Where to Look for Graduate Opportunities!

By Grace, 28 July 2020

Written by Amber

Recently graduated? Have no idea where to look for jobs or opportunities? Look no further!

We understand the difficulties most graduates have in finding opportunities or work that is just right for them ‘normally’, let alone during a pandemic. For this reason, we are here for you! We are regularly updating MyCareer with opportunities that are suitable for graduates, however, we know this is not an exhaustive list. Therefore, some other places to look for graduate opportunities are outlined below.

Where to look…

	Unitemps offer graduate work to students and graduates of Staffordshire University. Visit the candidate section of the website to find out how Unitemps can help you!  https:/www.unitemps.com
	Prospects offers information about different roles, companies that are hiring for that sector and allow you to search the opportunities more broadly. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/graduate-jobs
	LinkedIn is a great place to connect and network with employers or companies within the industry you are interested in. Also, you could connect with individuals in a job role you are searching for, asking them how they reached their goal. There is a jobs section on this site as well which allows you to search current opportunities. https://uk.linkedin.com/
	Gradcracker is the place to look for STEM jobs/opportunities. There is an option to search by subject/area of STEM to refine your search. https://www.gradcracker.com/
	Targetjobs offers information about employers, internships and current opportunities, with separate tabs for graduate schemes and opportunities. There is also access to careers advice and resources from their website. https://targetjobs.co.uk/

Virtual Job Fairs/Events…

Due to the current circumstances, some employers and companies are taking part in virtual job fairs to give you the opportunity to network with them. This is a good opportunity to build connections and relationships with professionals in your industry.

One of the best places to find information about these events is on twitter.

• @Prospects
• @ProspectsJobs
• @NationalCareers
• @CareersWestMids (there will be an account for each region).

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Virtual Opportunities – CDT

By Grace, 14 July 2020

Written by Amber

Calling all CDT students that are unsure what to do with their time during the pandemic, want to find out more about what’s on offer, or have a particular career path in mind.

Many companies and employers are now offering virtual/remote working opportunities that will give you the chance to gain work experience from the comfort of your own home. Also, these opportunities could be what you need to expand your search area for jobs and other opportunities as there are no geographical limits.

We understand the difficulties you face either as a current student or new graduate entering work during this pandemic, which is why we are here to help. We are regularly updating MyCareer with current opportunities and labelling which are virtual/remote to make it easier for you.

Here are some current virtual opportunities being advertised:

	Novacoast Attack Team	DEADLINE: 27/07/20
	Research Assistant in Data Science	DEADLINE: 16/07/2020
	Data Science Internship	DEADLINE: 27/07/20
	Website Developer – Squarespace	DEADLINE: 27/07/20
	T System Administrator – Microsoft	DEADLINE: 27/07/20

Have you thought about any virtual opportunities? Contact a career Coach!

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

MyCareer Brings you Virtual Job Opportunities!

By Grace, 9 July 2020

Written by Jane

Virtual work experience is a popular topic at the moment due to the effects of COVID-19 and the questions is……..Why shouldn’t students and graduates be given the opportunities to find alternative ways to boost their employability during lockdown?

We in the Digital Career Studio want to provide students with all the information required to apply for their Virtual chance. Coaches and Advisors are:

• Looking all over the country, hunting for the jobs so students can work from home.
• Working with Unitemps who offer Internal opportunities.
• Researching the technologies that companies are using for the application Process.
• Offering one-one coaching sessions.
• Working with students on their CV’s, Covering Letters and Interview Approach.

MyCareer:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/careers/MyCareer.jsp 

The following opportunities were added yesterday by our Career Coach, Annie Thompson:

• Friendly Social Media and Content Marketing Internship (Fully Remote) Insider Academy LTD – CDT
• Content Writer Internship -Engage – CAE
• Legal Intern– Democratic Progress Institute – LPF
• Design Intern – Hubit- CAE
• Data Analytics virtual internships – KPMG- SBS
• Enterprise Sales and Marketing Intern – VMARE- SBS

These opportunities and many more are on My Career with remote working in the tagline.

Are you interested in completing a virtual internship? Contact a career Coach!

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch:

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Animation Job Opportunities for Graduates!

By Grace, 19 June 2020

Written by Rosie

As a graduate, I’m sure you have heard all about how COVID-19 is affecting the job market and heard how it might be a little harder to find a graduate job. Don’t panic! There are still companies looking for graduates in your field and are hiring right now. Yes, the application and job role might look a little different than it used to being all online or remote working but don’t let this stop you for applying to some amazing opportunities. Below are some opportunities for animation graduates to take a look at.  

Job Opportunities:

(Click the company logo to access the job application)

Motion Designer at MySort (Manchester)  

Full time role starting at £24,000 

Responsible for;  

• Creating best in class, engaging animated/ motion design assets for a range of different media. 

• Assist in designing and creating storyboards 
• Prepare design plan, concept and layout for motion graphic project 
• Assist in selecting audio, video, colours, animation, etc for graphic design 
• Take graphic elements, add effects and create a moving motion graphics piece 

Animation Programmer at Sports Interactive (London) 

Full time role with competitive salary 

Responsible for; 

• Develop, extend, improve and maintain our animation engine, pipeline and tools. 
• Work closely and iterate with our match engine, animation, graphics and tools teams across the studio to continuously improve the look and feel of our match engine. 
• Help to research and implement new animation and simulation technologies as needed both independently and as part of multiple teams. 

Animation Engineer at Playground Games (Royal Leamington Spa) 

Full time role with competitive salary 

Responsible for;  

• You will combine your detailed knowledge of animation technology, techniques and performance considerations on console platforms with first rate C++ and software architecture to become a key member of a new engineering team. 
• Working as part of this team, you will be responsible for the implementation of animation systems and pipelines which empower animators to create world leading visuals for a cutting edge AAA title. 

3D Character Animator for Children Animation Series at Jellyfish Pictures 

Temporary summer role with competitive salary. 

We are looking to recruit 3D Character Animators, with at least one year experience on a series or feature, to join our Team on the second season of a high end children animation series. Note that this is a temporary role running from end of June to end of August 2020. 

Animator for a Warwickshire gaming Developer (through Talk Recruitment) 

Full time role with competitive salary and benefits 

Responsibilities include; 

• Create 3D character animation  
• Work closely with the project leads to match styles  
• Liaise with other teams in particular Artists and Game Designers.  
• Work within specifications of the project and technology.  
• Work quickly through animation lists while keeping quality levels to a high standard  

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/1905872558/?eBP=NotAvailableFromVoyagerAPI&recommendedFlavor=JOB_SEEKER_QUALIFIED&refId=1fd1b40a-68a4-4f48-8529-f1230f2f3df9&trk=flagship3_search_srp_jobs

These are just a few examples of the animation roles out there at the minute, but there are plenty of others too. Make sure to get your LinkedIn page looking really good with some examples or a portfolio of your work so employers can start finding you as well. Contact the Career Studio if you would like some support creating your LinkedIn page or getting your CV perfect. We know that it’s tough out there for graduates at the moment, but please don’t be disheartened. There are still opportunities out there and we are here to help you with whatever you need to reach your career goals.  

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Graduate Jobs in Business!

By Grace, 17 June 2020

Written by Grace

Whilst COVID-19 has affected many job opportunities and vacancies in the hospitality and tourism industry, there are still companies who are growing and are looking for graduates to join their company.

There are still graduate schemes available which are recruiting for 2020 intake. Why join a company through a graduate scheme rather than a position you may ask? Graduate scheme’s provide you with a fast-track into the company, often equipping you with training and a diverse network to help you develop quickly in your career.

Current Graduate Scheme/Job Vacancies:

(Select company logo to view vacancy)

	Grayce	Business Analyst Development Programme
	Grayce	Project Manager Devlopment Programme
	BAE Systems	Business Development Officer Graduate Programme
	BAE Systems	Human Resource Officer
	DXC Technology	Business Graduate Programme
	ALDI	Graduate Area Manager
	Nestle	Quality Assurance Graduate Scheme
	MDS	Graduate Trainee Manager
	Vanilla	Graduate Consultant
	RSM	Graduate Programme

Top Tips for Applying to Graduate Schemes:

1. Get organised- Make a spreadsheet/ word document with all the schemes/ vacancies you want to apply for including key information such as: log ins you may have created for the company’s website, deadline for each application, and stages that you’re up to with your application.
2. Tailor your Application- Tailor your CV and covering letter to ensure you meet the job description criteria and key skills the company is looking for in a candidate. For more help and guidance around this please contact a Career Coach (contact info below).
3. Research, Research and Research- With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, research key information about the company and let this shine through in your application to help you stand out!
4. Network- Connect with the employer on LinkedIn and showcase extra information about yourself which demonstrate your skills such as your final year project.

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

A Career In The Rail Sector… Could This Be For Me?

By Grace, 15 June 2020

Written by Megan

Railways are a massive part of today’s society and have been part of our lives for over 200 years. With so many people using railways to travel to see family, friends, for university or commuting to work, and also for transporting goods across the UK and mainland Europe, thousands of jobs have been created and there will only become more as time goes on. Some of these include the obvious, such as train drivers, ticket inspectors, conductors, and so on. But others are not so obvious. Today’s blog will focus on the endless possibilities that a career in the rail sector may be able to offer you.

So is a career in rail one that will remain stable in years to come?

The answer is a big yes! We are in a new era of railway expansion with High Speed 2, which will connect London to the Midlands, and later on to the North and Scotland. There is also the Crossrail which will connect 40 stations in London and the South East in a high frequency and high capacity manner.

If helping to build and develop new railways isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of other opportunities in other areas.

Which degree would aid me in securing a role?

The answer to this of course depends on your area of interest. However, in some cases the answer may be any degree. Roles in finance, marketing, project management, interior design, etc., may not require any form of specific degree. There are many companies that offer graduate schemes or accept graduates for roles regardless of their educational background. Other roles may require subject specific degrees though. Some of these include Architecture, engineering, computer science, software/web development, archaeology and environmental sciences.

What will my job role consist of?

Again, this of course depends on your subject area. Should you wish to work in engineering, you may be designing, upgrading and maintaining lines and infrastructure such as platforms, stations, bridges etc. Electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers are all used in the rail sector. If you are more interested in architecture, then designing stations, tunnels and bridges to go along the lines will be the main focus of your role. You will also work alongside engineers to ensure the safety and eco-friendliness of your designs. Archaeology is also required as all the digging from making new tracks can often uncover historical artefacts below the ground. Maintenance engineers ensure that track and infrastructure work reliably and safely. Art and marketing roles will consist of creating memorable advertisement campaigns to promote rail companies. This may also tie in with a software development role, as companies release apps for buying tickets, passes, and also to keep track of trains running to update staff and travelers of expected arrival and departure times. Environmental sciences are also vital to ensure that any new projects have minimal impact on wildlife and surrounding nature, relocating trees and animals if necessary.

Who will be my employer?

Network Rail own and manage the track, whilst rail operators such as Virgin, Crosscountry rail, and so on run train services. There are also specific companies that are set up to manage projects such as High Speed 2 and Crossrail. Other contractors are brought in to carry out projects such as software consultancy/development or design engineering too, so the chance to work in companies who may not be directly related to rail is also there.

How do I find the job for me?

A lot of employers offer graduate schemes (whether that is for direct rail employers or contractors who are brought in). if you are to complete a placement year during your degree and this is something you are interested in, it may be worth looking into completing a sandwich year with one of these companies too, and sometimes they may go on to offer you a graduate role once you finish.

But overall, the real question is… is a career in the rail sector for me?

From reading above, you can see there may be an opportunity for almost anyone, so the answer is more than likely yes. There are also benefits such as UK and world travel depending on your role, job security in an ever-growing sector, and even if you never travel by train, we rely on this method to transport goods and around the country so it is also beneficial in ways we may not initially think.

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs