits offered.
New graduates do not necessarily need practical working experience, but knowledge, ability and enthusiasm are essential. Prospective employees should also posess a spirit of teamwork, initiative and the ability to work under pressure. It is also an advantage to be able to ontain and assimilate information from a variety of sources, and be able to make rational decisions at the same time.
IT qualifications are also highly sought after and a good command of English is sometimes required*, though special courses are sometimes provided.
The section, ' Websites' may help you further.
Alan Cooper.
August 2006.
Do Qualifications Count?
Yes, I'm afraid they do, at least until you have experience of your new work situation under your belt, at which point experience 'clicks in'. Even then you may wish to continue with some kind of study or participation in extra courses to help your promtion prospects.
Qualifications rather than personal qualities tend to take precidence with Asian employers, according to recent surveys.
In the west, and this applies if you are seeking to work for an American or European company, attention is given to personal qualities and achievements other than educational qualifications.
Making the Most of Job Fairs.
A first visit to a Job Fair can be a daunting and confusing experience. Besides the exhibitors, there are usually hundreds of students looking for information and an opportunity. Remember that the exchange of information is two-way; not only are you looking for a break into the job market, but businesses, industry and other enterprises are seriously on the lookout for potential employees to fill their vacancies.
It is an expensive business for a company to prepare display material, publicity material, and pack a team off for a few days or a week to another city.
Employers have complained recently (CCTV - September, 2008), that frequently students come to job fairs unprepared. It is rarely simply a question of handing in a resume or c.v.* So, to do justice to yourself and to avoid wasting the time, and money, of a great number of people it is necessary to be prepared.
The Maze. Here is a tip that is worth considering, although I have to say that it doesn't always work. Many Job Fairs are very big, held in large public rooms and attended by hundreds of Job Seekers. Most go through the doors and immediately congregate around the exhibitors just inside the entrance.
This often leaves exhibitors at the back of the hall or on the second floor, with little or nothing to do. So, bypass the front of the queue, begin at the back, working your way towards the front. It is very likely that you will find prospective employers with more time to deal with your enquiry.
Remember, first impressions count. It may be that you are standing in front of someone whose company you are interested in. Certainly, your resume / c.v. is likely to either have a lasting impression or head straight for the bin, so it is well worth the time and effort to make sure that your presentation is clear and accurate - an example of a well appointed resume / c.v. can be found later in this section.
The resume / c.v. should be a simple design - no elaborate graphics, fonts or quaint little slogans. It should be on a plain sheet of good quality white paper. Paper with pictures of cuddly kittens and cute puppies are definately out! You are in the business of Job hunting - make sure that your approach is business like. It may be necessary to prepare different resumes to suit diffent types of work in which you may have an interest. Companies increasingly are asking for resumes / c.v's to be e-mailed. The same rules apply.
Your appearance. It's perfectly acceptable in college, to bum around in jeans and a 'T' shirt, or sports clothes, but it is not acceptable when confronting prospective employers at a Job Fair. On the other hand, it is not necessary to over dress.
Look smart, even casually dressed in clean jeans and a sweater, clean shoes, clean hair and finger nails, but be comfortable because inevitably you will be in crowds of people, and it is likely that you will be on your feet for several hours. Hot and bothered!
Do your homework. Be aware of which organisations or type of work you are interested in and prepare your resumes / c.v.'s accordingly. If possible, find out as much about the company as you can. Check their websites for background information, so that you know what you are talking about when it's your turn.
Be prepared. Make sure that you have the right kit for collecting literature from the company and presenting information about yourself. You need:
A bag for carring c.v's and collecting literature.
20 - 50 copies of your resume / c.v.
A note book - a journalist-style jotter, with tear-off pages, is ideal.
2 or 3 pencils / pens in case they break or run out
A mini-stapler to keep literature, notes and business name cards together.
Prepare an 'intro' and an 'outro', 30 seconds to 1 minute about yourself, your college, your interests and expectations. Make a note of the name of the person you are talking to, as it shows your professionalism and creats a good impression. Something like this...
'Hello M Du Bois. My name is Alan Cooper. I am from the University of Economics and Trade in Lyon and my hometown is Marsailles. I am interested in a career in International Trade and have noticed on your website that you are looking for new recruits from August to work in Brest. Here is a copy of my resume. Could you please give me further information?'
It is likely that the response will be informal, with a more detailed enquiry of your interest, as well as offering information. Make any notes you feel may be useful. Use the opportunity to ask prepared questions. This gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your professional interest in the company, your intelligence and educational background and experience, if any. Make sure that you have either the representatives business card or name and use it in your 'outro'.
'Thank you M Du Bois for taking the trouble to talk to me. It has been very useful. I look forward to hearing from you soon.'
This approach is useful and polite, even if you have realised that it is not what you are looking for.
Follow - up. When you get home, send a brief letter of thanks to the person you spoke to. Such as...
'Dear M Du Bois
I was pleased to be able to meet you at the Job Fair in Marsailles last Saturday ,where you oulined opportunities with Brest Shipping Import Export Co Ltd.
I enjoy using my written and oral English skills and would be particularly interested in any post connected with overseas exports.
I look forward to hearing from you
Yours sincerely...'
And finally... If you find your dream first time round, you are extremely lucky. Don't look upon failure as defeat. Turn it to a positive attitude, after all, if you hadn't attended the Fair in the first place, you would never know what you could have missed, and it might have been 'the one'!
Alan Cooper.
July, 2009.
Internships... Work Experience... Why not!
The question arises... 'Are Internships of any value?
The situation in Asia, the United States and Europe are different. Each has their own merits and disadvantages. The purpose of an Internship is for a student to be able to gain an insight into a profession that they may wish to follow. The company running the Internship may be on the lookout for someone to join their staff later in the year.
Experiences of students differ enormously. Some find the experience very valuable, and I know many who have landed good jobs as a direct experience of their Internship. Others find it of little value; perhaps attitude is a problem. As whether you are paid or not, it is necessary to treat the experience as though it is a real job.
In the United States, Internships are for between 1 and 3 months, and the Internee is often paid a basic salary, and/or travelling expenses and accommodation.
In the United Kingdom, Internships are less common, but most Secondary school students, from age 16+ attend work experience with local companies, usually for a month. Others take on long term work placements one or two days a week, or at weekends in the year before they enter the workforce. Again, they often receive travelling expences and a subsistence allowance, whilst living at home.
Some Internships are for very short periods, perhaps only a week or so. I see little value in that, either from the point of view of the Internee or the company they are working with.
We have an expression at home which is 'dipping your toe in the pond'. It means being in a situation where you can try things out in a real life situation. A week in a work placement is hardly enough to get your feet wet, let alone find out anything meaningful about the job.
Most students at home and in the United States take part-time work during the final years of their study. It may be working in a restaurant, bar, shop or supermarket. It may be partly out of necessity, but is usually to provide additional pocket-money for clothes, entertainment, or simply to be a little independant of their parents.
I think the big advantage is that it gives the student a wider view of life in the real world. It offers experiences in a different group of people away from their family, away from the relatively protected environment of their school or college. They gain a degree if independance.
Don't expect that with an Internship that you will be acting Managing Director in the first week. It won't happen. An Internee is likely to end up doing laborious, tedious repetative jobs, like filing. But don't underestimate the importance of filing. A good, well ordered filing system ensures the smooth running of the company. A poor one leads to chaos.
Finally, an arguable point, in the west employers often state that they are looking for 'the right person for the job'. That's not always the case as financial considerations come into play. In teaching, for example, a teacher of my age, qualifications and experience would cost a college the equivalent of US$80,000 / year. The same money will hire 2+ graduates with two or three years experience.
This is the result of our equal opportunities laws which prohibit discrimination by sex, colour, age, religion or sexual orientation. It doesn't always function as intended because some jobs are clearly more suited to applicants of a particular gender, or with special qualities. And sometimes, a company may simply prefer a man in preference to a woman, or vice versa.
Internships could tackle soaring unemployment. 2009.07.19.
The Government is being urged to create 5,000 new internship placements in small businesses to tackle "soaring" graduate unemployment.
Internships could tackle soaring unemployment
The Federation of Small Businesses said £3 million should be allocated to market and develop thousands of internships and jobs this year. The move would save the Government £600 for each graduate on such a scheme as they would not be claiming any unemployment benefit, said the federation.
Chairman John Wright said: "Graduate unemployment is set to soar to unprecedented levels this year as businesses struggle to make ends meet and cut back on recruiting university leavers.
"In a graduate internship scheme, graduates can offer key skills to help businesses move forward while at the same time ensuring they are learning new skills and not unemployed at a crucial time in their careers."
Not going to University? This website featured on BBC News reecently. It contains useful information and links. Much of the advice applies to all students, anad offers pointers for students to be able to exlore other opportunities. Visit... http://www.notgoingtouni.co.uk
Call to end 'unfair' unpaid work05.06.2010
The job market is increasingly tough for new graduates and experience is key
Too many professions are relying on young people doing unpaid work, a think-tank has said.
The Institute for Public Policy Research
says it is unfair that school-leavers and graduates are expected to
work for free in sectors like fashion. The Trade Union Congress (TUC)
says a third of those on work placements and internships are unpaid.
Universities Minister David Willetts says he
is concerned the practice discriminates against the less well off and
the government will look into it. One in five businesses are expected
to offer work placements and internships this summer, but many -
especially in areas like the arts and media - will not pay those
employed even though they do productive work.
Kayte Lawton, from the IPPR, said: "We have
a culture where lots of sectors are relying on unpaid work and that is
just not fair, both for those who have to do the work and those who do
not get the opportunities, so we need a big culture shift.
"We need the big employers to lead the way
on this because they have the resources and power to pay interns and
make sure they have good working conditions."
'Very fine line'
Graduate Laurie Walmsley told the BBC he had
worked unpaid for a year: "I did four internships in a year. I worked
for a couple of charities, I worked for a broadcaster and I worked here
at Parliament.
"It helped me further my career, but it was a challenge financially because I wasn't paid.
If you put more pressure on businesses to pay them more, it could be they say they simply can't take on internships any more
Tom RichmondChartered Institute of Personnel and Development "In fact, one of the internships cost me £400 just to cover my own transport and food costs."
Not paying minimum wage to workers is a criminal offence and
employment lawyer Pam Loch says "there is a very fine line between a
worker and an intern or someone on work experience".
"For an employer, they have to be careful that they are not giving
someone specific tasks to be carried out on a set hours basis as you
would expect a worker or an employee to do.
"It's quite a task for an employer to distinguish between
different categories, but if they don't distinguish between them then
they could be exposed to quite significant issues."
Note of caution.Mr
Willetts said the issue was being looked at: "There is a case for very
clear guidance on this and if there is more we can do we will. "There
has been some advice from the Low Pay Commission and I'll look very
carefully at what the IPPR is saying as well."
But Tom Richmond, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and
Development, sounded a note of caution. "We think it's important for
businesses to treat young people fairly," he said. "However, the
concern would be that if you put more pressure on businesses to pay
them more, it could be they say they simply can't take on internships
any more, and then we would see a drastic reduction in the
opportunities available for young people."
By Bob Howard The Donal MacIntyre Show, BBC Radio 5
40 000 students who graduated last year are still seeking full-time jobs
"I've been looking for a job ever since I graduated last year.
When I started, it was for paid work, but I soon realised that was
unlikely, so I thought I'd have a better chance with an unpaid
internship."
Like 40,000 other students who graduated from university last
summer, Craig is still trying to land his first full-time job. As a
stop-gap, he is working for free for a marketing company. "It's
something you need to do at the moment to get experience," he says.
The government is eager for others to follow in Craig's footsteps
and sees internships as a means for new graduates to earn valuable
vocational experience.
Eighteen months ago, the Department for Business Innovation and
Skills set up the Graduate Talent Pool, a website for England that is
currently advertising just under 9,000 intern vacancies. However,
approximately a third of these posts offer only expenses, even though
they can last for six months or longer.
It's
very difficult. I'm also working part-time to support myself. I've got
enough money for this month but after that I'm going to have to leave
my internship
Craig, graduate intern
There are concerns that many graduates from less well-off
backgrounds, as well as those burdened with thousands of pounds of
student debt, cannot afford to take advantage of these opportunities.
Craig is nearly a month into his unpaid six-month internship and is already struggling.
"It's very difficult. I'm also working part-time on a Friday
evening and Saturday to support myself. I've got enough money for this
month but after that I'm going to have to leave my internship."
Graduate exploitation?
Concerns have also been raised that companies recruiting unpaid
interns, like Craig, are actually breaking the minimum wage law.
Craig is expected to work full-time office hours, Monday to Friday,
with a list of specific duties.
The legal definition of what constitutes work includes having set
hours; being engaged for an extended period of time and being given a
defined role rather than just observing.
The law says anyone who is "working" must be paid the national
minimum wage - for anyone 22 or over it is currently £5.80 an hour.
David Lammy says it is important for young people to know their rights
Recruiting graduates to work for free for periods of six months or more has led to accusations of exploitation.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) says it is concerned about the
number of unpaid internships advertised on the Graduate Talent Pool
website.
It has been successful in getting some advertisements taken down that it believes breached rules on the minimum wage.
Matt Dykes, a policy officer from the TUC, says more needs to be done to stop graduates being exploited.
"This sends out entirely the wrong signals to young job seekers
and to employers, appearing to condone the practice of not paying
people for the jobs they're doing.
"Much more needs to be done to ensure employers know that these kind of internships are unacceptable."
David Lammy, the Minister for Higher Education, told 5 live's
Donal MacIntyre programme: "If there are things going on, we want to
know. We will take down those employers off the site, and it is
important young people recognise and know their rights."
Craig says his employer is helping him to apply for assistance
grants from his former university, but says he would probably be asked
to leave if he asked the company to pay him.
The reason many graduates persist with working for free is the lure of a possible paid job at the end of their internship.
'Strung along' - 'taken for a ride i.e. cheated
Elliott is living at home with his parents near Dartford, in Kent,
after completing a degree in psychology last summer. He has
undertaken two internships, which paid just expenses - the first for
one month and another for three months.
He says he only took the second internship because of the initial promise of being offered a paid job at the end.
"There were three interns there. We all were under the impression
that we would get a job, but it emerged there were never going to be
three jobs," he says.
Elliott left his second internship after two months, as he felt he
was being strung along with a false promise. He feels strongly that
they should have been paid at least the minimum wage.
"When you're asking people to do important things which a company
needs to be done, and you want them to be there over a long period of
time, it does become work which needs to be paid."
However, if Elliott and Craig were living in Wales, they would be
in a more fortunate position. The Welsh equivalent website of the
Graduate Talent Pool - Go Wales Work Placements - guarantees a minimum
£240 per week, for 10 weeks, for anyone who finds an internship through
the site.
In England, interns are eligible for Job Seekers Allowance, but
only if they have already been claiming the benefit for six months
prior to starting their internship.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are no official internship schemes yet.
Mr Lammy remains confident in promoting internships for graduates,
and sees them as an effective resource in helping to kick-start
careers.
"The number one priority is to support young people in the
employment market. I think the Graduate Talent Pool does that. Do we
want young people to have these skills on their CV, or do we want them
sitting at home?"
You can enjoy fstivals and be paid.
This article is adapted from one by Linda Whitney's Career
Mail in the Daily Mail (London - 03.06.2010). Although the reference
points refer to the UK, similar circumstances exist in most places
areound the world where there are Festival & Event Organisers.
Withe the summer music festival season getting underway, the UK's 670 big events bring with them hundreds of jobs.
Most festival organisers have very few staff, and the big demand
is from companies which supply parking marshals, ticket sellers, litter
pickers, cleaners, security and hospitality staff.
Don't turn your nose up at any job - organisers and the many
companies that supply them with staff, value experience over everything
else, so starting at the bottom is the main route to festival work.
Sandy Reid from Festaff says that they take on about 1,500 people
each year, mainly as stewards who collect tickets at the gate. Cash
& Traffic Management employs around 2,000 temoraries to manage
traffic / parking and sell tickets.
Pay is usually the minimum wage (4.83/hour in the UKfor 18 - 21
year olds) - but you get entry to the festival. Dave McDonald from CTM
says, 'We look for people with the ability to communicate - our staff
are often the first contact for people going to the festival'. He
emphasises, 'You have to be enthusiastic, energetic and keen to
interact with the public'.
Usually, temporary staff have to provide their own camping gear,
and sometimes, food. If you plan, and co-ordinate properly, it is
often possible to work alongside friends, and enjoy the show together.
There is always the opportunity to make new friends.
Danni Maynard, 24 from London says, 'I've been
working on festivals with a group of 25 friends for four summers.' She
started work as a student, but now takes time off from work as a
holiday to work for Festaff. 'It's quite hard work for the first two
days when people are arriving, but then we are free to see the bands'.
Temporary jobs can also be a passport to full-time work. Dave
McDonald from CTM says that thier 10 permanent staff managers were
people who started as temps.
Determination, Perseverance and Motivation This
feature should be read in conjunction with other information; 'Earn As
You Learn', and 'How to Graduate Your Dream Job' on STUDENT LIFE,
STUDENT INFO and JOB HUNTING.
TF male, aged 30 from Birmingham says, 'Start at
the bottom and work your way up.' He began with a temporary summer job
with a traffic management team, returning to the same company four
years running. He is now Operations Manager working on large events
such as the Glastonbury (Music) Festival.
'I met clients and agencies such as te police, councils, emergency
services and residents to arrange plans for traffic controlsand
parking,' he said. 'The best part is meeting people and socialising.
Although I am busy, I usually manage to see a couple of hours music.
He advises; 'Start as a marshal or steward, even if you have to
volunteer. If you have the right skills, you may be able to get a
permanent job.'
AD male, aged 25 from London promotes London's 3 day 'Lovebox
Festival' on Facebook and Twitter for a large music management
company. He had completed internships with Warner and Universal
Studios.
'I started as an intern, having heard about internships through a
friend,' he said. 'Jobs such as this are about business as much as
music. I enjoyed the work and stressed my skills and experience, as
well as my interest.
'To get a job like this, you must be determined and persistent.
Be professional in your approach, and learn as much as you can,' he
advises. 'Network, so you can hear about jobs coming up. 'Lovebox'
has 4 full-time staff, but takes on interns during the summer season,
as well as volunteers.'
Suggestions for temporary / volunteer work and internships. Search local resources and try to locate the management team. A direct call in person can be a positive first approach
Resources:
Compiled with information from various sources including; Linda Whitney - Careers Mail and recent reports from the BBC
Too Many Graduates-Not Enough Jobs. University and job places will be highly contested this Autumn as students prepare to start their first term
The job market is increasingly tough for new graduates and experience is key
It's
very difficult. I'm also working part-time to support myself. I've got
enough money for this month but after that I'm going to have to leave
my internship 
