Transcript PG study / Career Development

PG study / Career
Development
Gayle Scott
Careers Consultant
Careers Centre
Preamble
• Some thoughts:
• PG study is booming – is it right for you?
– Economic climate – extremely competitive
– Employability – 97% in employment within 1 year
(British Council*)
– Earnings – 1/3 to a 1/5 more (over your career)
than UG degree holder (British Council*)
• YES! – if you choose the right course for the right
reasons!
* Quoted from Prospects – Jobs & Courses magazine - issue 24
(11/05/11) pg10
Reputation …
“With a graduate unemployment rate that is
lower than the famous universities in the
country,…, plus a flourishing reputation for
research, high student satisfaction rates and
ambitious plans for its picturesque campus,
Robert Gordon University is the Sunday
Times Scottish University of the year”
The Sunday Times (12th Sept 2010)
Careers Centre
• What stage are you at?
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Enhance current career? (CPD)
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Change direction?
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Languages degree, worked in finance many years – keen get back to initial interest – MSc Information
& Library Studies
Graphic Design degree, worked in role which included marketing – now wants to pursue as full career
– MSc Marketing Management
Arts graduate – looking for vocational study – Graduate Diploma in Surveying
Necessary entry qualification?
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Manager looking for more responsibility – MBA or MSc Project Management
Worked in role many years no progression – MSc Corporate Communication or MSc HRM
Engineer looking to specialise – MSc Oil and Gas Engineering
First degree and experience of working with people/children – Social Work or Teaching
Sports Science degree – wants be Physiotherapist – MSc Physiotherapy
LLB – to be a Solicitor – Diploma Legal Practice
Personal interest?
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Something new and exciting e.g. Fashion Management , IT or Journalism
Careers Centre
• When:
• Straight from an UG degree?
• After some work/professional experience?
• A career break?
• While working?
Careers Centre
• Types:
• Taught masters (full time / part time)
– PGCert – PGDip – MSc / MBA
• Professional development (CPD)
– Inbuilt recognition/validation from professional
bodies – Charteredship
• Online (non campus)
• Research degrees
Consider Time – Costs – Peer Interaction
Careers Centre
• The Postgraduate advantage:
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Professional edge / credibility / employability
Career development (long term)
Financial benefit
No guarantees – employers still look at whole
person, skills experience and personality
Consider…
Careers Centre
Weighing it up:
For
• Competitive job market for
1st degree graduates?
• It will help me improve my
career prospects?
• I want to continue my
subject?
• I want to improve my
academic record?
• I am not ready for the job
market?
• The PG is a requirement
Against
• I might not find work
afterwards?
• I will become over
qualified?
• I cannot afford it?
• I have had enough of
being a student?
Suggested Action Plan
1. Clarify your career aim!
2. Check institutions links with industry and
reputation and ask for DLHE results
3. Talk to employers about the qualification
4. Consider sector(s)with predicted job growth
5. Get some experience/insight
6. Research funding opportunities
Graduate Profiles
MSc Corporate Communication and Public Affairs
Corporate Communications Manager, Taqa Bratani, Aberdeen
MSc Human Resource Management
HR Adviser - Training and Development
Total E&P UK Ltd
MBA, Regional Director of Human Resources – Middle and Near
East regions for Merck Serono, a global leader in pharmaceutical
manufacturing.
MSc Computing: Software Technology
Regional Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Zenith Software Limited.
MSc International Marketing Management,
Senior Account Executive, Fifth Ring, Aberdeen
Postgraduate Student feedback.........
"I had attended an Employer presentation then applied to
the company. I had 2 Appointments, one as a prep for my
telephone Interview and a second before my assessment
centre. Staff were very helpful and really encouraging."
MSc Software Technology
“I've used the drop in service and I saw a Careers Consultant shortly before
a recent job interview. Very Satisfied.
Impact: I think it helped me get the job; the service couldn't have been better
from my point of view.”
MSc Information & Library Studies
“Career service is very good, as MBA student we also had additional
sessions as well to help. This was very useful. Great service, comes
highly recommended.”
MBA
“Advice and support materials provided are
of great help. Every visit motivates to
continue the job hunt with new enthusiasm
every time. I wish RGU continues this service
forever and bring further improvements in it.
Thanks a lot!”
MSc International Business
"The person who served me for my interview advice was more
helpful than I was ever expecting and gave me individual
treatment relevant for me."
MSc Human Resource Management
Take advice!
• Careers Centre is happy to offer advice and support
to all potential PG students.
www.rgu.ac.uk/careers
Tel: 01224 262110
Email: [email protected]
Appointments, Drop in and telephone