Welcome to the ‘Make Yourself More Employable’ Blog

The UCL careers team use this Blog to share their ‘news and views’ about careers with you. You will find snippets about a whole range of career related issues, news from recruiters and links to interesting articles in the media.

There are also now 3 linked blogs aimed at international students, Postgraduate and year abroad students.

We hope you enjoy reading the Blog and will be inspired to tell us your views.

If you want to suggest things that students and graduates might find helpful, please let us know – we want to hear from you.

Karen Barnard – Head of UCL Careers Service

Vocal Futures Workshop 26 November

This workshop is aimed at singers aged 16-22 and features Suzi Digby (Last Choir standing and Voce) and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

The event is COMPLETELY FREE and on a range of dates.

It’s going to be a great opportunity to:

• see the inner workings of staging a large scale concert
• talk to instrumentalists and singers working professionally
• get practical advice on working in the arts

As part of the experience you’ll get:

FREE! Concert ticket to St Matthew Passion on 28, 29 or 30 November (usual price £28)

FREE! Goody bag

FREE! Tickets for concerts across London

If you’re interested in taking part then email rhyscook@live.co.uk

For further advice on careers in the arts, be sure to attend our Museums, Cultural Heritage and The Arts
Themed Week (5-9 December 2011). You can find out more about this event and how to sign up on UCL’s careers website.

- TL

Considering a career in academia?

If you’re considering a career in Academia, it’s worth doing your research to make sure that it’s the right path for you. With the Careers Service’s Get Into Academia week taking place the week beginning the 21^st November, we thought it’d be useful to highlight some sources of information for you to check prior to the week itself so you can come along armed with questions for the events themselves.

The Graduate Prospects website has a good overview of postgraduate study as a whole. It includes information to help demystify the different types of postgraduate paths, such as the difference between taught and research courses, as well as looking at the pros and cons of postgraduate study, the costs involved and how to choose the institution or course that’s right for you.

Prospects also produce a number of different publications for postgraduates.

 

Postgrad magazine includes information and articles on all manner of areas and issues faced by postgraduates, including overviews of postgraduate opportunities in different fields and personal account from current students, academics and experts.

 

 

 

The Postgraduate Directory lists all the different postgraduate courses available throughout the UK and Ireland.

 

 

 

 

The Postgraduate Funding Guide provides information on the different ways of funding postgraduate study to help you work out whether it’s a viable path for you.

 

 

 

There are a limited number of takeaway copies of each publication available for UCL students to collect from the Careers Service but both are also available digitally through the Prospects website.

 

For those wanting to look a bit further into the future, the resources page of the Careers Service’s Researchers website is well worth a look. It includes information on what postgraduates at UCL and beyond have gone on to do once they have finished their courses, audio files of academics talking about their own career paths, information on how to develop an academic career and links to other academia related resources. There is also information on research and postdoc applications and academic networking, the latter being particularly handy if you’re planning on attending the Getting Into Academia forum on the 24^th.

 

More information on Getting Into Academia week, including a the full program of events, is available on the Get Into… pages of our website.

 

Booking is essential for all of the events and is done through your My Careers Service account. More information on using My Careers Service, including how to log in, can be found here.

 

Get Into Academia Week

UCL Careers Service will be running our annual Get Into Academia week from the 21^st-24^th November. Our Academia themed week includes a range of events and seminars for those wanting to learn more about establishing and developing a career in academic research, from choosing the right research studentship to maximising your time as a postdoctoral researcher in order to secure a lectureship.

The programme for the week consists of:

Finding and Funding a PhD. Monday 21st November, 1 – 2 pm

This seminar, delivered by one of the Careers Service’s careers advisers, will look at a range of important issues including: the various types of research degree, the potential benefits of undertaking one and other things you should consider, funding issues, overseas opportunities, and how to find a PhD.

Useful for: Undergraduate & masters students

 

Making Effective Applications. Tuesday 22nd November, 1 – 2 pm

Get the low down on what academic recruiters look for in the best applicants, the content and structure of academic CVs and how to write a convincing personal statement / cover letter

Useful for: Undergraduates, masters & research students

 

Academic Careers Panel Discussion and Networking Evening. Thursday 24th November, 5.30 – 8 pm

Panel Discussion: Seven academics (who are active in both research and teaching) from different faculties across UCL will give you a brief overview of what they do and their tops tips for academic success. This will be followed by questions from you, the audience.

Confirmed Speakers:

Prof. Imran Rasul – Dept. of Economics

Prof. Timothy Mathews – Dept. of French

Dr Alasdair Gibb – Dept. of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology

Prof. Kevin MacDonald -Institute ofArchaeology

Dr Serena Viti – Dept. of Physics & Astronomy

Dr Helene Burningham – Dept. of Geography

Dr Alistair Greig – Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Networking: Some of the academics from the panel will be joined by invited postdoctoral researchers who will be available to talk to you face to face about aspects of research careers beyond the PhD level.

Useful for: Undergraduates, masters & research students

 

Booking for each event will open two week before it is due to take place and is done through your My Careers Service account.

 

If you have any further queries, feel free to contact us at careers@ucl.ac.uk.

Ready for the Law Fair?

The UCL Law Fair, kindly sponsored by The College of Law and Freshfields, is coming up soon. If you’re planning to attend, to ensure you make the most of this event, please make sure you’re fully prepared…

First, attend the “Making the most of the Law Fair” talk on Friday 4th November at 1pm. Presented by one of the exhibitors, you’ll get insider tips on how to make a good impression with firms at the Fair. Booking details can be found at:

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/getinto/law

Then, check the Law Fair catalogue for details of exhibitors:

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/fairs

and finally, visit UCL Careers Service:

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/contactus

to help yourself to the range of FREE takeaway guides and employer directories that we stock for the legal sector.
See you at the Fair…

Get involved with volunteering- TODAY at UCL

Our friends at UCL’s Volunteering Services Unit are organising their second volunteering fair of the year today (Tuesday 1st November, 12 noon – 3pm) in the Wilkins Building South Cloisters.

It’s not too late to get involved; volunteering is a great way to discover London, give your CV a boost and make new friends. There will be over 40 exhibitors from charities, social enterprises, community organisations and volunteering projects. You’ll find the full catalogue here

Science Week is next week – Sign up now for events

UCL’s get in to Science Week is next week.  As part of the week UCL Careers Service have organised 2 very exciting events on Monday 31 October.

Science Careers Explained – this is a lunchtime session (1-2pm) where Diana Garnham, Chief Executive, The Science Council will be giving an overview of the science sector labour market and will be telling you where the jobs are in the current climate.

Careers in Science Forum and Networking Event (5.30-7.30pm) – this event will enable you to discuss career opportunities with representatives from over 20 organisations including:Akzonobel; Biomed Central; Carpmaels & Ransford; CGG Veritas; GlaxoSmithKline; KnowledgePoint360; L’Oreal; Nucleus Central; Unilever; United Biosource Corporation; Withers & Rogers and more….

For full details of these events and others across Careers in Science Week go to http://www.ucl.ac.uk/silva/careers/students/events/getinto/science

 

UCL’s Marketing and FMCG Fair is tomorrow!

Make your Mark On the World…

UCL Careers Service are hosting the Marketing & FMCG Fair, which is aimed at students considering careers in industries areas like: Marketing, PR, Advertising and New Media.

What? UCL Marketing & FMCG Fair

When? Thursday 27th October from 5.30 to 8.00 pm

Where? Old Refectory and Jeremy Bentham Room, Wilkins Building

 

There’s a diverse mix of exhibitors on show including some of the world’s biggest brands such as Google, Ogilvy, Trip Advisor, Proctor & Gamble, Ketchum Pleon and Unilever.

 

Many have never been on campus before and are keen to recruit from UCL, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.
The fair is open to students and graduates from any degree background.  No booking required – just turn up with your UCL ID card!

To find out more please see: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/students/events/fairs/fmcg/

Careers in Science Forum: Monday 31st October 2011

Are you wondering what your science career options might be, or do you have an idea of what you want to do but are not sure how to get there? Maybe you know how to get there but would like some inside information to boost your application?

As part of the Science themed week UCL Careers Service has organised a Careers in Science Forum on Monday 31st October. The Careers in Science Forum is the ideal place to get your science careers questions answered.

This Forum is aimed at Science and Engineering students and researchers who are looking to pursue research-based or other careers in the science sector.

Event Format

Panel Discussion: 5:25pm – 6.30pm (location confirmed when you book)

Networking: 6.30pm-7.30pm (South Cloisters)

The Forum  starts with an hour long panel discussion (for which you must register) with representatives from selected occupations telling you about their line of work and answering your questions.

This will be followed by a networking event (no registration needed) with representatives from various organisations covering a wide range of careers in the science sector.

This is an excellent opportunity to gather key information about the nature of specific job roles, how you can enter the profession, what working conditions are like and future industry trends. Please note: many of the representatives are there solely to provide information and do not necessarily have opportunities available. If they have any opportunities they are of course free to discuss these.

Organisations on the Panel:

• Academia/Science Policy/Publishing – UCL Academic
• Chemical Manufacturing – AkzoNobel
• Consultancy in Physical Sciences – Institute of Physics
• Patent Attorney – Carpmaels & Ransford
• Pharmaceuticals/Regulatory Affairs – Freelance Consultant
• Research & Development – Unilever

Networking:
The panellists will be attending the networking event, along with representatives from the following sectors:

• BioPharma/Regulatory Affairs – Eureca Consulting
• Chartered Scientist and Science Careers – Science Council
• Clinical Technologies and Clinical Services – Bracket (UBC)
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods R&D and Manufacturing – L’Oreal
• Geophysical Services – CGG Veritas
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – UCL
• Law in Science – Field Fisher Waterhouse
• Medical Communications – KnowledgePoint360
• Medical Education – Nucleus Central
• Patent Law – Withers & Rogers
• Pharmaceuticals – EISAI
• Pharmaceuticals – GlaxoSmithKline
• Publishing – BioMed Central
• Scientific & Medical Affairs – United Biosource Corporation (UBC)
• Specialised Recruitment Agency – Match Tech
• Teaching – Teach First
• Technology Transfer – UCL Business

More may be added to this list.

BOOK NOW:
Current students who wish to attend the panel discussion MUST book in advance using your My Careers Service account.

Research Staff employed by UCL should book through the Research Staff Booking Form.

For the panel session, you must arrive by 5.25pm to guarantee admission. If you arrive late you may not be admitted.

There is no need to book a place to attend the networking session afterwards, just bring your UCL ID card.

Comments from last year:
Here are comments from some students who attended in previous years:

“It was interesting to hear the speakers talk about their experiences and why they made the career choices they did. It was also nice to know that many of them had had the experience of not knowing exactly what they wanted to do when they left university (an experience that many of us students share!) but yet they all seemed to have found jobs that they enjoy. A list of websites with further information about specific careers in science was also given out as part of the course, which was useful to take away and look up later.”

“I feel the science fair is essential for students who are thinking of pursuing industrial experience before deciding on PhD etc. The panel discussion and the experiences of the Professional does help to look at science from different angles and not just research.”

Learn More about Science Careers – A themed week of events starting 31st October

From Monday 31st October until Friday 4 November UCL Careers Service is bringing to you a themed Science Week. This is a programme of events to help you find out more about working in the science sector and provide you with a chance to speak with science sector employers.

PROGRAMME

Please note, you will need to register for these events.
For further information about each event and to register for them please go to the Science Week webpage.

• Science Careers Explained – Monday 31^st October, 1 – 2pm
  An overview of the science sector from Diana Garnham, Chief Executive, The Science Council.  This lunchtime session will cover the current big issues and labour market information including how and where to find jobs.
  

• Careers in Science Forum – Monday 31^st October, 5.30 – 7.30pm
  An evening of discussion and networking with scientists from a variety of sectors.
  

• PhD Forum for Life Scientists –Tuesday 1^st November, 1 – 2pm
  A panel session with current PhD Students and admissions tutors from Cancer Research UKand UCL.

• Unilever Presentation – Tuesday 1^st November, 4 – 5pm
  

• Maths and Physical Sciences Postgraduate Student Open Day – Wednesday 2nd November
  Come and see our stand and find out about postgraduate study in Maths and Physical Sciences.

• CVs for the Science Sector – Friday 4^th November, 1 – 2pm
  A session giving you information on how to put together a winning CV.

We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these events!

Mathematical and Physical Sciences Annual PhD Open Day – Wednesday 2nd November

Are you one of the scientific researchers of tomorrow?

The UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences will be holding its second annual PhD Open Day on Wednesday 2 November.  This is your chance to come and discover whether researching at one of the world’s leading universities is right for you, in one of the following areas:

• Chemistry
• CoMPLEX (Centre for Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences & Experimental Biology)
• Earth Sciences
• London Centre for Nanotechnology
• Mathematics
• Institute of Origins
• Physics and Astronomy
• Science and Technology Studies
• Space and Climate Physics
• Statistical Science

The morning talks will give a flavour of the exciting research already underway, with insights from both academics and from current PhD students.  They will explain what it is about London in general, and UCL in particular, that attracted them to develop their careers here.  This is followed by a session of talks to describe the kind of support that is on offer to our research students – including the excellent facilities of the UCL Graduate School, the kinds of funding that could be available to you, and how we support you in establishing your career, in whatever field you choose.

The afternoon is your chance to discuss your research ideas in more depth with academics from individual departments, either at the talks they will give or at the exhibition stands.  There are also opportunities to take tours both of the UCL campus for those who are not already familiar with it, and of the UCL Science Library.

Choosing to undertake a PhD is a significant step: it requires a lot of hard work and determination, and it is important that you choose well.  For further information and to book a ticket, please visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/maps-openda

You may also want to find out more about the different pathways you could go down for a career in science. UCL Careers Service have organised a themed week for  Careers in Science from 31st October to 4th November. Take a look at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/careers/events/getinto/science for more information on the programme of events you can come along to.