Forward planning
We may have heard it all before but the jobs market is becoming increasingly more competitive. For those students wishing to gain the upper edge, then work experience may be  the answer.

Impressing the employer
Securing a work placement takes time and effort and demonstrates commitment. Ben, a philosophy student at Edinburgh University, was in his second year when he secured a work placement with a financial advisory firm in London. He told the Guardian newspaper, ‘it wasn’t easy to obtain. The interview process was very rigorous and tricky, particularly as I didn’t have any of the financial jargon to fall back on.’ This eventually became Ben’s full-time job.

Likewise Karen, from Leeds was equally as successful. An art and design student, Karen relentlessly pursued three magazines she admired until eventually one of them gave her a three week placement. She now works full time in her dream job.

Paid work
Securing a job before the onset of study is another answer. Daniel Afoke is a quantity surveying student at Reading University. He is not saddled with debt like many students, nor is he worried about starting to climb the job hunting ladder. He has been sponsored by a top construction company. As well as paid holiday work placements, he has received a monthly allowance and a lot of practical help.

Such arrangements tend to be more common in Britain’s newer universities due to the vocational nature of the courses. Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters says, ‘while very few companies sponsor students throughout their full time degree course, most of our members are providing internships, paid work experience during the vacation period prior to the final year of study. After a successful work placement, some employers will sponsor a student throughout their final year of study.’

Student debt
As the highly topical subject of student debt is one of the UK’s ever spiralling trends, then some practical experience to help secure a job or some paid sponsorship may be the best path to follow. A leading bank puts the average debt for those finishing university this year at £13,501, so think ahead!

Nelly
December/January 2005

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