Looking to the FutureInformatics postgraduates

Carol MacdonaldCareers Adviser

Session Aim:

Introduce the Careers Service Outline recruitment time-lines for major

employers Highlight careers events / programmes

this semester

“Begin with the end in mind”

Steven Covey, management guru & author of ‘Seven Habits of highly effective people’

Your Career Strategy! Set goals - short, medium…& longer term

What do you want to achieve during your MSc? How can you make the most of your time at Edinburgh? What do you want to achieve immediately after?...and longer term?

Identify what will help you to achieve your goals Find out what’s going on at Edinburgh Research career options and potential employers Clarify requirements – skills, experience required or beneficial Identify any gaps Check entry routes – recruitment methods used

Network! Network! Network!

Market yourself – (Applications, Interviews & other situations)

Prepare a ‘Career Action Plan’ - set SMART objectives - keep it alive!

Recruitment Timelines

Advertising already underwaywww.ed.ac.uk/careers/sagewww.prospects.ac.uk

www.get.hobsons.co.ukwww.targetjobs.co.uk

Employer’s presentations start 4th October Application deadlines from October First interviews begin this semester

Some application closing dates for 2011

Standard Bank 7 November Bank of England 15 November Virgin Media 26 November Sky Technology 30 November Credit Suisse 17 December Standard Life (IT leadership) 10 December Sainsbury’s 12 December Catlin Group 14 December SELEX Galileo applns from Sept (1st come 1st served) RBS assessment centres from Nov

General Guidelines Investment banks Blue chip/ International Orgs Management consultancies November

Finding out more! Careers Fair - 5/6 October www.ed.ac.uk/careers/fairs Employer presentations www.ed.ac.uk/careers/talks-events Vacancies - www.ed.ac.uk/careers/sage

Directories – Prospects, Get, Times Top 100 UK graduate careers sites include:

www.prospects.ac.uk www.get.hobsons.co.uk www.targetjobs.co.uk

Informatics website - www.ed.ac.uk/informatics

Industry info & vacancy sites – www.ed.ac.uk/careers/occupations Computer Weekly www.insidecareers.co.uk (IT Industry Guide & job alerts) www.scotlandis.com

Recruitment Agencies - www.rec.uk.com & local surveys

Be pro-active – be creative, network!

What are employers looking for?

Good academic background Technical skills

and more……….

Competency FrameworkIBM Adaptability Client focus Communication Creative problem

solving Drive to achieve

Passion for business Taking ownership Teamwork and

collaboration Trustworthiness

What makes a good CV?• Careful targeting (job and employer)• Highlights relevant experience, skills and achievements• Gives space and importance to the most relevant material

• Makes an impact • Visually appealing

clear layout, avoiding lengthy text• Appropriate headings & order -

reverse chronological or themed

• Appropriate length

• Accompanied by a strong covering letter

Careers Service – What we offer! Information Centres - staff available to help

Drop-in sessions daily Appointments with Careers Adviser

Events

Website: www.ed.ac.uk/careers

Graduate Applications Tues 28th Sept 1.10pm Successful Interviews Thurs 14th Oct 1.10pm School Drop-in sessions:

Thurs 28th Oct & Tues 9th Nov 1pm - 2pm

International students

Do you need a UK national insurance number?

Job Centre Plus staff will be in Careers Service, 33 Buccleuch Place, on Tues 22nd/Wed 23rd September to process NI numbers for non UK students.

Careers Service - Where to find us?33 Buccleuch Place, Central AreaTel: 0131 650 4670Weir Building, KBTel: 0131 650 5773

Email: careers@ed.ac.ukOpening hours on website

www.ed.ac.uk/careers