1

Boost your employability skills

Skills Development Workshop Brochure and Schedule

Semester 2, 2016/17

CAREERS &EMPLOYABILITYWITHPLYMOUTHUNIVERSITY

Book your place:

www.bit.ly/plymevents

ACCELERATE WORKSHOPS

2

Career planningMaking the most of your time at University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Making career decisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Considering postgraduate study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Considering self-employment: Being my own boss? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Developing useful networksNetworking: Practical tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6LinkedIn: Create your profi le from scratch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6LinkedIn: Advanced tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Employability events preparationPrepare for the Employer Networking Evening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Prepare for the Part-Time Jobs Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Prepare for the Careers and Recruitment Fairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Workshops Schedule – Semester 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Job and opportunity searchingFinding part-time work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Finding summer opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Finding graduate/placement employment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Global opportunities for employability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CVs and applicationsCVs: Create your CV and covering letter from scratch . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Job applications: Enhance your applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Mature students: Make your previous experience count . . . . . . . . . . 12Teacher training programmes: Enhance your application . . . . . . . . . 13

Interviews and other selection assessmentsPsychometric assessments: An introduction and practice . . . . . . . . 13Interviews: Prepare confi dently . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Interviews: Answering questions effectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Assessment centres: Prepare for success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Presentations: Prepare effectively and deliver confi dently . . . . . . . . 14

CONTENTS

“The workshop was very useful and I will be attending future workshops.”

3

“The workshop was really good and the presenter adapted it to

what we wanted to learn.”

Over 550 Plymouth University students/graduates attended an Accelerate workshop last year – here’s what they had to say:

99% agreed that they would recommend the Accelerate workshops to others

1%49%50%The workshop improved my confi dence in the topic

The workshop improved my knowledge and understanding in the topic 1%46%

100%80%60%40%20%0%

53%

Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree

Develop vital employability skills and boost your career confi dence by participating in the bite-sized and interactive Accelerate workshops.

Accelerate workshops will equip you with knowledge about key topics, help develop your employability skills, and improve your confi dence when career planning, job searching, applying for and securing employment or other opportunities. The workshops are one hour in length and are suitable for students on any course at any stage. Recent graduates are also welcome. You can attend as many workshops as you like, but spaces are limited so you need to book your place in advance online.

Find out more about each workshop by visiting the corresponding page number. We continually improve workshops based on participant feedback, so these descriptions may change. In the middle of this brochure is a schedule of all Accelerate workshops being run this semester. Semester 2 workshops are open for bookings on the events calendar now. Check our events calendar regularly and book your place: www.bit.ly/plymevents

4

Making the most of your time at University Do you want to get a head start to be the best graduate possible? Do you want tips on how to improve your employability from your very fi rst day? This workshop will enable you to understand the importance of taking part in relevant experiences outside of your study such as paid work, work experience, volunteering, joining clubs and societies, attending employability events, and taking part in competitions. You will discover a wide range of different experiences that are available, and leave having started to think about what you want to get involved in.

Making career decisions Are you unsure what career path you want to follow? Do you want to know how to identify career areas that might suit you? This workshop will enable you to appreciate the factors you need to consider when choosing a career. You will develop strategies for identifying and exploring your potential career direction, and leave having identifi ed key online resources to support you in your journey. This workshop takes place in a University computer room, so please be prepared to log-in with your University username and password.

CAREER PLANNING

"I now realise that I need to understand myself and know more about what I want instead of which

career I might fi t into."

Do you want to get a head start to be the best graduate possible? Do you want tips on how to improve your employability from your very fi rst day? This workshop will enable you to understand the importance of taking part in relevant experiences outside

Only available in Semester 1

5

Considering postgraduate studyAre you considering postgraduate study and want to fi nd out more? This workshop will enable you to gain an understanding of what postgraduate study is. You will fi nd out more about where to fi nd information to make an informed decision, and leave having gained an overview of the fi nancial implications of postgraduate study and the application process.

Considering self-employment: Being my own boss?Have you ever thought about being your own boss? Want to learn about being self-employed? Discover how anyone can create their own business. We are all entrepreneurs in some way, it’s not just all about The Apprentice and money, it is about the way you look at life and the changes you can make to the world. At the end of this workshop you will have a better understanding of what it means to be your own boss. This workshop is being delivered by one of our Entrepreneurs in Residence.

“This workshop highlighted how many options are available, the

decision making process involved in choosing a course, and some

useful web links.”

“Really helpful and informative

in a relaxed environment.”

6

DEVELOPING USEFUL NETWORKS

Networking: Practical tips Do you want to introduce yourself professionally with impact? Do you want to access hidden job opportunities? This workshop will enable you to gain an understanding of what networking is and how it can benefi t you. You will identify opportunities to develop your professional contacts, and leave having created your own 30 second 'elevator pitch'.

LinkedIn: Create your profi le from scratchDo you want access to expert advice and hidden job opportunities? Do you want to know more about LinkedIn – an online professional network? This workshop will enable you to discover the benefi ts of using LinkedIn. You will be guided through the basics of what LinkedIn can do, and leave having created or improved your basic profi le. This workshop is suitable for those with little or no experience of LinkedIn. This workshop takes place in a University computer room, so please be prepared to log-in with your University username and password. Please also bring your LinkedIn log-in details. If you have not yet signed up for a LinkedIn account, please do so at www.linkedin.com before attending this workshop.

LinkedIn: Advanced tipsDo you want to maximise your use of LinkedIn? Do you want your profi le to stand out? This workshop will enable you to gain advanced tips on how to maximise your LinkedIn profi le. You will learn more about the built-in features, and leave having discovered how to grow your connections. This workshop is suitable for those who want to improve their LinkedIn profi le and maximise their use of LinkedIn. This workshop takes place in a University computer room, so please be prepared to log-in with your University username and password. Please also bring your LinkedIn log-in details.

“I found out how important networking actually is – both to grow yourself, your career and

business. I gained advice in building confi dence for events.”

7

EMPLOYABILITY EVENTS PREPARATION

Prepare for the Employer Networking EveningDo you want to get the most out of the Employer Networking Evening? This workshop will enable you to discover what to expect on the evening and fi nd out who will be attending. You will discuss how to make the most of this event and create your own 30 second ‘elevator pitch’, and leave having gained confi dence to attend the event.

Prepare for the Part-Time Jobs FairDo you want to get the most out of the Part-Time Jobs Fair? This workshop will enable you to fi nd out which employers will be there on the day and learn how to research employers that attend recruitment fairs such as this one. You will discover how to approach employers professionally, and leave having gained tips on how to follow up organisations after the event.

Prepare for the Careers and Recruitment FairsDo you want to get the most out of the ‘Exploring Your Future’ Recruitment Fairs? This workshop will enable you to fi nd out which employers will be there on the day and learn how to research employers that attend recruitment fairs such as these. You will discover how to approach employers professionally, and leave having gained tips on how to follow up organisations after the event.

SAVE THE DATES! Employer Networking Evenings…

Faculty of Business: Thursday 10 November 2016

Faculty of Arts and Humanities:Thursday 26 January 2017

Faculty of Science and Engineering: Thursday 23 February 2017

Faculty of Health and Human Sciences: Thursday 9 March 2017

PREVIOUS EVENTSExploring Your Future in Business, Tourism & Hospitality: Tuesday 1 November 2016

Exploring Your Future in STEM: Wednesday 2 November 2016

PREVIOUS EVENTSPart-Time Jobs Fair: Wednesday 5 October 2016

Find out more about these events at: www.bit.ly/plymevents

Do you want to get the most out of the Part-Time Jobs Fair? This workshop will enable you to fi nd out which employers will be there on the day and learn how to research employers that attend recruitment fairs such as this one. You will discover how to approach employers professionally, and leave having gained tips on how to follow up

Fairs? This workshop will enable you to fi nd out which employers will be there on the day and learn how to research employers that attend recruitment fairs such as these. You will discover how to approach employers professionally, and leave having gained tips on how to follow up organisations after the event.

Only available in Semester 1

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Thur

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Mar

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10

JOB SEARCHING& OPPORTUNITY

Finding part-time work Do you want to get ahead of the game and fi nd out what part-time jobs are available locally? Do you want to be fi rst to hear of part-time work on campus and across Plymouth? This workshop will enable you to discover how to fi nd a part-time job by accessing our Student Jobs service. You will learn how to apply, and leave having gained tips for improving your chances of applying successfully.

Finding summer opportunitiesDo you want your CV to stand out from the competition? Do you want to build useful contacts with professionals and employers? Do you want to show graduate employers that you’ve done something useful with your summer? This workshop will enable you to discover how to fi nd a relevant opportunity over summer in the UK or abroad, such as paid seasonal work, internships, and volunteering. You will discover a wide range of different opportunities that are available, and leave with useful websites to begin or continue your research.

"I originally came just for general information and now

have more understanding about opportunities available."

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Finding graduate/placement employmentDo you want to know where to look for graduate/placement employment? Do you want to fi nd out about opportunities fi rst so that you have a head start? This workshop will enable you to gain knowledge of the variety of graduate/placement employment opportunities. You will gain an understanding of where to fi nd graduate/placement job vacancies, and leave with tips on how to access the hidden job market.

Global opportunities for employabilityDo you want your CV to stand out from the competition? Are you considering how you can travel whilst gaining valuable experience? This workshop will enable you to fi nd out more about opportunities around the world such as volunteering, employment and study. You will consider the benefi ts to be gained from spending time abroad and also consider some of the challenges, and leave having learned how to fi nd opportunities abroad.

“I discovered websites to use for job search which I didn't know about before, and the different

places to fi nd hidden vacancies.”

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CVs & APPLICATIONS

CVs: Create your CV and cover letter from scratch Do you need to create a basic CV for a part-time job or volunteering opportunity? Do you need to create a graduate/placement CV and cover letter from scratch? This workshop will enable you to discover the basics of creating a CV from scratch including how to choose a structure, length and presentation. You will learn how to decide what to include in the precious space you have, and leave having gained tips on how to write a successful cover letter.

Mature students: Make your previous experience countHave you had several years of previous work/life experience before studying at University? Do you find it difficult identifying relevant skills from your extensive experience? This workshop will enable you to consider your personal brand that you want to convey when growing your professional network and within your graduate/ placement CV and job applications. You will explore common concerns about the graduate/placement recruitment and selection process, and leave having considered your next steps.

Job applications: Enhance your applications Do you want your graduate/placement job applications to stand out from the competition? This workshop will enable you to gain an understanding of how to tailor your applications to different opportunities. You will gain knowledge of how employers shortlist applications and choose who they want to interview, and leave having explored how to evidence your skills and experience effectively.

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Teacher training programmes: Enhance your applicationAre you considering applying for a PGCE or other postgraduate teacher training programme? Do you want to know how to stand out from the competition? This workshop will enable you to identify the purpose of the teacher training programme application and what to include in your personal statement. You will consider your reasons for wishing to enter teaching, and leave having explored how to evidence your skills and experience.

INTERVIEWS & OTHER SELECTION ASSESSMENTS

Psychometric assessments: An introduction and practice Did you know that many large employers use psychometric assessments as an important part of their selection process? Do you want to become more confi dent with them before it comes to the real thing? This workshop will enable you to gain an overview of different types of psychometric assessments. You will use interactive voting devices to practice answering different types of questions anonymously and within a safe environment. You will leave having identifi ed resources that can be used for further practice.

Interviews: Prepare confi dently Do you want to understand the basics of interviews? Do you want to know how to prepare in the best way? This workshop will enable you to gain an understanding of the purpose of interviews and what to expect in the different types of interview you may face. You will gain confi dence by discovering how to prepare effectively and how to present yourself with positive body language. You will leave having identifi ed suitable questions to ask at the end of an interview.

and leave having explored how to evidence your skills and experience.

Only available in Semester 1

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Interviews: Answering questions effectively Do you want to know more about the different types of interview questions you may be asked? Do you want insider tips on answering interview questions? This workshop will enable you to discover the different types of interview questions and explore how to answer them effectively. You will have the opportunity to practice answering interview questions in a safe environment, and leave knowing how to ask for feedback after an interview.

Assessment centres: Prepare for successDo you want to apply for graduate jobs/schemes where they use assessment centres in their selection process? Do you want some insider tips before you attend the real thing? This workshop will enable you to discover what to expect at an assessment centre and gain an understanding of the criteria employers are assessing. You will gain practice of a group exercise, and leave with tips to help you stand out from the competition for the right reasons.

Presentations: Prepare effectively and deliver confi dentlyDo you need to prepare and deliver presentations as part of your degree? Might you need to deliver a presentation during an interview? Do you want to improve your confi dence when speaking in front of groups? This workshop will enable you to gain practical tips for preparing a presentation and delivering with confi dence. You will address your concerns about delivering presentations, and leave with strategies for dealing with public speaking nerves.

“All aspects of this workshop were useful but the way employers

score you was particularly interesting and useful.”

“It was really helpful. I feel more confi dent about my interview in a couple of weeks’ time. I now know how to answer interview questions

in a more constructive way.”

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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS DEVELOPMENTWe organise a range of workshops and initiatives aimed at providing you with a series of opportunities to develop your employability skills. This is a taster of what else we offer to complement the Accelerate workshops:

Career Fit workshopsOne-day interactive employability skills workshops delivered outside of term-time in small groups.

WebinarsOnline web-based seminars to enable you to learn on the move at a time convenient to you.

Employability CompetitionsTest and develop your core employability skills through our competitions including FLUX, HotSeat, and Creative CV competitions.

Find out more about all of these: www.plymouth.ac.uk/employability

Sprint programmeAn action-packed 4-day personal development programme for undergraduate women currently studying a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) degree. www.bit.ly/plymsprint

GET IT RECOGNISED!

Plymouth AwardThis award recognises and celebrates your valuable achievements outside of your studies, and gives you the opportunity to highlight the learning and personal growth you have gained from these activities. When you complete the Plymouth Award you’ll receive a certifi cate that is nationally recognised by employers. Sign up: www.plymouth.ac.uk/plymouthaward

Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR)This is part of a national initiative where completing students are presented with a HEAR. It is a new way of recording achievements outside of the classroom during your time with Plymouth University. Find out more: www.plymouth.ac.uk/HEAR

CHECK OUT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR!www.bit.ly/plymevents

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Check out our Accelerate brochures online:

www.bit.ly/plymaccelerateBook your place:

www.bit.ly/plymevents

CAREER NAVIGATORAccess our comprehensive 24/7 online career resources including tips for job searching, job applications and interview success! You can also sign up for our careers e-newsletter by registering on Career Navigator. Log on and explore:

http://careernavigator.plymouth.ac.uk

ACCELERATE WORKSHOPS

CAREERS &EMPLOYABILITYSERVICE

/PlymUniEmp

@PlymUniEmp

Plymouth University Careers & Employability Service

01752 587456

employability@plymouth.ac.uk

www.plymouth.ac.uk/employability

VISIT USCareers & Employability ServiceCareers & Employability HubGround FloorRoland Levinsky BuildingPlymouth University PL4 8AA