Why take a detour?

Why take a detour?The purpose of this assembly is to bring to your attention the range of the different things which might do after year 13 , or during all of which could be useful for your long term career.1What employers want

QualificationsInterpersonal skillsSelf awarenessFlexibilityInitiativeWillingness to learnCommitment & motivationProblem solvingI want to take a moment to get you to think ahead to the time at which you will be looking for a full time job.the sort of job which is a positive step along your career path.What type of personal specification will employers list?2Extracts from Job descriptions for undergraduate internships (marketing)You will be IT proficient and competent in MS Office You will be reliable and a team worker with excellent time-management and organisational skillsHave excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Pay attention to detail and have good administration skills.Work on own initiative and prioritise tasks.Work well under pressure and meet deadlines.Have knowledge of all Microsoft Office Packages.and in addition, it is important that you are:Self motivatedFlexible to meet the needs of a 7-day business with varied hours inc. late shifts until 8pmFully computer literate e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook and industry specific packagesArticulate

Evidence, evidence, evidence

Show me the evidenceBut what employers really, really want to see is evidence of experiences where you will have demonstrated these skills and qualities4What you might wantMore time to think about your futureA break from formal educationTo earn some moneyTo try out a career ideaAn adventure

5OpportunitiesWhat employers wantWhat YOU might wantMore time to think about your futureA break from formal educationTo earn some moneyTo try out a career ideaAn adventure

The opportunities which Im quickly going to whizz through will fulfil a lot of the tick list from both sides of the equation..providing opportunities for you to develop and subsequently evidence the transferable skills which an employer values as well as meeting some at least of your needs.6

A recent report of the graduate labour market in 2012 suggests that graduates who have gained work experience whilst at university (or before) stand a much better chance of employment and that 36% of vacancies will be filled by applicants who have already worked for the organisation during (or before their studies)YINI..Sponsorship through university???7

Accenture is a business consultancy companies helping to innovate and improve their customers businesses in many different ways. They are looking for people with a genuine interest in business and technology, predicted 340 UCAS points , and prepared to move anywhere in the UK although part of your time will definitely be spent in London. In return they will offer you a structured programme of training and work experience in the company, pay you 18,000 pro rata (so for 8 months thats 12,000) and offer sponsorship through university.8

If you are thinking of a career that is in anyway connected to the care and charities sector (healthcare, social care, social work, youth work, working for not for profit organisations etc) CSV can offer excellent opportunities and even if you arent it is good experience.You need to commit to a 6mths placement and be prepared to live away from home. You dont earn a wage but will have your accomodation and living expenses covered so it wont cost you anything.9Career experienceTry out your career ideasGain the experience/edge needed for university applicationAt 18 more opportunities open to youYou never know where it might lead

Do your research Identify a named contactBe specific about when and why you want experienceObviously these are just a few schemes you can also just organise your own work experience 10Other suggestions for Career experience/Voluntary WorkUKPGL, Holiday camps, care sectorwww.do-it.org.uk

Overseas eg BUNAC (childrens holiday camps) Oyster Worldwide (Teaching, Medical, Conservation, Sports) Bunac Work Canada (range of work) Bunac Work NZ (range of work) etc, etcProject Trust, Lattitude, Raleigh International etc etc

Both in the Uk and abroad11What they sayEvery important decision I have made since has been influenced by my gap year experiences (Minty Gilders, ex Africa & Asia Venture)

If you look at the buzz words for any application form or job interview, you can relate them to a gap year experience: teamwork, leadership, initiative, independence, creativity, resourcefulness, motivation. (Amy Daw / Green, ex Lattitude)

My gap year gave me the time to pick up new skills and qualifications ..and helped to guide my career choices. The biggest impact my gap year had on me was increased confidence and maturity. (Rupert Laing, ex Africa & Asia Venture)

My decision to do a year away is probably the best choice I have made, and I am reaping the benefits to this day. (Chris Hitch, ex Project Trust)

It has been a great way to experience the culture of a country close up, whilst developing a lot of skills important in my future career and personal life. (Alex Clarke, ex Raleigh)

The school was absolutely fantastic and the teachers were lovely. They obviously needed our help and really appreciated everything we did. (Ellen Fitten, Oyster Worldwide)

I gained knowledge useful for my degree, got sponsored through uni, and I have a year of work experience on my CV. (Joseph Harris, Year in Industry)

FinallyPlease complete the careers survey.

Link sent to your school e-mail account