Welcome to the new Careers and Employability Service feature in The Gaudie! We are very excited about this collaboration and look forward to bringing you the latest careers and employability news on a regular basis.But firstly, a bit about us. Our vision is to inspire career success for all through collaboration, innovation and professionalism. We can help you to explore your career potential, develop skills, attributes, confidence and experience, and connect you to regionally, nationally and globally relevant organisations and opportunities. Our services are available to you for life after you graduate, so we are always here if you need a CV check or a bit of advice.
What’s important during these challenging and fast changing times?
At this time, the only certainty is uncertainty! While we understand that this makes it difficult for you to make any solid career plans (be that related to part time work, internships or graduate jobs), from our discussions with employers, we know that they are as uncertain as the rest of us. However they are confident that they will be able to offer a range of opportunities for students and graduates to connect with them in the coming year. Whilst many employers aren’t ready to go live with adverts for summer 2021 just yet, they are encouraging students to keep a look out on their websites, and we are working hard to keep our CareerConnect site up-to-date with opportunities as they arise. We currently have 667 work experience opportunities and jobs advertised on CareerConnect, so be sure to check it out at abdn.targetconnect.net.
In the meantime, there are a huge range of opportunities available for you to develop your skills and employability from home. By putting in the effort now, you will be in the strongest position to compete for opportunities as and when they are advertised. Employers will be looking for resilient, self-aware, independent and motivated individuals who make the most of their free time and are comfortable with the technology now in use so extensively in all aspects of working life.
To boost the employability of or students and graduates, the Employability Boost Award programme has been designed to adapt and develop with the changing landscape our students and graduates are facing. First launched in May 2020, the sessions are designed to meet the needs of students at the time. The live sessions in October 2020 will therefore reflect current challenges and opportunities, and the sessions we will run in February 2021 are yet to be conceived. We would love to hear from you if there are topics you’d like to see featured on future programmes.
What’s happening now for students to get involved in?
We are currently running our Aberdeen Employability Boost Award October Virtual Programme. The Aberdeen Employability Boost Award is a programme of live workshops, Mini Career Courses, employer-led sector insight sessions and a series of self-assessment exercises. By participating you will learn key skills and attributes sought by employers and understand how to stand out in job applications. Ultimately you will maximise your employability and gain an Award to evidence your development on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
We have a fantastic programme of events coming up this month and have collaborated with our employer partners and University of Aberdeen alumni to bring you the most up-to-date news and information on current job market trends. Paired with our 14 exclusive Career Mini Courses, this programme will teach you everything you need to know before heading into the world of work. Whether you're first year or a graduate, there's something to be gained by everyone from participating in this programme. The Award is also an accredited element of the Level 1 Scottish Innovative Student Award (SISA).
What’s coming up this semester? Our co-curricular programmes are open for application and will be run online this semester. If you have an approved role within the University (such as a Society/Sports Club Committee Member or Class Representative) The STAR Award allows you to assess, enhance and gain recognition for the skills you develop through your role. The Award is delivered by us with input from a wide range of employers, bit if you don’t hold a recognised University role then don’t panic, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to develop key skills and confidence in your abilities. The Leadership Academy enables you to develop personal leadership skills and attributes. In participating you will attend a series of workshops around leadership, led by inspirational employers and leadership experts. Applications are open now and will close on the 23rd October. Participation in both programmes will be recognised on your Enhanced Transcript.
If you’re unsure about your career options, you can apply to take part in the Career Mentoring Programme. Consisting of a six-month partnership with an experienced professional, the programme offers a unique opportunity for you to gain one-to-one careers advice, support and guidance from someone working in a specific profession and/or sector. Finally, if you are looking to develop your communication, business awareness, marketing, networking or public speaking skills, why not volunteer as a Careers Service Ambassador. The programme will allow you to develop certain Aberdeen Graduate Attributes sought by employers while increasing awareness of the Careers and Employability Service across the student body. Applications for the Career Mentoring Programme and the Careers Service Ambassador Programme close on the 16th October. For more information please visit our website abdn.ac.uk/careers.
