# data[].attributes.body
Self-awareness is a skill employers tell us they particularly value in graduates.

Being able to clearly communicate your skills, strengths and experience will help you stand out in a recruitment process.

SOURCE: ISE Development Survey 2024, pages 30-35

# data[].attributes.body
This session is intended to support you in making the transition, from university to work or further study. Today we will share lots of useful resources and will cover:

1. Understanding your Career Readiness - what that means and how you can use it to plan your next steps

2. The importance of self-awareness

3. The wide range of options for graduates

4. How to research them further

5. What employers typically require

6. Where to search for opportunities

7. How to make a decision and plan your next steps

8. Resources and support for making applications

9. Support available to you after graduation

# data[].attributes.body
Every year, at registration, you are given a set of statements and asked to select the one that best represents your level of preparedness for obtaining a career on graduation.

You are also asked what your most recent work experience has been.

This helps us to understand what support you might need BUT we also hope it empowers you to think about this too.

TIP: you will also be asked these questions at graduation

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know? HaSS graduates are:

Employed in a wide range of sectors and roles across the workforce, from financial services to education, social work, the media and creative industries, and possess skills which open up a wide range of options, across the private, public and third sectors.

Able to move between careers over their working life, using their generic skills to adapt to different industries and become successful leaders and managers.

Your insights, as a Humanities & Social Sciences graduate, equip you to tackle the challenges the world is facing – climate change, global pandemics, the growth of populism as much as graduates from science, technology and engineering subjects.

Learn more about the value of your HaSS degree to employers

# data[].attributes.headline
How to identify and describe the skills you have developed through your studies

# data[].attributes.subject
How to identify and describe the skills you have developed through your studies

# data[].attributes.body
Subject benchmark statements will help you to communicate your subject knowledge and the skills you have developed (ie what you know and what you are able to do).

They provide insights into how your degree has developed the following knowledge and skills:

subject-specific skills

generic skills

equality, diversity and inclusion

sustainability

entrepreneurship and enterprise

# data[].attributes.headline
Prospects is a great resource you can use to:

# data[].attributes.subject
Prospects is a great resource you can use to:

# data[].attributes.body
Find out what graduates who studied the same subject/s as you went on to do.

Learn more about different sectors

Find out about different jobs, what they involve and skills required

Generate career suggestions using Career Planner which matches your skills, motivations and desires to a range of careers. This can be a helpful starting point if you have no idea what you want to (or could) do. Please note you will need to register with Prospects to access the quiz (it is free to register)

TIP: the Careers & Employability Service has sector-specific resources that will help you take your career research further.

These include links to sector-specific job sites and industry resources.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whether you choose to find a job or begin postgraduate study, there are a number of routes you can take after university. Explore your career options and see where your degree could take you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out what jobs, internships and courses you can do next.

# data[].attributes.body
Exploring what graduates who studied the same subjects as you have gone on to do can be inspiring. This can also help you to identify potential employers and job titles to research further.

# data[].attributes.body
You can use LinkedIn to explore where 130,000 Strathclyde graduates are working, track their career journey, and connect with them.

You will need a LinkedIn profile to do this

If you are new to LinkedIn, or want to learn more about how to use it you may find our Get Started with LinkedIn course helpful

You may also find HaSS case studies inspiring.

# data[].attributes.body
If you are thinking about postgraduate study it's really important to consider where you hope it will take you and ensure you pick a course aligned with your expectations.

Not all employers place more value on a postgraduate qualification; this will depend on the career, and the employer, so it is important to do your research and make an informed decision

However there are some roles that require a postgraduate qualification

If you wish to discuss your decision with a Careers Consultant you are welcome to book a guidance appointment.

Further resources:

FAQS about Masters degrees

Careers Service information about postgraduate study

The Undergraduate Careers Module has a section you can work through in PLAN: Thinking of Further Study. NOTE: you will lose access to MyPlace when you graduate

We run an information session about Postgraduate Study Options, advertised via the Careers Events calendar

# data[].attributes.body
Whether you're thinking about freelancing, running a side hustle, or building a company, we’re here to support your journey.

Explore resources available to help you succeed in your chosen path

Want to speak to someone? Our Entrepreneurship & Employability Lead runs a weekly start-up drop in and offers one to one appointments

# data[].attributes.body
Most employers recruit from any degree discipline

UK employers value experience gained from a wide range of experiences

They require evidence, from your experience, to demonstrate the skills they are looking for

Employers do not expect graduates to have all the workplace skills they need at entry point

# data[].attributes.body
Learn more about the skills employers want

Start looking at job descriptions. The person specification will tell you what qualifications, skills and experience are required

Prospects Job Profiles provide generic information about the responsibilities, qualifications, skills and work experience required

# data[].attributes.body
Careers Service vacancy portal

Looking for a Job - Careers Service resource

Industry-specific resources - I want to work in

HaSS padlet: example graduate programmes and opportunities

Inclusive employers and opportunities - Careers Service resource

Target Jobs graduate scheme guide

Using social media for job search

Making speculative applications

# data[].attributes.body
We all make decisions in different ways but if you are unsure about what you want to do after you graduate, or how you might choose between different career options, the Career Development Cycle is a useful process to work through.

This will help you to make an informed decision about your next steps.

# data[].attributes.body
Step 1: Self-awareness

Enrol on the Undergraduate Careers Module

and work through EXPLORE I Just Don't Know What to do With Myself. NOTE: you will lose access to MyPlace after graduation

As a graduate you will, instead, be able to access My Graduate Career. Work through the Self-awareness section (log in via Alumni option and access course via toolbar at top of the screen)

OR Explore the Benchmark Statement for your subject/s and do some of the career assessments in the Careers Toolkit

Step 2: Knowing what's available

We have covered this in section 3 and 4!

Step 3: Decision making

Through engaging in self-reflection you will be more clear about: your interests, skills, strengths (things you are good at and enjoy), personal values, motivators

Through exploring a range of options you will have an understanding of what is possible

This empowers you to make an informed decision about what to do next (it can be helpful to remember that the decision you are making is about what you will do next , not for the rest of your life!

It may be helpful to set a goal and identify the steps you need to take to make it happen

If you would like support you are welcome to book a guidance appointment

Step 4: Taking action

Practical next steps, whatever these may be!

This may involve accessing resources and support which is covered throughout this session

It may also involve seeking, and acting on, feedback if applications are unsuccessful and asking for help

# data[].attributes.headline
Research the application process used by your chosen employer

# data[].attributes.subject
Research the application process used by your chosen employer

# data[].attributes.body
Most employers provide detailed information on their website about their recruitment processes.

Ensure you read all the information they provide, which may include video case studies of recent graduates speaking about their experience.

Read the About Us section of their website and any information they provide about their Values.

Practice for pre-screening tests such as psychometric tests as appropriate.

# data[].attributes.body
TIPS:

Google yourself and check that all of your results are work appropriate and make any non-professional Social Media private.

Update your CV, Linkedin profile and any professional websites. Make sure they reflect each other and are tailored to the skills, experience and qualities required for the job(s)

Spend time on applications, make sure they are tailored to each job and company you apply to.

Proof read everything you include in a job application.

Submit applications well in advance of the advertised deadline if that is at all possible.

Do not stop searching/applying while you wait to hear back from an application!

# data[].attributes.body
Resources and support

Careers and Employability Service resources for every stage of the application process

Through appointments we offer one to one support that includes CV and application checking, practice interviews and confidential discussions regarding adjustments in the recruitment process (book a guidance appointment)

Applying with a disability? MyPlus Students’ Club provides students with disabilities with the advice and support they need to navigate the recruitment process and achieve their career potential. Register for free with MyPlus Students’ Club for advice on openness, requesting adjustments and access to many more resources

Equality & diversity resources and support, including recordings of some of the Careers and Employability Service events that have a specific focus on Equality and Diversity

# data[].attributes.headline
Our services - Careers & Employability Service

# data[].attributes.subject
Our services - Careers & Employability Service

# data[].attributes.body
An overview of the support available now, and for 5 years after graduation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CareerHub Strathclyde is our vacancy portal. Here, we advertise graduate jobs, internships, placements, insight events, volunteering, and gap-year jobs.

You can also search our directory of employers/organisations who have registered with CareerHub.

The vacancy portal is accessible by all current Strathclyde students (DS login required). Graduates also have access for five years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CareerHub Strathclyde is our vacancy portal. Here, we advertise graduate jobs, internships, placements, insight events, volunteering, and gap-year jobs. You can also search our directory of employers/organisations who have registered with CareerHub. The vacancy portal is accessible by all current Strathclyde students (DS login required). Graduates also have access for five years.

# data[].attributes.body
How we support you after graduation (for 5 years!)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
My Graduate Career includes a range of activities to enable you to explore your options and reflect on your experience to date. It supports you with the recruitment process and starting work. There are eight sections in total. You can either work through the whole programme or, go straight to the sections that are most relevant to you.

Log in to the Careers Toolkit using the Alumni option. Select My Graduate Career in the toolbar at the top of the screen.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
My Graduate Career includes a range of activities to enable you to explore your options and reflect on your experience to date. It supports you with the recruitment process and starting work. There are eight sections in total. You can either work through the whole programme or, go straight to the sections that are most relevant to you.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.question
What stage of Career Readiness are you at?

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.poll_choices[].choice_text
APPLY (I'm ready to apply for further study/graduate-level or professional opportunities/have applied but so far without success)

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.poll_choices[].choice_text
SORTED (I have secured an opportunity/am interested in self-employment or running my own business)

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.poll_choices[].choice_text
EXPLORE (I have no idea/some ideas/don't want to think about it)

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.poll_choices[].choice_text
PLAN (I have a career in mind/know what I want to do and need support to move forwards)