Social Sciences…what next?

Sarah BrownCareer & Skills Consultant

Overview

• What do Social Science students do after graduation?

• Where can you research your career possibilities?

• What do you need to consider when making career choices?

• What skills do Social Science students develop?

• How can you stand out to employers?

• What resources can help you?

What can Social Sciences graduates do after college?

Social sciences offers many options…

• Social Work/ Counselling

• Community Work/ Youth Work

• HRM/ Marketing/ Business

• Management Consultancy

• Retail/Administration

• Teaching & Education

• NGO’s/ Voluntary Agencies

• Information Manager/Social Media

• Research

• Accountancy/Taxation

• Public sector – Government/EU

• Graduate Management Trainee programmes

BUT: may require further postgraduate study

What are the class of 2015 doing now?

Final Destination Return Data – College of Social Sciences and Law

LinkedIn

Utilise the ‘find alumni’ function

Bachelor of Social Science ► Social Care Worker, St John of God Carmona Service ► Master of Social Work ► Medical Social Worker, Beacon Hospital ► Clinical Social Worker, CAMHS Lucena Clinic ► Secretary CAMHS, IASW

Bachelor of Social Science ►Masters in Advertising ► Account Manager, Dialog Direct ► Consultant, Fullsix ► Senior Account Director, Tribal DDB ► Business Director, Adam&Eve► Head of Tribal DDB Dublin► Head of Brand, EBS ► Head of Digital Marketing & Innovation, AIB

www.gradireland.com

www.prospects.ac.uk

Deciding what is right

for you

It’s more likely that many careers will suit you

How self aware are you?

Values What is important to you? What do you find fulfilling/rewarding?

Interests What do you enjoy?

Personality Preferences What are your characteristics?

Skills What do you do well? Focus on

what energises you

Activity: Consider these questions individually for 5 minutes then discuss with the person next to you for 5 minutes.

Feedback to the class

Profiling for Success – Psychometric Tools

Profiling for Success – Access Codes

Client code: tflhe

Access code:ucd

Password:ucd4

What else should you consider?

• Entry requirements – Are you prepared to complete further study? Are you willing to undertake voluntary work?

• Location – Where do you want to live? Would you be happy to relocate to pursue your career interests?

• Opportunities within the sector – Is it a growth area?

• Contacts – Do you know anyone who works within the sector or in the role?

Research strategies

Research

Use your network

Track developments

Network with professionals

Attend events

Build your experience

Use social media

Talk to employers and alumni to find out about opportunities

Popular options – Graduate programmes and PG study

Graduate Programmes

• Fast track programme for ‘high potential’ graduates in large organisations e.g. Unilever, KPMG, Lidl etc.

• Usually open to ALL graduates

• Creates a ‘pipeline’ of talented people coming through the organisation

• 1-2 years structured programme of training

• Several placements – home & abroad

• Training & development provided

• Usually requires a 2.1 degree

• Highly competitive

Graduate Application Process

• Application timeframe– ‘Milkround’ – Recruitment focused September-Dec each year for

opportunities starting the following Summer/Autumn

– Ongoing – Some companies recruit all year

• Application process– Online applications (4-5 hours per application)

– Upload CV/Cover letter

• Recruitment process– Several stages including psychometric assessment, interview,

assessment centre etc.

Why undertake PG study?

Why Graduate Study?

Development of expertise to work within a specific profession

Interest in the subject matter/area of study

Academic and research careers

Enhance your competitiveness in the job market

Train to work in a different career area

Conversion Courses

Intensive postgraduate programmes that allow you to pursue a career that your undergraduate degree or professional career hasn’t prepared you for

Examples:

• Accountancy

• Journalism

• Law

• Teaching

• Librarianship

• Computer Science

• Psychology

• Medicine

What do graduate employers want?

The ‘perfect’ graduate

Academic achievement

Work experience

Understands the role/company/sector Transferable

skillsEngaged with

their community

CBI Survey 2012

• For 80% of employers, degree subject is less important in the selection of future employees than employability skills and work experience

Confederation of British Industry (2012) ‘Building for Growth: Business Priorities for Education and Skills’.

Common Graduate Skills

Effective Communicator

TeamworkCommercial awareness

Problem-solving ability

Analytical thinking

Initiative

AdaptabilityAttention to

detail

THINK What skills have you developed from your course?

• Research (qualitative and quantitative)

• Analytical ability

• Communication skills, both oral & written (incl. report writing)

• Project management

• Problem solving

• Team work

• ICT

Everything You Do Counts!

• Part-time jobs

• College – get involved!

• Internships

• Volunteering

• Sports

• Clubs / Societies – be active

What transferable skills would you develop as a… waiter?

• Take orders and respond to customer requests = communication skills

• Work effectively with fellow waiters and chefs = teamwork

• Handle cash and work within a commercial environment = business awareness

• Timekeeping/punctuality

• Cope well under pressure

John & Jane – how do they compare?

John’s CV

Bachelor of Civil Law 2.1 honours

Nothing outside the library

Jane’s CV

Bachelor of Civil Law 2.1 honours

Internship Part-time work Volunteer with Student

Legal Service Auditor – L&H UCD Peer Mentor Ladies hockey team Secretary – UCD

Juggling Society And lots more..

What can you do to kick start your career?

To enhance your career development…

Be open to opportunities (however random they seem)

Seek out experience if you can’t find what you are looking for

Talk to people – graduates & professionals working in careers of interest to you. Set up informational interviews and organise work shadowing

Build up your network – utilise LinkedIn and professional associations

Keep in touch once you’ve built up relationships

Try to make the most of all situations

Start a Careers Journal to note down ideas, observations and useful information

44

Kathleen Mitchell: The unplanned career 2003

‘Careers are seldom planned but are often developed by being

aware of and acting on the landmarks that appear on the way’

Taking Action

Write down 3 actions that you will take

Make sure they are SMART goals

Current1-3 years

Target 3-5 years

Target End Goal

Where I am now - How do I get there - Desired destination

Take time when preparing applications

What do employers need to know before they hire you?Can you do the job?

Will you? Will you fit in?

Tailoring your C.V. to the Role

Step 2: Think of Evidence or Examples you

Could Include to Match That Competency

Class project?

Football Team?

Fencing Society?

Summer job?

Volunteering?

STEP 3: Edit your C.V. and Cover Letter to Highlight the Evidence of These Key Skills

Key words in Job Spec

Evidence and similar language

Examples and evidence on C.V

Stand out from the crowd!

Highlight the benefits of hiring you

• Achievements e.g. Dean of Students’ Roll of Honour for Contribution to College Life

• Distinctions e.g. scholarship, prizes, place in class

• Key Contributions/ special projects

Customise every application

Be specific

• “Responsibility for training two new research assistants in Summer 2014 ”

• “Managed and motivated a team of five sales agents to exceed quarterly sales targets in all four quarters in 2013”

Include outcomes where possible

• “Led a team of three in presenting our research in the Economic Forum where we achieved 90%, came first in the College and will represent Trinity in the National competition.”

Demonstrate teamwork, leadership potential and confidence

What resources can you utilise to support your career development?

Online Resources• www.ucd.ie/careers• www.10minuteswith.com - Insider Interviews• www.careerplayer.com – Podcasts• www.icould.com – Videos of diverse career stories• www.gradireland.com – Irish graduate career resources• www.activelink.ie - Online network for non-profit organisations• www.volunteer.ie - Volunteer Ireland• www.lawcareers.net – law careers• www.legal500.com – legal market information

• www.prospects.ac.uk – UK graduate resources incl. options with your degree• www.targetjobs.co.uk – Sample CVs/Interview Q&A• www.insidecareers.co.uk – UK careers and internships• www.glassdoor.com – Company profiles & employee reviews• www.europeanmovement.ie – EU internships• www.Mastersportal.eu – Global postgraduate study • www.findamasters.com/ - Global postgraduate study• www.vault.com – US careers site

www.ucd.ie/careersWhat Does UCD Career Development Centre Offer?

Events

Quick Query Appointments

• 20 minute individual appointment

• Specific CV appointments every morning

• Come prepared

– Printed up to date CV & cover letter, printed job description

• Book appointment online www.ucd.ie/careers

– Bookings from 8am on the day (high demand in semester)

UCD Career Development Centre Online

http://www.ucd.ie/careers UCD Careers Connect @ucdcareers facebook.com/ucdcareers

Sarah BrownCareer & Skills ConsultantUCD Career Development Centre