Year 12 - Calderdale and Kirklees Careers Service Partnership

What’sit all for?Having a good time?Making new friends?Independence?Developing new skills?Knowledge?The answer to all of these is YES!You’ll want to have a goodtime but you need to start tothink about your future andmake the most of the effortyou will be putting in, notto mention the expense ordebt you will be accruing.Go to www.targetjobs.co.ukor www.prospects.ac.uk formore information aboutoptions for graduates.A university degree does notguarantee a job, salary level orsecurity but taking advantageof opportunities at universitywill help.It pays to think about yourfuture in your first year notjust your last!All universities offer careershelp and advice. You don’thave to wait until your lastyear to start investigatingthe changing world of work,making career plans ordeveloping good employabilityskills such as self-management,team working, customerawareness and problemsolving. Most courses includetasks or activities to helpyou to develop these skills.Extra curricular activities alsoprovide great opportunitiesfor personal development.Start as you mean to goon and make the most ofwhat’s available.Target opportunities relevantfor careers you are interestedin, for example working onthe campus paper if you areinterested in journalism ormedia. Approach legal firmsfor paid or unpaid vacationwork if you are hoping tobecome a solicitor.Think about how any of thesecould help your career:•voluntary work•university societies or clubs•a year in industry•sports or other activities•relevant work experience inyour vacations.All of these will look great onyour CV and when you startapplying for jobs employerswill be looking for staff whocan get things done, work ina team, get involved, showcommitment...Don’t just get a degree– get a life!22