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Career Counsellor Psychologist Career Coach POSITIVE STEPS FOR A POSITIVE FUTURE
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Graduate Jobs and Degree Choice |
Get a foot in ahead of competition
Dr Jobs (Careerone - Brisbane Courier Mail)
Q: I am halfway through a university course that will qualify me to work in an industry that is currently oversupplied with graduates. Should I change courses?
A: Not knowing which course you are currently in and the type of job you are heading towards makes it a little difficult to respond to your inquiry precisely. Your results may also have an impact. People who are studying something they are suited to and enjoy usually perform better. Students who do well in their courses are quite often better suited to the type of jobs on offer in that field, which makes them more employable. However, that's speaking in general only and you don't say if you actually like your current program or not.
People with reasonably good grades usually have a wider selection of programs they can change into, should they decide to do so. It's also worth considering that changing programs has costs in terms of time, fees and resources. Employment trends do warrant consideration when making decisions. However, having said that, making a decision based solely on what's "hot" (or not) at the moment could potentially see you end up in a job you don't enjoy. Demand in most fields waxes and wanes with economic conditions, trends within that industry, innovations and graduate numbers. Even if there is an oversupply of graduates in a particular field at a given time, there are usually always some jobs and they are offered to the best candidates.
Think about ways you could make yourself more competitive. Many jobs (particularly in "tight" economic times) are found via the "hidden job market". That means they aren't advertised in the newspaper or online but are filled through other methods such as work experience and contacts. Getting a foot in the door is a great start through work experience vacancies, internships, volunteer unpaid work experience (see your faculty -for insurance coverage), part-time or vacation work. Talk to people in the industry for tips on how to improve your chances. It will get you noticed too. The careers service at your university will have info on how to do this effectively. Is there a student chapter of a professional association in your field that you could join? If you aren't sure then ask your faculty or careers service. These associations sometimes hold networking events that are a great way to meet people in your target industry.
Brush up your job search skills, including how to write a good CV, cover letter and selection criteria. Your university careers service can help with this too. Talk to employers and recruiters at careers fairs and presentations about what they look for in applications.
If you still think the degree you are enrolled in is not right for you, speak to an adviser in your careers service about options. They will be able to discuss the best course of action with you.
Jacqui Rochester, Psychologist, Career Counsellor, Career Coach in Brisbane. Member of the Career Development Association of Australia. www.jrochester.com
Dr Jobs (Careerone - Brisbane Courier Mail)
Q: I am halfway through a university course that will qualify me to work in an industry that is currently oversupplied with graduates. Should I change courses?
A: Not knowing which course you are currently in and the type of job you are heading towards makes it a little difficult to respond to your inquiry precisely. Your results may also have an impact. People who are studying something they are suited to and enjoy usually perform better. Students who do well in their courses are quite often better suited to the type of jobs on offer in that field, which makes them more employable. However, that's speaking in general only and you don't say if you actually like your current program or not.
People with reasonably good grades usually have a wider selection of programs they can change into, should they decide to do so. It's also worth considering that changing programs has costs in terms of time, fees and resources. Employment trends do warrant consideration when making decisions. However, having said that, making a decision based solely on what's "hot" (or not) at the moment could potentially see you end up in a job you don't enjoy. Demand in most fields waxes and wanes with economic conditions, trends within that industry, innovations and graduate numbers. Even if there is an oversupply of graduates in a particular field at a given time, there are usually always some jobs and they are offered to the best candidates.
Think about ways you could make yourself more competitive. Many jobs (particularly in "tight" economic times) are found via the "hidden job market". That means they aren't advertised in the newspaper or online but are filled through other methods such as work experience and contacts. Getting a foot in the door is a great start through work experience vacancies, internships, volunteer unpaid work experience (see your faculty -for insurance coverage), part-time or vacation work. Talk to people in the industry for tips on how to improve your chances. It will get you noticed too. The careers service at your university will have info on how to do this effectively. Is there a student chapter of a professional association in your field that you could join? If you aren't sure then ask your faculty or careers service. These associations sometimes hold networking events that are a great way to meet people in your target industry.
Brush up your job search skills, including how to write a good CV, cover letter and selection criteria. Your university careers service can help with this too. Talk to employers and recruiters at careers fairs and presentations about what they look for in applications.
If you still think the degree you are enrolled in is not right for you, speak to an adviser in your careers service about options. They will be able to discuss the best course of action with you.
Jacqui Rochester, Psychologist, Career Counsellor, Career Coach in Brisbane. Member of the Career Development Association of Australia. www.jrochester.com
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