Keep Calm and use the Career Zone

Keep Calm and use the Career Zone Rachel Coombes is a Careers Consultant based at the  Penryn Campus. She talked to us about making the most of the Career Zone before you leave.   Rachel Coombes, Careers Consultant My main piece of advice is don’t panic! There are still lots of options available to you. The first thing to be aware of is that large graduate employers only represent a very small percentage of the total jobs available on the market overall. This means there are hundreds of smaller/medium sized employers out there who may have the perfect opportunity for you. But how do you access them? Well, most may advertise directly via their website but if not then you can approach them directly with a CV and covering letter to ask about opportunities. Sometimes they may also advertise through Recruitment Agencies so don’t forget to include them in your job hunting action plan. If you’re not sure how to draft a covering letter, what a recruitment agency is or even what career you might like to do your first point of call should be the Career Zone. Creative job hunting is all about networking so make the most of any contacts that you have. Remember the eXpert Scheme which the Career Zone offers, speak to family and friends, people on your course, tutors and spread the word. Don’t forget the power of social media also and get yourself on LinkedIn to develop some networks and start contacting people. If you’re not sure how to draft a covering letter, what a recruitment agency is or even what career you might like to do your first point of call should be the Career Zone. Start by having a look at the information and resources at www.exeter.ac.uk/careers. Here youll find details about how to get started with your career planning, creating a graduate level CV, finding an internship, applying for international opportunities, getting involved in the Exeter Award or eXepert scheme and much more. You will also find links to My Career Zone where you can book on to the many different events we run where you can hear from employers, develop your employability skills or search for job opportunities. So as I said earlier â€" don’t panic, you are in control of your career and the Career Zone is here to help you, so make the most of it! For those graduating this year good luck and don’t forget you have access to us for up to 3 years following graduation â€" look out for our ‘Graduating-what now?’ webinars for helpful tips and advice.