What should I be doing now?

Are you looking for a graduate training scheme?

A graduate training scheme is a structured period of training, with large organisations, often leading to professional qualifications. Some organisations operate highly specialised schemes but others offer a more generic scheme with the option to specialise on completion. Most of the opportunities start in the September or October in the year following the initial application.

These schemes only represent a small proportion of the opportunities available to graduates. They are highly competitive and early application is advisable. You are in a good position to do this as you already have your degree.

A lot of graduate employers recruit all year-round or on an ad-hoc basis as and when they need graduates. However, some large companies with big recruitment programmes for established and formalised graduate training schemes follow a strict timeline:

September/October - Application forms open

October onwards - Online tests, interviews, assessment centres are conducted (and offers can be out before Christmas)

December - Lots of deadlines to submit applications pass at the end of the month, but if they have enough applicants will be closed earlier Although most of the schemes have their application period from September - December there are a number of exceptions and this may change from year to year.

Keep an eye on the JobShop Graduate Recruitment Schemes deadlines pages as well as the ad-hoc and year-round ads on the JobShop itself.

You must also keep checking the websites of organisations in which you are interested in order to make sure that you are applying at the correct time.

Are you looking for a vacancy which you can start immediately?

The JobShop has a wide range of vacancies from which you can select appropriate opportunities. This listing is updated on a regular basis.

For most of these vacancies the application process will take around two months from the time you see the original vacancy to the start date.

Are you looking to undertake further study?

You may have chosen a career which requires further study in order to qualify. Alternatively you may interested in studying a subject at a greater depth than you could do in your undergraduate studies.

In either situation have a look at the Kingston University Postgraduate Study pages where there is a wide range professional and postgraduate study options.

The earlier in the academic year that you apply the greatest amount of choice you will have. If you are applying very late then it is worth contacting the admissions tutor directly to check availability.

You may feel that you need to develop particular skills in order to find out about courses available in the London are try looking on Floodlight Directory of courses

For other study options check out postgraduate study on the Prospects Website

Are you thinking of taking a gap year?

This can be an ideal opportunity to add to the skills that you can offer an employer but you will need to plan your year in order to do this effectively.

A number of employers will advertise 6 month or one year opportunities for new graduates which can be found on our JobShop.

For further sources of information about gap years check out Prospects website

Do you lack any real ideas about what career to follow?

If you who have recently graduated this is not unusual as you have been spending the last few years concentrating on your studies and perhaps have not given much thought to your career.

If you have some work experience you may also be finding that your first job or choice of career was not really what you wanted to do. In either case don’t worry as there is help available for you to help focus your ideas.

You can make an appointment with your Employability Coordinator who can discuss your interest and make some suggestions for a way forward. Call 020 8417 3523 to book your appointment.

By using the JobShop you can select some temporary work to test out different environments and to help you develop your employer networks

Why not check out Prospects Planner which is a programme designed to help you explore your interests, skills and motivations and match these to particular career areas.

If you wish to discuss the results contact us on 020 8417 3523 to book an appointment with your Employability Coordinator.

Have you had difficulty in getting the type of work that you want?

We can help you with the application process. You will find notes to get you started on producing CVs, application forms, personal statements and covering letters as well as attending interviews.

The notes that you will find on our website will get you started on the application process but you can have more help by attending one of our workshops. To find out what is on offer follow the link to our workshops.

If you have kept a Personal Development Portfolio (PDP) during your time at university you will have an excellent source of examples you can use to illustrate your skills and achievements in your applications. Continue to use the PDP to add new experiences to which you can refer for all future applications.

If you would like to meet employers in your field have a look at this website for details of events which the Careers and Employability Service have planned.

Our JobShop pages are updated on a regular basis. Keep checking it out to find opportunities for you to apply to.

Contact your Employability Coordinator for further help in considering your options and making applications.