January 2009

graduate jobs + careers advice + sector news + case studies + employer profiles +

www.realworldmagazine.com sector updates» engineering» public sector

» sales & marketing

» destination scotland 2009

Get a great graduate job

january

Postgraduate Study

can teacH: will teacH Teaching as a real alternative

maSTerclaSS

REALW.JAN09.COVER.indd 1 19/1/09 13:57:55

You’ll findthere’s more to LIFEat KPMG.Quite simply, things are bigger here. There’s more of everything; more development, more ambition, more international opportunities and a lotmore work/life balance too. So, whatever you want from LIFE, visitwww.kpmg.co.uk/careers and find out when we’re visiting your campus.

© 2

008

KP

MG

LLP

, a U

K li

mite

d lia

bilit

y pa

rtne

rshi

p, is

a s

ubsi

diar

y of

KP

MG

Eur

ope

LLP

and

a m

embe

r fir

m o

f th

e K

PM

G n

etw

ork

of

inde

pend

ent

mem

ber

firm

s af

filia

ted

with

KP

MG

Inte

rnat

iona

l, a

Sw

iss

coop

erat

ive.

070109S2 297 x 210 7/1/09 15:00 Page 1

FULL_ads.indd 1 19/1/09 15:10:50

BraveNewTalent.comis launching...

Reveal your talent.

RBrave NewTalent

BraveNewTalent.com is the revolution coming to graduate recruitment. We enable you to use social networks to search, follow and connect to your target employers and increase your visibility in the job market 365 days a year. Be part of the change, become visible on our Talent Radar and start engaging with your ideal employers now. Be in control of your future. Register at BraveNewTalent.com

TM

FULL_ads.indd 2 19/1/09 16:50:01

FULL_ads.indd 3 19/1/09 15:11:18

WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM RW 5

EDITOR’S LETTER

Editor Dee Pilgrim • Senior Reporter Catherine Watson • Designer Yang Ou Sales Paul Wade, Harmesh Sansoa • Marketing/Distribution Manager Mitul Patel Client Services Manager Marie Tasle • Online Brett Singer • Managing Director Darius Norell Real World is a publication of Cherry Publishing: 22-26 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TJTel: 020 7735 4900, Editorial – 020 7735 2111 • Fax: 020 7840 0443 E-mail: [email protected] • Website: www.realworldmagazine.com – for job vacancies, career advice and case studies • Copyright © 2009 Cherry Publishing

RW

UP FRONT06 Reality Bytes Top tips on how

to give your CV a spring-clean

and stay positive in 2009,

alongside some great book

giveaways.

SECTOR UPDATES10 What’s Going On? While news

stories may give the impression

the end is nigh for certain work

sectors, we give you the real

lowdown and a realistic

appraisal of career prospects in

different areas.

12 Update on Engineering

13 Update on Finance

14 Update on Logistics

15 Update on the Public Sector

17 Update on Retail, Sales &

Marketing

20 Update on Technology and IT

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT22 Scotland The Brave What it’s

really like working and living

north of the border.

EDUCATION SPECIAL26 The Masterplan Why postgrad

education could be your ticket

to career progression.

30 What’s Your Talent? Could

teaching be the career for you?

IN THE NEXT ISSUE>> Coming up in our March issue:

Real World accentuates the

positive and says being

optimistic is the way to stay

ahead in 2009.

ON THE COVER

CONTENTSJANUARY 2009

No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs or for material lost or damaged in the post. The views in this publication or on our website are not necessarily those held by the publisher.

Plan to shine in 2009

S o, if you believed every news item you’ve heard or read since the middle of last

year, you may be feeling that there’s pretty much no reason to be cheerful

about career prospects for 2009. And while it’s true the economy is in dire straits

and recruitment chances look dim, there is certainly no need to believe your career

will fail even before it has begun. The trick is to be realistic in your outlook, play to

your strengths, and to plan ahead. In this issue we give an honest appraisal of some

of the most popular work sectors for graduates and talk to industry experts about

whether you can expect to fi nd jobs within them. We also have great advice on how

to make the most of your CV and to stay positive.

We’ve also got two indepth sections: one on deferring entering the job market for

a while in order to do postgraduate study and thereby strengthen your career

prospects; the other on training to be a teacher – one of the most popular career

choices during times of uncertainty (nine out of 10 newly qualifi ed teachers obtain a

teaching position within six months of completing their training). Finally, in our

occasional series of turning the spotlight away from London, we look north of the

border to the vibrant, exciting cities of Scotland and what they can offer you. If you

want even more job ads, career advice, and our always popular real life case studies

then go to www.realworldmagazine.com and remember, we love getting feedback

from you, so if there’s anything you’d like to tell us about, or would like to see in Real

World, then just drop us a line.

Dee Pilgrim, [email protected]

P10 P26

REALW.JAN09.ED_CONT.indd 5 20/1/09 11:02:23

news*views*advice*strategiesrealitybytes

Be CV SavvyIf you’ve applied for loads of work experience positions or jobs and still not got any interest, you might like to take a look at your CV. You may believe it is a perfect specimen,

but the truth is it could probably do with a

good wash and brush up. That’s where

the newly published You’re Hired! CVs by Corinne Mills (Trotman, £9.99), comes in.

Corinne is a qualified career coach and

this guide is for ambitious individuals looking

to move up the career ladder. It is packed

with strategies for putting together a great

CV and is filled with real life sample CVs

and exercises to help readers pinpoint their

skills. Included is advice on how to

‘beautify’ your CV, including:

• Font size: Choose one font to use

throughout. Arial or Times New

Roman 10 -12 always work well.

• Length: Aim for a CV that is no longer

On page 17 of this issue of Real World

you will find an overview of the Sales

and Marketing sector and if this is an

area you are interested in then you

really need to take a look at new book

Why Killer Products Don’t Sell (Wiley, £14.99). Written by experts Ian Gotts

and Dominic Rowsell, it gives the

reasons why some truly innovative

products never fulfil their revenue

promise, and the sales and marketing

actions that could have ensured they

really did sell. The book is aimed at

people in both Sales and Marketing

and contains information on buying

cultures, managing risk, value created

sales, and why so many companies get

it wrong. It also asks pertinent questions

such as what is a failure? How do

people buy? And can you have too

much success? We have five copies of

the book to giveaway to the first people

to send an email entitled Killer Products

to [email protected]

than two pages of A4. The only

exception is academics who need to

list publications etc.

• Footers: Include you name and page

number in the footer of each page in

case they get muddled once they are

printed out.

• White space: Make sure that around

headings and paragraphs of text there

is plenty of white space to make it look

aesthetically pleasing. If you are

struggling to get your information into

two pages, it is better to edit and

remove text rather than pack it in too

tightly so it looks cramped.

• Compatibility: Formatting options like

columns, shading, boxes etc may

look nice, but they could interfere

with the recruiter’s software

package. Leave these formatting

options out, unless you have

checked the format will be okay.

We have five copies of You’re Hired! CVs

by Corinne Mills to giveaway. All you

need to do is send an email entitled

You’re Hired! With your name and

preferred contact address to [email protected]

6 RW WWW.REALWORLDMAGAZINE.COM

Ph

oto

gra

ph

& Il

lust

ratio

n: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to

The Big Sell

BOOKGIVE-AWAY!

REALW.JAN09.REALITYBYTES.indd 6 19/1/09 14:04:23

»


Ph

oto

gra

ph

& Il

lust

ratio

n: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to

Well ServedApplications to join the civil service rise by a third.The number of graduates applying to

join the civil service fast stream has risen

by 33 per cent according to Sir Gus

O’Donnell, the cabinet secretary. He

told MPs that the figure has risen to

22,445 – a rise of a third on 2007, and has

nearly doubled since 2006.

Sir Gus revealed that competition for

top jobs in Whitehall has increased

because of career uncertainty in the

private sector. He said the civil service is

now attracting applications from young

The Future Favours The BraveWith the economic forecast for 2009 getting gloomier by the day, it would be all too easy to give in to depression, hide your head under the duvet and just wish it would all go away. However, the Institute of Leadership &

Management (ILM) has issued its top five

resolutions for 2009, showing how a little

courage and optimism can make you

grow stronger.

According to Penny de Valk, Chief

Executive of ILM: ‘You can almost feel a

collective sense of people holding their

breath to see what 2009 is going to bring,

but the start of a New Year provides a

real opportunity to think about what to

do differently…. It has never been more

important to go into the year ahead with

confidence and a fresh approach…

Managers must resolve to act on

changes that need to be made, seize

opportunities, and build a good

management approach for the future.’

It’s not only managers who can

benefit from a little positive thinking

either. Put these five tips into action to

make sure you shine in 2009!

1 Act with integrityPeople follow authentic leaders so be

confident. Even if you don’t have all the

answers, focus on finding new and

better solutions.

2 Dare to be differentIn uncertain times it’s easy to become

risk-averse. Make sure you stay open to

creative thinking and look for any

opportunity the current environment

might present.

The Big Sell

redundant bankers following staff cuts

at City firms.

Jonathan Baume, general secretary

of the senior civil servants’ union, the

FDA, told the Guardian newspaper: ‘This

is very good news for the civil service. I

suspect it is because the job offers more

security, and initially salaries are

comparable with the City.’

The Whitehall salaries range between

£25,000 and £27,000 a year and are on a

par with starting salaries in the City.

To find out more about a civil service

career turn to pages 15 and 16.

3 Be boldAvoiding ‘unpleasantness’ is a very

British trait, but the cost of neglecting

problems can be high. Make sure that

you address performance issues with

fairness and objectivity.

4 Invest in your successIt’s crucial to invest in your own

development. Select one or two very

specific areas for your own improvement

in 2009 and make sure that you work

hard on them throughout the year.

5 Communicate to motivateTeam motivation and productivity are

linked directly to confidence and morale,

so show your appreciation of the extra

effort everyone will be required to put

into every day this year.

REALW.JAN09.REALITYBYTES.indd 7 19/1/09 14:04:37

FULL_ads.indd 4 19/1/09 15:11:42

VISUAL LOGICWhich is the odd one out?

This test requires you to ‘see’

connections between concepts that are

not described by either words or

numbers. It is frequently a good guide

to potential for many scientifically based

careers, and others where acquiring and

making sense of information is the

essential requirement.

Test 1: Visual logic 23

Test 1: Visual Logic

This is a test of how well you perceive how lines and shapes areconnected. You are given a question and some alternative drawings.You have to choose the one drawing that is the most logical.

You can mark your answer on the page in the way that suits youbest. You can cross the correct answer through, mark with a tick,circle or underline. It is best to mark your answer with a pencil sothat you can erase it if you change your mind. The first of theexamples below has been done already.

Examples

1. is to as is to . . . ?

a b c d

2. Which is the odd one out?

a b c d

In the first example alternative ‘b’ is the answer as it is exactly theopposite. In the second example alternative ‘c’ is the only drawingwithout a curve.

This test lasts 15 minutes. You have to work accurately and doas many questions as you can in the time allowed. When you areready, start the test that begins over the page and start your timeras you do so. Keep going until you have finished the last questionor run out of time.

NUMERICAL INSIGHTFrom the four alternatives provided

VERBAL CONCEPTSWhich word is closest in meaning to the word CONNECT?

A, ATTACH? B, DULL? C, FETCH? D, SNAP?

This shows ability to reason with words,

especially the written word, being the

single most useful strength in any kind of

formal, academic study in the

humanities. This aptitude is often

connected with literary and

administrative careers.

FORM RECOGNITIONWhich of the four alternatives given is EXACTLY the same as the original?

Original A B C D

This is the aptitude enabling you to

visualise a three-dimensional object when

given limited two-dimensional

information. This is often seen in people

who have an artistic or design

understanding or skill.

EXTRAPOLATIONCalculate the value of the third line.

This is an abstract test of intelligence,

and talent in this area suggests careers

at senior levels in complex organisations

involving law or finance, and senior

executive positions in business and

public administration.

TECHNICALIf both these wheels A and B travel for a kilometre, which will turn the most times?

Technical tests reveal your understanding

of the forces and dynamics happening

within and around machinery and also in

the natural world. This aptitude reveals a

talent for many professions including

engineering, technology, and hardware.

ANALYTICALComplete the following sequence:

This reveals potential for working out

connections from a sequence of

evidence where the key to the problem is

embedded. This shows ability to think

quickly, solve problems, and to work with

new ideas. Analytical reasoning points to

high-level, long-term potential.

We have five copies of How to Pass

Advanced Aptitude Tests by Jim Barrett

(Kogan Page £8.99) to giveaway. Just

send your name and address under the

heading How Apt to [email protected]

If you are unsuccessful in obtaining a

book in our giveaway we have a 10 per

cent offer on the book. Readers should

contact Littlehampton Book Services

(LBS) on 01903 828503 or [email protected], and quote Ref MF339. P&P

are not included in the offer of 10 per

cent off the cover price.

Test 4: Form recognition 45

Test 4: Form Recognition

This is a test of how well you are able to perceive differencesbetween shapes. You have to choose the one shape that is EXACTLYthe same as the original. The alternatives might be turned aroundas well as turned over. Try to imagine what the lines and shapeswould look like from the other side. With each question you areonly allowed to choose one of the alternatives as your answer.

You can mark your answer on the page in the way that suits youbest. You can cross the correct answer through, mark with a tick,circle or underline. It is best to mark your answer with a pencil sothat you can erase it if you change your mind. The first of theexamples below has been done already.

Examples

original a b c d

1.

2.

3.

In the first example only ‘b’ is exactly the same as the original. In thesecond example ‘d’ is exactly the same as the original seen frombehind. In the other drawings, the shape is wrong or part of thedrawing has been moved. In the third example ‘a’ is exactly the sameas the original. In ‘b’ the small triangle is too large. In ‘c’ the shape istoo large. In ‘d’ the shape is wrong.

This test lasts 9 minutes. You have to work accurately and do asmany questions as you can in the time allowed. When you are ready,turn over the page and start your timer as you do so. Keep going untilyou have finished the last question or run out of time.

(A,B,C,D) chose the one you think goes

with this list of numbers: 1 4 2 6 5

A, 2 B, 9 C, 8 D, 3

This aptitude is similar to, but not the

same as, mathematical aptitude. The

test requires an aptitude to ‘think’ with

numbers and therefore is an essential

requirement for many careers where

practical as well as abstract

calculations are made, such as

economics and science.

Test 5: Extrapolation 53

Test 5: Extrapolation

This is a test of how well you are able to calculate an unknown termfrom a range of given terms.

Choose your answer FROM THE OPTIONS PROVIDED.You can mark your answer on the page in the way that suits youbest. You can cross the correct answer through, mark with a tick,circle or underline. It is best to mark your answer with a pencil sothat you can erase it if you change your mind, but do not markthis book if it is not yours. Use spare paper instead. Also, have somespare paper available in case you need it for any rough work. Thefirst of the examples below has been done already.

Examples

5 6 ?

♣ ♣ ♥

♣ ♣ ♥♥ ♣ ♥

a) 7 b) 3 c) 4 d) 11 e) 9

In the first example, the value of a club must be ‘2’, because in thesecond column three clubs totalled ‘6’. The value of a heart mustbe ‘1’, because in the first column two clubs and a heart totalled‘5’. It follows that a heart must be ‘1’ less than a club. Therefore,the answer is ‘b’, 3.

Test 6: Technical 63

Test 6: Technical

This is a test of how well you understand how machines work. Youare given a picture or diagram and you have to answer the question.You must choose one of the answers provided.

You can mark your answer on the page in the way that suits youbest. You can cross the correct answer through, mark with a tick,circle or underline. It is best to mark your answer with a pencil sothat you can erase it if you change your mind. Have some sparepaper available in case you need it for any rough work.

Example

As is shown in the diagram, motorbike wheels are larger than cyclewheels. If the cycle and the motor bike both travel for a kilometre,which type of wheel would have turned around the most times?

A) both the same B) the cycle wheels C) the motorbike wheels

The answer is B) because the distance around the motorbike wheelis longer than the cycle wheel, therefore the cycle wheel has to turnmore times to travel the same distance.

In the test you have to look at each diagram and read the ques-tion carefully before making your answer. This test lasts 20 min-utes. You have to work accurately and do as many questions as youcan in the time allowed. The questions are not in order of difficulty.

When you are ready, turn over the page and start your timer asyou do so. Keep going until you have finished the last question orrun out of time.

Cycle wheel Motorbike wheel

Test 6: Technical 63

Test 6: Technical

This is a test of how well you understand how machines work. Youare given a picture or diagram and you have to answer the question.You must choose one of the answers provided.

You can mark your answer on the page in the way that suits youbest. You can cross the correct answer through, mark with a tick,circle or underline. It is best to mark your answer with a pencil sothat you can erase it if you change your mind. Have some sparepaper available in case you need it for any rough work.

Example

As is shown in the diagram, motorbike wheels are larger than cyclewheels. If the cycle and the motor bike both travel for a kilometre,which type of wheel would have turned around the most times?

A) both the same B) the cycle wheels C) the motorbike wheels

The answer is B) because the distance around the motorbike wheelis longer than the cycle wheel, therefore the cycle wheel has to turnmore times to travel the same distance.

In the test you have to look at each diagram and read the ques-tion carefully before making your answer. This test lasts 20 min-utes. You have to work accurately and do as many questions as youcan in the time allowed. The questions are not in order of difficulty.

When you are ready, turn over the page and start your timer asyou do so. Keep going until you have finished the last question orrun out of time.

Cycle wheel Motorbike wheel

74 Aptitudes

m p les c o o n

Examples

1.

2.

In the first example, the outside shape must be a circle because thesequence is ‘circle, circle, circle’, and so on, so you know the nexttwo outside shapes are going to be a circle and then another circle.Then, the inside shape is ‘circle, triangle, circle, triangle’, and soon, so you know the next two inside shapes are going to be atriangle and then a circle. Then, the sequence in the small circlesand triangles is ‘black, white, black, white, black’, and so on, so youknow that the next figure must be white and the next figure mustbe black. Therefore, the answer is a large circle in which there is awhite triangle, then a large circle in which there is a black circle.From the chart you get number 20 and then number 14. Bothnumbers are required to be correct.

In the second example the sequence of outside shapes is ‘triangle,circle, circle, triangle, triangle, circle, circle, triangle’ and so on, sothe next two shapes must be a triangle then a circle. The insideshapes are ‘square, triangle, triangle, square, triangle, triangle’ andso on, so the next two inside shapes must be a square followedby a triangle. Then the shading inside the small figure is ‘cross,white, white, cross, white, white’, and so on, so the next two in thesequence must be a cross followed by white. The answer is ‘9, 20.’

,

➞

➞

➞➞➞➞➞

20 14,

continueon nextline

Illu

stra

tion

: © iS

toc

kph

oto


RBREALITYByTES

How Apt Are You?

These days it seems it’s not enough for

you to shine at interview in order to get

that dream job, but you also have to sit

and excel at tests. But what do they all

mean in terms of what they tell

prospective employers about you?

Even more importantly, what can they

tell you about which career sector you

are most suited to?

In his new book How To Pass Advanced Aptitude Tests (Kogan Page),

Jim Barrett explains how these tests can

assess your potential and help analyse

your career options. Here, he describes

what the different tests set out to do.

REALW.JAN09.REALITYBYTES2.indd 9 20/1/09 11:15:52

what’s going on? With Britain now heading

into the worst recession it has experienced in decades, graduates hunting for that all important first job have some hard choices to make.

REALW.JAN09.SECTORUPDATES1.indd 10 19/1/09 14:06:19

RWWHAT’S NEW | SECTOR UPDATES


WHAT’S GOINGON?

ew research

conducted

by TMP

Worldwide

called ‘Graduates into Employment’,

has shown 53 per cent of graduates

are either not very, or not at all,

confi dent about fi nding a job. In the

light of this, fi nal year students are

becoming more realistic about their

job prospects and are taking a

proactive approach with 18 per cent

making more applications, applying

earlier, and exaggerating their

achievements. Meanwhile, 15 per

cent are concentrating on achieving

a 2:1 degree to secure their

employment future.

In another survey of graduates

conducted in October 2008 by

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 81 per

cent of them confessed they are

more concerned about their job

prospects than in October 2007,

mirroring the outlook for experienced

recruitment in the UK.

Getting a job as soon as possible

has become one of their top priorities

and as a result over 50 per cent plan

to look for work not relevant to their

degree study to ensure they get a

job, while 42 per cent expect less pay

than they originally hoped for.

Ongoing job security was the joint top

concern for respondents post

graduation, with a third believing

employment conditions will not

improve for two years.

Sonja Stockton, head of student

recruitment, PricewaterhouseCoopers

LLP, comments: ‘For such an

overwhelming number of students and

graduates to be concerned about their

job prospects emphasises the need for

students to think as early as possible

about their options post graduation. In

a tight job market, students need to

examine how their non-academic skills

can combine with a good quality

degree to make their application and

experience distinctive.’

Darius Norell, founder of Real

World, adds: ‘Our experience is that

due to the recession young people

beginning their careers are

increasingly likely to take the fi rst job

they are offered, rather than risk

being out of work for an extended

period of time. The danger is they

may end up in an unsuitable role, or

one that does not provide a platform

for their favoured future career path

once the economy improves. Our

advice to young people is to think

about how employable they will be

once they have completed a role,

and what new skills and abilities will

they be able to bring to their next

job. The best opportunities may not

be the roles with the most money or

the ones they get offered fi rst.’

Companies that students wanted

to apply to, but are now not recruiting,

was one of the top three impacts of

the downturn that students were

experiencing. Despite this, the Top Ten

list of most popular sectors for

graduates was headed by Banking,

Insurance and Finance, followed by:

2 Accountancy, Finance,

Professional Services

3 Marketing, Advertising, PR

4 Management Consultancy/

Media, New Media, Creative,

Design

5 Public Sector Services

6 IT & Internet

7 Education

8 Human Resources

9 Engineering, Manufacturing,

Utilities

10 Not for Profi t, Charities

So what is really going on in these

sectors? Are they robust enough to

weather the credit crunch and offer

good long term career prospects to

graduates? Are they still even hiring

graduates? Over the next pages

Real World highlights how some of

these sectors are faring, with

comments from industry insiders

giving honest appraisals of what

graduates should expect. So read

on to discover if your future career

really does lie in the sector you

originally chose, or could follow a

completely different path from the

one you had planned.

N

»



WHAT’S NEW IN | ENGINEERINGRW

Engineering continues to make a vital

contribution to the UK economy as it

underpins virtually every aspect of modern

life from defence to health and

construction. The engineering sector is

huge employing roughly 1.7 million people

in total (figures from Engineering Council UK

(ECUK) ). Of these, 188,367 are chartered

engineers, 41,603 incorporated engineers,

and 13,107 engineering technicians.

Today, despite the economic

downturn, most engineering sectors are

thriving. In particular, two areas are going

from strength to strength despite the

recession. Civil Engineering is actually

enjoying something of a boom due to

construction projects with a value of

more than £50 billion. These include

Crossrail, BAA’s transformation of

Heathrow airport, and the Olympic build

in Stratford. Greg Lettington, Director at

Hays Civil & Structural, comments: ‘Civil

engineering is one of the markets which

are showing resilience in the current

downturn. Professionals in this sector

remain in a strong position and are highly

sought after. However, employees are in

a competitive situation and really need

to show that they are on top of their

game and the ideal match for a

prospective employer.’ Meanwhile, new

developments in nuclear and alternative

energy sources, such as generating

electricity from wind, waves and tide, has

seen the offshore alternative energy

industry growing at the rate of 20 per

cent a year. Also, competition and new

technology are forcing companies to

upgrade and develop new product

designs, and the advances in Information

Technology enable engineers to improve

product design more quickly and

efficiently than before and help them

collaborate with engineers overseas.

Chemical engineering graduates

command some of the best salaries for

new entrants (average starting salary of

£26,000 according to the latest iCemE

salary survey) and they can work in any

field that involves the development of

industrial processes. Again, energy

production is a big growth area for

chemical engineers, especially creating

new biofuels.

However, there is still a massive

shortfall of UK engineers coming into the

industry with many firms finding they

have to recruit overseas to fill vacancies

(the national skill shortage is estimated

at 30 per cent). Traditionally this has

occurred because not enough

graduates took engineering at degree

level, and of those that did many were

poached by the financial sector for

their great transferable skills. However,

due to the current turmoil in the

financial sector it is hoped more

engineering graduates will stay in the

sector. Engineering has also struggled to

attract women and minority ethnic

graduates, but this in now changing

with a large increase in the

percentages of women entering

science, engineering and technology

degrees and 18 per cent of engineering

graduates are now women. However,

UK engineering employers still need to

widen the recruitment pool.

All this means this is a an exciting and

lucrative sector in which to build your

career. However, if engineering

graduates really want to succeed then

it is important for them to pursue their

education throughout their careers.

Engineers who do not keep abreast of

changes in their field run the risk of

losing beneficial promotions or jobs.

Engineering, with approximately half a million professional engineers, brings technology, products and services to market, and in doing so directly contributes approximately £250 billion, 27 per cent of the total UK GDP. In 2006, engineering services directly contributed £3.2 billion in exports to the Balance of Payments.

Engineering professionals in the UK: All in employment: 381,000. Including:Civil engineers: 69,000Mechanical engineers: 45,000Electrical/electronic engineers: 35,000Source: ONS

EnginEEring

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om



WHAT’S NEW IN | fINANCE RW

following the collapse of banks such as

Lehman Brothers, the nationalisation of

Bradford & Bingley, and the takeover of

HBOS there are fears that the financial

sector will go into freefall this year. The

Hay Group, an employment consultancy,

recently forecast that 111,000 jobs in the

financial sector could be lost in the UK

over this year. In October 2008, there was

a 19 per cent decline in vacancies.

According to the City Indicator Bulletin

for the fourth quarter of 2008 from

International financial Services London

(IfSL), new City job vacancies dropped

by 5,300 to 21,400 in the third quarter.

New vacancies in September were the

lowest monthly total for nearly three

years. The substantial mismatch that

emerged in September between 10,050

new candidates and 5,922 new

vacancies points to a much tighter

market in the coming months, with the

likelihood of significant reduction in

headcount. Partial nationalisation may

cushion the blow in some places but the

gross overcapacity in the sector and a

round of mergers will see the sector’s

largest ever rationalisation.

However, there are still opportunities

out there. According to Sam Rees-

Adams, Director of Education at

financial Services Skills Council:

‘financial services will always be a key

sector of the economy and critical to

the long term success of the UK. The

true picture is that all industries have

been hit by the credit crunch, not just

financial services. I don’t think it would

be fair to say that it is more volatile than

other sectors. There will always be

career opportunities and the financial

sector will continue to offer a huge

range of roles and functions. New areas

are coming up all the time, for example,

forensic accounting. If there is less

demand for roles in one part of the

sector then that is likely to be offset by

new opportunities in others.’

There are also other options available

if you still believe this is the sector for you.

One of them is to consider taking a

postgraduate specialist Masters in a

finance related subject in order to

(hopefully) ride out the worst of the

recession and boost your employability

when you finally do graduate.

‘In times like this, there is a demand for

highly educated graduates,’ says Dirk

Nitzsche, senior lecturer in finance at

Cass. ‘It is safer for companies to employ

someone with a finance related Masters

degree, rather than just an

undergraduate, as it is a clear marker in

terms of academic achievement. A

Masters also provides you with the kinds

of skills that you need to flourish in a

service industry driven economy like the

UK or US, and for certain graduates, such

as maths, physics and engineering

graduates, provides an excellent career

conversion route.’

Scott Stevens, Head of Marketing

Communications and UK Retail Marketing

for f&C Investments, says: ‘Those

candidates that are highly qualified or

have relevant qualifications are likely to

fare better. We tend to look favourably

on graduates with a finance MSc, and

such a qualification may make the

difference between obtaining a position

or not, in the current climate.’ *

Another option is to do a sandwich

course which includes work experience

with a particular firm with the option to take

a full-time position with that firm once your

degree is over.

* Taken from ‘Surviving the Credit Crunch’, Cass Business School Masters Newsletter, by Steve Coomber. For jobs in the financial sector check

www.realworldmagazine.com

British Banking Authority:

www.bba.org.uk

money’s too tight to mention

»Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS – The NumbeRSTransport and Logistics currently employs 2.3 million people in the uK, spanning some 196,000 companies.

employment stats – TransportAccording to Skills Sector for Transport (figures from Labour Force Survey Spring 2006):• There are around 722,000 people

working in the Transport sector (from managers and engineers to taxi drivers)

• Number of people employed in each industry in the passenger transport sector: Rail industry - 56,000; bus and Coach industry - 241,000; Taxi and Private hire industry - 182,000; Water industry - 53,000; Aviation industry - 150,000; Driver Training industry - 40,000; Total in whole sector - 722,000;

• The percentage of male workers to female workers in passenger transport across the whole of the uK is 79% to 21%

• The largest employment areas are the South east (133,000 staff) and London (113,000 staff), together they account for one third of all passenger transport staff working in the uK


WhAT’S NeW IN | tRANspORt & LOGIstICsRW

Basically, t&L is getting the right product, to

the right place, in the right quantity, at the

right time, in the best condition, and at an

acceptable cost. Any movement of goods

requires freight transport, which is an integral

part of logistics, and it also embraces

purchasing and supplier management,

materials management, stock (inventory)

management, warehousing, distribution,

public transport, and customer service.

there are many other jobs at graduate level

including purchasing managers,

administrative personnel, engineers,

technicians, and buyers.

Having a career in logistics will never

be static and there are many

opportunities to continuously develop

your personal skills. From the start you will

be involved in major operations that

touch every household in the country

and you will develop a variety of

strengths and experience, including

people management, problem solving

and commercial acumen. All this makes

logistics an exciting prospect for

graduates. Because this is such a broad

sector it should be able to weather the

economic downturn well, although there

will inevitably be some shrinkage. Dr Mick

Jackson, Chief Executive Officer at skills

for Logistics, the sector skills Council,

says: ‘Logistics is a vital sector to the

global economy and despite challenging

times its pivotal role means that it is a

relatively robust sector. As all goods

moving around the economy are stored,

handled and transported through the

supply chain, logistics companies will

continue to represent excellent

opportunities for graduate recruitment

and indeed career progression. It is

supply chain management and logistics

that will provide companies with a

competitive edge as they fight to climb

out of the recession.

‘the credit crunch is impacting on all

industry sectors and over the past couple

of years the logistics sector has seen a

number of the major players

consolidating, for example, DHL and Exel

Logistics, and Norbert Dentressangle and

Christian salvesen. Both these

organisations have actually expanded in

size and scope across Europe during

these challenging economic times. As for

sMEs working in the logistics sector, there

has been some reduction in the number

of companies existing – in 2000 there

were approximately 195,200 companies

in Great Britain and by 2006 this had

declined to 190,300.’

two trends that are pushing the

industry forward are new technology and

corporate responsibility. the sector is also

becoming more aware of its

environmental and social responsibilities,

looking to reduce its huge carbon

footprint and employ a more diverse

workforce. this is a sector that is

expanding rapidly and desperately

needs new talent. It needs people with

imagination and management skills.

SKILLS FOR TRANSPORT – is the Sector Skills

Council for the Passenger Transport

industry in the UK.

www.goskills.org

SKILLS FOR LOGISTICS – is the Sector Skills

Council for the Logistics industry in the UK.

www.skillsforlogistics.org

on the move

ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

isto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


wHAT’S NEw IN | public sector Rw

public sectorthe public sector covers a huge variety

of careers across many areas. You could

work for local government or central

government in education, housing or

healthcare. You could be employed by

the armed forces or the emergency

services, or you could even work in the

charity or not for profit sector. Which

ever area you choose you can be

certain this is a career where you ‘give

something back’ and really do make a

difference to society.

Although no sector is completely

recession-proof, the public sector is more

robust than most and so this is still a good

place to look as you start your career.

John philpott, chief economist at the

cipD (chartered institue of personnel and

Development) recently said: ‘the

downturn has meant much reduced net

hiring in the private sector and net job

reductions in the public sector. in the

early part of the decade periods of

slower growth in private sector

employment were masked by relatively

rapid growth in public sector jobs. but

2008 was the first year for a decade that

the engine of job creation was spluttering

right across the economy.’ However, the

public sector is still hiring and there are

plenty of pluses to a career in this sector

including flexible working practices and

an emphasis on a good work/life

balance. some people are put off

applying because of the perceived

bureaucracy around these jobs. because

of this there are now schemes in place to

attract the best graduates into the

sector, including attractive pay

packages. this is also where the National

Graduate Development programme

(NGDp) comes in.

the NGDp is designed to take highly

talented graduates and turn them into

the senior managers who will shape the

future of local government at the highest

level. councils are specifically looking for

adaptable, resourceful graduates who

will embrace and effect change. tim

Hodey, National Graduate Development

programme consultant at the

improvement and Development Agency

for local government (iDeA) comments:

‘of course the current economic climate

is affecting all employers, and those in

the public sector are no different.

However, i would say that for graduates

the sector is more secure than most, and i

expect job prospects will remain stable

through a downturn. local government

needs graduates to bring in fresh ideas

and energy, helping deliver top quality

services while remaining focused on local

people. roles in local government are

incredibly diverse, including areas such

as leisure, health, environment, planning

and social services. recently (as in every

sector) we have seen growth in

knowledge-based and creative jobs.

‘the national graduate development programme offers the trainees thorough

management training and hands-on

experience through a work placement

programme. placements can last up to

six months and allow graduates the

opportunity to work across a range of

council departments. this is supported

with our custom designed postgraduate

diploma, and access to a network of

support through other graduates,

mentors, and senior managers.’

the programme is designed to put

graduates’ vision and creative thinking

to use, and gives them the chance to

fast-track their career and become

senior managers as quickly as possible.

the NGDp recruits up to 80 trainees to

join the programme each october. in

order to apply you should have an

achieved (or predicted) 2.1 in any

discipline and you should be eligible to

work in the uK without a permit. (www.

ngdp.co.uk)

For more Public Sector jobs and

information go to http://www.

jobsgopublic.com/ and, of course,


• Public sector employment increased by 13,000 (seasonally adjusted) in the second quarter of 2008 to 5.771 million employees.

• Employment in central government increased by 8,000. Public corporations increased by 3,000, and local government increased by 2,000.

• The number of employees in the Civil Service decreased by 1,000.

• local government employs over two million people – one of the largest employers in the UK.

• there are around 600 occupations and thousands of different job titles in local government.

WWW.reAlWorlDMAGAZiNe.coM Rw 15

»

ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

isto

ckp

ho

to.c

om



WHAT’S NEW IN | pubLIC sECtOR CAsE stuDYRW

Age: 22 years oldDegree and university: History BA (Hons) at St Edmund Hall, University of OxfordJob Title: National Management Trainee (NMT) on the National Graduate Development Programme for local government (NGDP). This two-year scheme combines high-level work placements at a host council with academic study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Local Government Management (PDLGM) at Warwick University.

What do you actually do? I am based at Reading Borough Council and am currently on my fourth placement – I have previously worked in Business Transformation, Environmental Health, and Culture, and I am now working in the School Improvement Team, looking at ways of raising attainment at Key Stage 2.

It is difficult to describe the typical work of an NMT as the placements cover strategic, frontline and support services and involve working in lots of different parts, of the council and even with external partners. However, NMTs are often in management level roles, working on projects, writing policies, managing partnerships and stakeholders, and developing solutions to challenging problems. Why did you decide to go into the Public Sector? I knew that I wanted to do something meaningful in my career and so have always been drawn to the Public Sector. Local government particularly appealed to me because it is so close to local communities and has a tangible impact on so many people’s lives. It is also an incredibly varied sector and as one of the largest employers in the UK there is no shortage of opportunities for career development.

Would you undertake further training to gain promotion? I definitely want to continue learning throughout my career, both formally and informally. After completing the PDLGM there is the option of converting it into an MSc in Public Management – I have really enjoyed studying alongside my day job and would certainly be interested in carrying it on into a Masters. I would also consider more specialist training if I had a particular area of interest.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? The opportunity to do challenging, meaningful work is what motivates me and it is wonderful to work with people who share that Public Sector ethos. Where I am based at the moment for example, everything is driven by the needs of the children of Reading and that is really inspiring.

Being on the scheme has also been

Helen Lesowiec

invaluable for the contacts and networks it opens up – on my first day I was introduced to the Chief Executive and since then I have been able to work with directors and the Leader of the council as well as senior representatives from other private, public and third sector organisations. The PDLGM and contact with NMTs at other councils is a useful way of seeing the wider local government context.

Although it is great to have such opportunities, the work can be daunting at first – at the start of each placement you are thrown in at the deep end, often working in areas which are completely new to you. Being young can also be a challenge when you have to influence, negotiate with, and manage people who may have worked in their particular area for many years.

Being in a large complex organisation is also a challenge – progress can be slow at times and there is a fair bit of bureaucracy which can be frustrating.

What skills do you think you need to succeed in this sector? Being proactive is essential - there are so many opportunities available and it is important to make the most of them. People skills are also vital – so much of my work has involved consultation with internal and external stakeholders, listening, negotiating, persuading and trying to collectively agree the best course of action.

What advice would you give other graduates? I would encourage people to think seriously about local government as a career choice. Councils often get a bad press and people do not always realise just how much goes on in local government – from economic regeneration to social care to education and the arts - local government is about far more than just bin collections. I would definitely recommend the NGDP scheme as an excellent way into the sector, but there are many other routes as well. If you are looking for job vacancies, www.jobsgopublic.com or individual council websites are a good place to start.

As the retail sector takes a massive hit

due to the credit crunch, you may feel

now is not the right time to be

considering a job in sales or marketing.

but as the british Retail Consortium says,

the credit crunch will not affect the british

economy forever. Richard Dodd,

spokesman for the bRC, says: ‘ultimately,

there will be a revival, the question is

about who survives and what kind of

condition they are in at the end of it all.’

According to figures from the CbI,

grocers are one group performing well

despite the crunch after reporting a seven

per cent rise in trade. Meanwhile, Anne

seaman, chief executive of skillsmart Retail,

the sector skills Council for retail, says:

‘While consumer confidence and

spending is likely to drop in 2009, retail is still

the uK’s largest private sector employer

with nearly three million employees, and as

such there is still a wide range of job

opportunities in the sector.

‘Retailers such as sainsbury’s, John

Lewis and Marks and spencer run, and

continue to run, excellent graduate

training schemes that offer comparatively

high starting salaries, huge perks, and

almost endless opportunities for career

development. senior retailers have told

us that they have no plans to cut back

retaiL, saLes & marketing

ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

isto

ckp

ho

to.c

om



WHAT’S NEW IN | REtAIL, sALEs & MARkEtING RW

on graduate recruitment dramatically, so

while things may look bleak on the high

streets, retailing is still a multi-billion pound

industry offering huge potential and

opportunities for graduates. If you are

shopping around for a career, don’t let

the credit crunch put you off retail.’

However, to succeed in a rapidly

changing market, sales people will need

to radically change their skills. Callidus

software, the leader in sales performance

management, says a combination of

more sophisticated customers, increased

competition, and the economic

downturn is driving an increase in

professionalism and a move to more

collaborative, customer-focused selling.

In the future, the most successful

salespeople will be those with more

team-based and listening skills who put

themselves in the customer’s shoes and

develop long term relationships across

the organisation. the move to more

collaborative selling will also intensify the

war for sales talent. Operating in a global

market with transferable skills that enable

them to move easily across sectors, the

best salespeople will be in increasing

demand. to recruit, motivate and retain

them will take not just high salaries but

flexible structures, personalised incentive

plans, and the ability to progress their

careers. ‘the superstar salespeople of

the future will have dramatically different

demands than today,’ says Bill schuh, VP

for Europe, Callidus software. ‘Rather

than just looking for high salaries, they will

also want a combination of professional

support and career progression to enable

them to deliver on their promise and rise

up in the organisation. the changing

face of sales means that today’s

graduates should consider sales as a key

route to the top in Uk organisations.’

For marketers, tough times represent

an opportunity to demonstrate their

worth and the positive value they add to

an organisation. David thorp, Director of

Research and Information at the

Chartered Institute of Marketing, says:

‘there has never been a better time to

be a professional marketer. Marketers

now have a key role to play in guiding

companies through the challenging times

ahead. Being at the very forefront of

business means responsible marketing has

more and more to offer both those

embarking on a new career, and those

already working their way up the

marketing career ladder. Marketers now

have the opportunity to be the key

differential in their organisations’

commercial success.’

As a graduate you already have an

advantage over other potential recruits

as employers in the industry believe

having a degree gives you the right skill

set for the job. this means you could start

in a junior or even medium-weight sales

and marketing role, and then by gaining

as much experience as possible (and

taking specialist sales and marketing

courses part-time) quickly start working

your way up the promotional ladder into

roles such as account manager, account

director, and middle-weight or senior

sales executive. If you want to get on

quickly you will need excellent soft skills,

especially communication skills. You need

to be a team player and have a keen

grasp of strategy, buying cultures, value

created sales and, in our increasingly

technological age, the different selling

platforms now available. »Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

isto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


MANAGEMENT TRAINING SCHEMEWill most industry-leading companies really make the most of your talents? You’ve spent all those years at uni, so the last thing youwant is to end up as an expert in photocopying and making coffee. Better make sure that’s not your fate by joining the 1000 plusgraduates who enter the Enterprise Management Training Scheme each year. We’re an international car rental company with over440 locations across the UK, Ireland and Germany and a multi-billion pound turnover. And we’ll teach you how to run your ownbusiness in as little as two years. You’ll learn about everything from sales, marketing and customer service to operations and finance,so you can make crucial business decisions and reap the rewards. You could be promoted twice in one year. And earn in two yearswhat could take you five elsewhere. We’re here to make the most of your potential, not let it wither and die. To apply, go towww.enterprisealive.co.uk/rwjan09 or call 0870 850 1232.

YES, I WANT MY ONLY ROLEIN BUSINESS MEETINGS TOBE SERVING COFFEE, SO MYMIND BECOMES LOST IN THEMIST OF THE STEAMINGDRINKS I POUR.

NO, I’D RATHER JOINENTERPRISE, SO I CAN BE THE ONE LEADING THEMEETINGS AND RUNNING MY OWN BUSINESS WITHINTWO YEARS.

We are an

equ

al op

po

rtun

ities emp

loyer

discover improve resources what’s new

Visit www.getin2marketing.com to make yourmarketing career a success. Gain advice on:• Getting into marketing• Working in the industry• Making your CV stand out• Improving your job application further

Register free today. Please quote CPS/084

SMALL_Ads.indd 2 19/1/09 16:36:02


WHAT’S NEW IN | REtAIL, sALEs & MARkEtING CAsE stuDIEs RW

Jo Scales

Alex Holliehead

Age: 29 Degree and university: Leeds University, graduate in English Literature (2001)Distinction ‘Professional Diploma’ from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) (2007/8); Worldwide top student for Marketing Research and Information (2007/8) Job title: Senior Account Manager

What do you actually do? KiS Marketing is a full service agency; I work with companies to plan and implement successful marketing campaigns dependent on their particular needs. I do this by segmenting and targeting relevant client audiences and positioning a service or product best to meet those customers. This could be working with our team of designers to create a whole new brand and suite of literature, researching and booking a media campaign, designing a website or writing press releases, or the script for a new DVD. It’s a really fast- paced environment that constantly changes dependant on the demands of our client base.

How did you find out about your particular course? With no on-the-ground marketing experience, my current Managing Director was keen for me to understand the theory behind the work I was doing on a day-to-day basis. He recommended the Professional Diploma in Marketing as a good broad base, covering theory and practical application of Marketing Research, Planning, Communications and Management, over 18 months of evening classes.

Would you undertake further training to progress your career? Considering the competitiveness of my sector and the current worries about the economy, additional training not only shows willingness to learn to an employer, but will also put you one step ahead of your competition. My next step will be to invest in further e-marketing and ‘online’ training, two media that are becoming more and more sophisticated, and replacing traditional and out of date media and marketing investment.

Age: 28 Degree and university: Warwick University - BA English and Theatre Studies, MA Creative Media EnterprisesJob Title: Internal Communications Co-ordinator, John Lewis

What do you actually do? My job is to ensure appropriate and consistent internal communication is provided to all partners across the John Lewis division. This includes:

• Developing and providing support on the delivery of effective communication both

Why did you decide to go into this sector and what do you most like about what you do? I previously worked as an executive for an advertising firm and whilst I loved the account management side of things, the most impressive work and the loudest laughter always came from the mysterious marketing department downstairs. At KiS Marketing I get the best of both worlds as I can utilise my creative side, love of the English language, account management, and organisation skills in one role.

People think that marketing is a glamorous profession – they are right to an extent, but to get ahead in a career that appeals to so many graduates, a serious marketer must really know their theory and latest sector news too.

Are there any downsides? Having to write creatively or think of innovative ideas on demand is difficult but the more you understand a client the easier this becomes over time. Clients can be very demanding so it’s important to manage their expectations strictly and as much as possible.

What strengths do you need to make a success of what you do? Good time management and personal motivation are key in juggling a sometimes 50-hour working week with a course that is as demanding as my English degree. Sacrificing weekends and evenings to write essays during term time was often nearly impossible, but the end result was definitely worth every hour not spent in the pub!

within Head Office and our 27 selling branches.

• Assisting in the implementation of our Internal Communications strategy - prioritising and implementing key projects across the three communication channels - face-to-face, printed, and electronic.

• Ensuring communication channels and processes are clear, monitoring and recommending revisions as needed

• Managing and co-ordinating events and conferences where key strategic messages to the business are required

• Managing and monitoring the Internal communications budget.

Why did you decide to go into this sector? When I joined the John Lewis graduate scheme four years ago, I was based in a number of selling branches and worked my way up to a department manager of a fashion floor with over 70 Partners. Within this role, I found the communication process with my department fascinating and something I was particularly good at. As a co-owned business, it is integral that our Partners understand our brand and the key messages that arise from it, and from this the idea of communicating and engaging with a large audience struck me as a challenge and I relished the opportunity. When I moved to head office the internal communications team based within marketing was a great way of ensuring that I could use my experiences on the selling floor and develop new processes to assist in communication.

How did you choose your course? I chose the course because it was academic and would challenge my thinking but give me some practical and creative opportunity as well.

In terms of choosing to apply to the John Lewis graduate scheme, I was attracted to the brilliant ethos of the co-ownership model as well as the great reputation for investing in their workforce – from employee benefits, to training and career progression.

Would you undertake further training to progress your career? Absolutely, if there was a course that would help develop my skills further I would definitely consider it. John Lewis are very supportive of further training to enhance skill sets and have a comprehensive internal learning and development programme as well as supporting external learning.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? I have to say, I love most of my job. As it is a relatively new function in the business, I can design the role the way I see as appropriate. I love the co-ordination of events as this gives me the opportunity to be creative and work with external businesses. The only downside is that at certain times of the year it can get rather hectic and stressful. Good luck to anyone who chooses this career. It is not only great fun but also full of variety!»


• Employment in the IT industry is predicted to grow at 2.5 per cent p.a.

• 26,800 people a year come into the industry from education (graduate level and higher)

• Nearly 1 in 20 people employed in the UK work in the IT & Telecoms workforce (1.5 million people).

• 888,000 people work in the IT & Telecoms industry itself and a further 588,000 work as IT or Telecoms professionals in other industries.

• The biggest employers by industry (outside the IT & Telecoms industry) are: Financial Services, Public Administration, Education and Health Manufacturing

Taken from E-Skills Report: IT And Telecoms Insights 2008


WHAT’S NEW IN | tEChNOLOGyRW

Technology

the UK has an enviable worldwide

reputation for being at the cutting edge

of It and telecoms. the It and telecoms

workforce here is highly skilled and has a

great track record in developing

It-enabled business solutions, which are

key to the UK’s success in technology-

intensive sectors such as financial services

and public administration. however, the

economic downturn has hit the Internet

economy hard, according to the latest

available OECD (Organisation for

Economic Co-operation and

Development) estimates.

the It Outlook 2008 says that the It

industry is likely to have grown by four per

cent at most in 2008. But with the forecast

for the global economy worsening and

business and consumer confidence

plummeting, growth will remain flat or

decline in 2009.

Some sectors are expected to

weather the storm better than others. For

instance, spending on software and It

services, including outsourcing by

governments and business, is likely to

continue. Internet-related sales and

investments in infrastructure, driven by

demand for high-speed Internet from

consumers and business, will remain solid

although some infrastructure investments

may be held over due to the credit crisis.

In order to stay ahead of its competitors

the industry needs a constant influx of

new graduates who can be trained to

become the managers and leaders of

the future.

A career in It allows development of

highly valued technical and business skills

and you can work in almost any industry.

to excel in most positions you will need a

blend of technical, business and personal

skills, but not necessarily a degree in

computing (55 per cent of those entering

the It industry have a degree in another

discipline). the strong shift from product-

led sales to services-led solutions has

caused a huge growth in It services and

a high demand for professionals able to

translate customers’ business

requirements into tailored packages of

services and products. Once a separate

entity to It, the telecommunications

sector now interconnects with it as many

of the new technologies use broadband

data networks carrying high volumes of

multimedia traffic. Because technologies

are changing so rapidly, constant

up-skilling is essential, which is why the

sector is so exciting and appealing to

those who like to feel challenged in their

work environment.

Karen Price, CEO of e-skills UK, the

Sector Skills Council for Business and

Information technology, says: ‘technology

makes a significant contribution to the

success of the UK in an increasingly

competitive global economy. the UK has

an internationally respected technology

sector. In addition, It improves productivity

and efficiency for companies of all sizes;

supporting the development and delivery

of world class products and services in

sectors as diverse as biotechnology,

entertainment, and financial services. It is

therefore not surprising that the sector

continues to grow.

‘As is happening in many other

sectors, the number of jobs advertised in

It has started to decline in recent months.

It is important to view these figures in

context: demand remains strong for

people who combine business and

technical skills. Furthermore, many

organisations are turning to technology

to help them weather the recession. It

remains one of the most vibrant and

exciting industry sectors to work in with a

great deal to offer capable and creative

graduates in all disciplines.’

Visit www.e-skills.com for more information Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om



WHAT’S NEW IN | tEChNOLOGy CAsE stuDIEs RW

Macarena Blanco

Shoaib Kamran

Age: 30Degree and university: BSc Physics, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, SpainPhD Nanotechnology, University College London, UKJob Title: Consultant at CHP Consulting.

What do you actually do? I am currently part of the development team on one of our projects. Typically, I would be working on the development of a software solution engineered to optimise the business processes employed by our clients. It is a well organised team effort. The work of each member of the team must fit in like the pieces of a complex puzzle. To be able to do this effectively, you have to be in constant communication with the other members of the team, make sure that you finish your work in time, and never lose sight of the bigger picture.

What attracted you to this sector? What attracted me most to IT consultancy is that it offers the opportunity to learn how the core dynamics of businesses really work, and it allows you to make an impact across a whole organisation and see the results of your work in a relatively short time.

How did you find out about your course? I looked for PhD positions in London related to my speciality in Physics, Electronic Devices and Control. The position I took was advertised by the London Centre for Nanotechnology in www.jobs.ac.uk.

Age: 29Degree and university: IT Masters, Coventry, Intelligent Transportation Systems PhD, CoventryJob Title: Technical Manager, T@lecom

What do you actually do? As part of the PhD programme I did a placement known as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with T@lecom -- a leading wireless communications company based at Coventry University’s Technology Park. The placement enabled me to get involved with the company’s key research and product development projects. I have helped design a more effective logistics system for a range of courier companies, and a satellite tracking device to improve NHS patient transport systems.

Would you undertake further training to progress your career? Working through a KTP meant that I have already received management training, which continues to develop my skill set alongside my studies.

What do you most like about what you do? I’ve always been passionate about technology and from day one I was given responsibility for helping develop the technology side of the business. The ICT industry is very fast-moving, so there are always exciting new things to learn and opportunities to develop new products.

What does the future hold? Because of my hard work and determination, my placement has now turned into a full-time job at T@lecom, where I am now a Technical Manager leading a team of four engineers. As T@lecom continues to grow, I hope to further my career with the company. n

Would you undertake further study to progress your career? Yes, of course - there are plenty of training opportunities at work, both internally and externally. At the moment I use these opportunities to strengthen my technical abilities. Further ahead, I will look into courses which enable me to improve my managerial skills.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? The atmosphere at work is very good. It is a challenging environment - as soon as you feel comfortable with what you are doing, you are thrown into learning something new and you are expected to pick it up quickly. You are not on your own though - there is the right amount of support for you to succeed.

It is a consultancy job and most of the time you are expected to work at the client site and this might not always be in a glamorous location. However, working directly with the client gives you a much better understanding of what they really need, which is a great advantage and allows us to deliver a higher quality product.

What skills do you think you need to succeed? Having strong analytical skills is crucial but what really makes the difference is having a very positive attitude and a natural tendency to persevere until a solution is found.

What advice would you give other graduates coming into this sector? Firstly, look for a company that will invest in your growth and, secondly, use every opportunity to learn something new.

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

isto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: C

ou

rte

sy o

f T

ale

nts

co

tlan

d.c

om


S cotland is more than haggis,

bagpipes, whisky and

countryside. A country

steeped in history and proud of its

influence around the globe,

Scotland continues to punch well

above its weight when considering

world class companies,

groundbreaking innovation and

urban living. For a start Scotland has

vibrant cities, large enough to

attract the best of international

talent to gigs, nightclubs, sporting

events, culture and food, but small

enough to retain a sense of identity

and ensure all its residents feel ‘part’

of its community. 92 per cent of

Scottish graduates find jobs in

Scotland demonstrating the strength

of the jobs market here, and the low

commute times means there’s more

time for family, friends and leisure

pursuits. The Mercer Quality of

Living index has Glasgow second to

London in the UK, and the cost of

living in all Scottish cities is lower

than London.

Scotland The Brave

EconomyScotland’s economy is founded on a

range of industries including a world class

financial services sector, a world-leading

life sciences sector, a thriving technology

sector, a renowned food and drinks

sector (including whisky naturally), and a

flourishing tourism sector. Although there

has been upheaval in global financial

markets, Edinburgh’s financial services

are well protected due to the diverse

nature of the sector in the

capital. Edinburgh is strong in fund

management, life assurance, insurance,

asset management and asset servicing

as well as banking, and has a strong base

of large multinationals and smaller

boutique businesses. As recently as

November 2008, Edinburgh actually

improved its reputation as a global

financial centre, and has seen Tesco

confirm its banking arm will be

headquartered in the city.

Scotland is also the birthplace of the

Grand Theft Auto computer game, the

Bionic Hand (i-Limb) and, of course, Dolly

the Sheep. There’s no shortage of

opportunities for graduates to embark on

a great career in Scotland.

EntERtainmEntThe old adage of ‘work hard, play hard’

is no stranger to Scotland and the Scots

are no shrinking violets! Edinburgh and

Glasgow are consistently rated in the top

twenty cities in the world for culture,

entertainment and nightlife.

natuRal EnviRonmEntOne of Scotland’s selling points as a

ScotlanD in numBERS• Scotland is the second largest country in

Great Britain. it is bordered on the west and north by the atlantic ocean, on the east by the north Sea, and on the south by England.

• it is about twice the size of the netherlands and almost the same size as South carolina in the uS. Scotland has 787 islands, 130 of which are inhabited.

•�it has a population of around 5 million (January 2002)

•�its capital is Edinburgh (450,000 inhabitants) and its major cities are Glasgow (580,000 inhabitants), Dundee (150,000), aberdeen (210,000) and inverness (65,000)

Source: VisitScotland

REALW.JAN09.SCOTLAND.indd 22 19/1/09 14:19:51

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: C

ou

rte

sy o

f T

ale

nts

co

tlan

d.c

om

RWRegional spotlight | sCoTland

WWW.REalWoRldMaGaZInE.CoM RW 23

destination to live and work is that people

can easily reside in the country and

commute to the city. Commuting times in

scotland are lower than the UK average

and the public transport system is

generally very reliable. The rugged

landscape provides the perfect backdrop

for any number of outdoor pursuits such as

rock climbing, hill walking, and white

water rafting. You can be hurtling down

the World Cup Mountain Biking course in

Fort William by day, and relaxing in a city

rooftop bar drinking cocktails by night!

scotland’s cities

aberdeen

aberdeen is scotland’s third largest city

with over 200,000 residents. Traditional

industries such as fishing and farming still

flourish here, but aberdeen’s buoyant

modern economy is fuelled by the oil

industry, earning the city the epithet of ‘oil

Capital of Europe’, however renewable

energy will play a large part in its future.

dundee

The fourth largest city in scotland with a

population of around 150,000, dundee is

described as a city of ‘discovery, diversity

and dynamism’. dundee is known for its

life sciences companies and digital

businesses such as Real Time Worlds,

makers of the Grand Theft auto

computer game.

edinburgh

scotland’s capital has the strongest

economy of any UK city outside london.

Education, health, finance, retailing, and

tourism are the main industries. The

centre of the city is divided into the old

Town and the new Town, both of which

are World Heritage sites and are steeped

in atmosphere, and endlessly fascinating

to wander around.

glasgow

Glasgow is one of the friendliest cities on

earth. The largest scottish city, Greater

Glasgow has over 1.75 million people

living in and around its centre. some of

the main industries in the city include

finance and business services,

communications, creative industries,

healthcare, and tourism.

inverness

The social, cultural, regional and

administrative centre of the Highlands,

Inverness is growing at an

unprecedented rate. High-tech

businesses play a large part in the city’s

economy, including many medical

research companies such as lifescan.

perth

Perth’s compact centre is home to some

of the best speciality shopping in

scotland and large household names

such as scottish & southern Energy and

whisky makers, The Edrington Group.

stirling

stirling is scotland’s youngest city – and it

has a lot going for it. There’s a renowned

university spread across one of the most

beautiful campuses in Europe. stirling is

also a centre for local government,

higher education, retail, and

construction. »With thanks to TalentScotland. Visit www.

talentscotland.com for job opportunities,

relocation advice and information on

living and working in Scotland.



Regional spotlight | CAsE stuDy RW

age: 25University: heriot Watt University, edinburghDegree: Ma(hons) Management with MarketingWork title: Marketing Manager, turner access, a leading european manufacturer and supplier of scaffolding and access equipment to the global marketplace.

Fiona found her placement through the graduates For Business scheme. the graduates for Business programme gives graduates the chance to work full-time for some of scotland’s most forward-looking companies, earning a salary and applying their degree skills to a specific, challenging project. the scheme is open to graduates across a wide range of degree disciplines. it can be accessed throughout the year, with placements varying between three and twelve months. Find out more and applyonline at: www.scottish-enterprise.com/graduates

What do you actually do? i am responsible for the day-to-day running of the Marketing Department. My principle aim is to promote the turner access brand and raise the company profile. My role includes creating promotional strategies for the company as a whole, and for our individual product and service range. general marketing activity includes creating advertising schedules,

Fiona Bell

designing adverts for placement in trade publications, direct mail campaigns, organising and attending exhibitions, writing editorial and pR, and maintaining the company website. i also design and create all promotional literature and point-of-sale material.

Why did you decide to go into this sector? During my first couple of years at university, i studied general business and management modules. Within some of these modules, marketing was included. i developed an interest in this and started to tailor my final years to include marketing related subjects as the core elements to my course. i was interested in heriot Watt as a university and liked the campus. they offered the kind of courses i wanted to take.

Would you undertake further study to progress your career? i am interested in studying for a postgraduate Degree in Marketing, in particular, through the Chartered institute of Marketing (CiM).

What do you most like about what you do? i enjoy the variety my role brings me. We deal with most marketing activity in-house. Very rarely do we get external agencies involved. this allows me to be involved with everything from strategy to daily marketing tasks like designing an advert or sales brochure.

What skills do you think you need to succeed? Understanding your target market is an essential skilll. For a successful marketing campaign it must be designed with your target market in mind.

another important skill is organisation. everything i do involves a plan and a schedule/timetable for completion. When launching a new product, a launch strategy is an invaluable tool. this allows me to organise everything from the advertising to the sales material needed to support the launch within the timetable set out.

a good eye for detail is another important skill. i consider myself a bit of a perfectionist and won’t let anything be distributed unless i am completely happy with the design, layout and content. When designing literature, adverts and mailers, it is important to consider corporate branding.

What advice would you give graduates wishing to enter this sector? My advice would be to stay open-minded and do not rely on theory you read in your marketing textbooks. Yes, the theory forms the basis of what we do as marketing people; however, it must be applied within the context of the industry you work within. For example, the fast moving consumer goods market (FMCg) is very different from the construction industry. although marketing concepts are similar, the sales and marketing strategy will differ greatly. Marketing activity you find successful in one industry may not provide the same results in another. therefore, make sure you have a good understanding of the industry and your customer base.

is there anything you wish to add? i would like to offer the following advice to recent graduates. Don’t give up. When you first graduate it can be very difficult, often disheartening and frustrating finding that perfect job. i spent six months working in retail before i was offered a job that related to my degree. My lifeline was the graduates for Business scheme run by the scottish enterprise. after only three interviews at different companies, i was offered the position of Marketing executive at turner access. after a year’s placement, i was offered permanent employment, and three years later, promoted to Marketing Manager. n

‘don't give up. when you first

graduate it can be very difficult, and

often disheartening and frustrating

finding that perfect first job.’



Tips From The Top

Find A Career

Latest Jobs

Case Studies

Blogs & Videos

Register onlinewww.realworldmagazine.com

We’ve got all the piecesfor you to put together

your perfect graduate job

Employer Profiles

FULL_ads.indd 5 19/1/09 15:12:34

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om

the master plan

REALW.JAN09.POSTGRAD.indd 26 19/1/09 14:36:04

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om

RWpostgRad | overview

www.reALworLDMAGAZiNe.CoM RW 27

eciding to continue your academic life with further study is a choice that

needs careful consideration. For starters you will need to weigh up the pros and cons of a taught course versus a research-based qualification. Secondly, you will probably find that course fees are far higher than at undergraduate level, and to fund a postgraduate course you won’t be eligible to get help from the Student Loans Company. However, there are a number of avenues you could go down to obtain funds.

If you have achieved a 2.1 or higher in your first degree then you might be eligible to apply for Research Council sponsorship. However, their funds are limited and they will only sponsor the students who display the most potential. To make your application you will need to fill out a challenging form, accompanied by a strong

reference from your tutor. Alternatively, you could try to obtain funds from an employer. If you can show that further study will benefit the company that you work for (or have worked for), then they may be willing to pay all or part of your fees. However, this may lead you to be contractually bound to the company for a specified period.

pRofessional vieWSo are there any professions that value further study more than others? ‘Postgrads can be found working across all sectors and at all levels and it’s impossible to say which professions place the greatest “value” on postgraduate study,’ says one of Warwick University’s careers consultants, Helen Stringer. She adds: ‘It is important to differentiate those professions where a postgrad qualification is essential (law, teaching, and academia) to those sectors where postgrad study may be advantageous but not mandatory (civil service, social research, and niche roles within the financial sector.) A

postgraduate qualification alone is rarely enough, but a well chosen course complete with relevant work experience and the right attitude can pay dividends.’

HealtH and medicineOne area of employment where a postgraduate qualification is generally necessary for career progression is health and medicine. However, competition is fierce for entry onto many postgraduate courses in this sector. Consequently you will usually be required to have an undergraduate qualification already in this area. Most research-based courses require applicants to hold a related undergraduate degree. For example, if you hold a chemistry or biology degree, you will typically pursue further qualifications in a more specialised area, such as drug chemistry or molecular biology. Postgraduate medical research is also becoming an increasingly important area; it covers everything from ageing and health, to nanoscale science.

D

»

The UK now has more postgraduate students than ever before. However, undertaking further study doesn’t necessarily guarantee employment. So, Real World asks: is completing a postgraduate course really worth it?Catherine Watson investigates.


Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


postgRad | OvERvIEWRW

aRts and humanitiesPostgraduate degrees in the arts and

humanities cover a broad church – from

archaeology to theatre. In terms of

obtaining funding, the Arts and Humanities

Research Council (AHRC) is responsible for

administering three schemes for

postgraduate awards as follows:

• Research preparation master’s scheme

(where the focus is on advanced study

and research training explicitly

intended to provide a foundation for

further study at doctoral level).

• Professional preparation master’s

scheme (with a focus on developing

high-level skills and competencies for

professional practice).

• Doctoral competition (to provide

funding for full- or part-time study

leading to a doctoral degree).

(See the box for more details about the

AHRC.)

geologyIf you have studied geology at

undergraduate level it is quite likely that

you will be considering full- or part-time

further study. Examples of courses

available include: an MSc in petroleum

geology, petroleum geophysics, or

hydrogeology. Or you could go down an

even more specialised route. For

example, the University of Exeter’s

Camborne School of Mines (CSM) was

established in 1888 and boasts a

multidisciplinary department offering a

range of specialised programmes. Of

note is its renewable energy research

group which is undergoing ‘significant

investment’ and which CSM hopes will

become a UK leader in its field over the

next few years.

Helen Stringer recommends students

contemplate the following before

embarking on a postgraduate study

application:

• ‘Find out if you need to invest time and

money in further study. Could you enter

your chosen career at graduate level?’

• ‘Cost. Tuition fees and living expenses

vary widely and funding is hard to come

by, especially for master’s programmes.’

• ‘Entry requirements. Most courses will

ask for a 2:2 or 2:1, but some of the more

prestigious institutions are looking for

academic high flyers. A borderline 2:2 or

2:1 may not be enough. Be confident

postgRaduate ResouRceswww.ahrc.ac.uk the arts and humanities Research council (ahRc) supports world-class research that furthers our understanding of human culture and creativity. the ahRc funds research on a very wide range of subjects from traditional humanities to creative and performing arts.

www.rcuk.ac.uk each year the Research councils invest around £2.8 billion in research covering the full spectrum of academic disciplines from the medical and biological sciences to astronomy, physics, chemistry and engineering, social sciences, economics, environmental sciences, and the arts and humanities.

www.whatuni.com Whatuni is the alternative online prospectus created by students for the benefit of future students. if you’re a future student, then read the reviews, talk to other people thinking of the same options as you, and ask for more information from the universities that you’re considering.

but also realistic about your potential.’

• ‘Course structure. What is the split

between project work, individual

assignments, and examinations?

Consider your own working and

learning style, and aim for a course that

accommodates these preferences.’

• ‘Check the destinations statistics to make

sure the course you want to do will allow

you to compete in the job market.’

‘A postgraduate qualification no longer

has the mark of distinction it once did,’

remarks Stringer. ‘As such, it is incumbent

on the applicant to really “sell” the

benefits of postgrad study. Postgrads

should try and relate the skills gained

from postgrad study to employer

requirements; this will mitigate the

impression that postgraduate students

are “overly specialised”. Finally, do not

undertake postgrad study simply to

compensate for a low degree

classification at undergraduate level.'


Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om

Postgraduate OptionsOpportunities for Postgraduate Study in Science,Engineering, Medicine and Business

Consistently rated amongst the world’s best universities,Imperial College London is a science-based institution with areputation for excellence in teaching and research. Imperial isspread over several different campuses, and organised on afaculty structure which promotes interdisciplinary study andresearch.

We offer an extensive programme of postgraduate taughtcourses in disciplines allied to Engineering, Life Sciences,Medicine, Physical Sciences, Business and Humanities(science related). Our taught courses lead to Master of Science(MSc) and Master of Research (MRes), Master of BusinessAdministration (MBA), Master in Public Health (MPH) andMaster of Education (Surgical Education) qualifications, as wellas Certificates of Advanced Study. We have wide rangingopportunities for MPhil/PhD and MD (Res) research studies,including four-year (1+3) programmes in which students gain aMasters qualification at the end of the first year, and then go onto study for a PhD.

To find out more about our postgraduate taught courses andresearch opportunities, please visit our website at:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/pgprospectus Once you are readyto apply, you should make your application online. If you havedifficulty in submitting the online application, please contactRegistry Support on +44 (0)20 7594 8031, during office hours(09:30 to 17:00 UK time).

For general enquiries, please visit:http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/registry/enquiries/applicantenquiries

Valuing diversity and committed to equality of opportunity © Imperial College London/Edward Barrett

Job Number: 69034153

Size: 140x190

Client: Imp College London

Publication & Date: Real World Jan 09

Date: 11/12/2008

Account Handler: Don

Operator: Ben

Merry Xmasfrom all the

staff at

AdsFabTelephone:

024 76 573888

Fax:024 76 573999

Visit our new Web Site: www.adsfab.com

postgrad | caSe Study rW

Silvia Colucciage: 21University and degree: phd: Life sciences 4-year doctoral training programme, Imperialshe is in her first year (Mres year).

Why did you decide to study a postgraduate degree? I decided to study a

postgraduate degree because I felt it was an essential step in order to pursue a career in scientific research.

What most attracted you to this particular course? I decided to do a four-year phd including an Mres because this programme gave me the chance to work in different labs, using new techniques, and meeting different people before choosing my phd project.

What did your degree entail? Could you mention any modules you took? I did a biochemistry degree before embarking on my phd. the modules in the first two years were very general, for example molecular biology, molecular cell biology, biological chemistry, protein and enzymes, physical biochemistry, and immunology. the final year modules were more specific and I could choose what I preferred. I took cell signalling and protein sorting, cellular neuroscience, bioreactor and bioprocessing technology, biotechnology and business.

did you write a dissertation and if so, what was it on? I wrote a dissertation based on an eight-week project. the title of my thesis was ‘defining which brain cells express the developmentally regulated variable alternative spliced exon (VasE) isoform of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCaM)’.

What was been the biggest challenge you have faced in studying for a postgraduate degree? the biggest challenge I have faced so far is realising that some experiments just don’t work and despite your best efforts they never will work. Nobody really knows why.

How did you fund your course? I am funded by the Biotechnology and Biological sciences research Council (BBsrC) and the Medical research Council (MrC).

In what ways do you hope studying for your degree will help you with your career? I am confident that doing a phd is the best way to learn how to carry out scientific research. It gives you the chance to learn very useful techniques that are not only relevant to your own specific research. It also gives you the opportunity to work with very experienced people who are always there to help you.

What advice do you have for students considering postgraduate study? I would strongly advise people who are interested in pursuing a scientific career to consider postgraduate study. In particular, I would strongly recommend a programme like the Mres I have undertaken, which gives them the chance to experience different things before choosing a specific area of interest. n


Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


REALW.JAN09.TEACHING.indd 30 19/1/09 14:37:46

Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om

RWteaching | overview

www.reALworLDMAGAZiNe.CoM RW 31

What's youR talent?

urn your

talent to

teaching’ is

the latest

slogan from

the

government

to attract

people into the world of teaching. if you

are considering becoming a teacher be

prepared to get your head round lots of

acronyms! For a start, to teach you’ll

need qualified teacher status (QTS),

which is almost always done by means

of completing a programme of initial

teacher training (iTT). Most prospective

teachers will undertake a one-year

Postgraduate Certificate in education

(PGCe). You can do your iTT through

a school, while employed at a school,

or through a higher education institution

such as a university or college.

golden hellosAs an incentive to draw graduates into

the teaching profession, the government

offers postgraduate students who have

trained to teach certain subjects at

secondary level a one-off taxable bonus

called a ‘golden hello’ once they’ve

completed their induction year. Golden

hellos are available to eligible newly-

qualified teachers taking up a job in a

maintained school or non-maintained

special school in england after training to

teach in one of the ‘priority’ secondary

school subjects. These are: maths,

science, information and

communications technology,

engineering and manufacturing, design

and technology, modern foreign

languages, religious education, and

music. Maths and science attract £5,000

and all other priority subjects £2,500.

heRe comes the science bitAlthough the number of science

teachers recruited for 2008/09 exceeded

the government’s target, there is still a lot

more work to be done to meet the

necessary recruitment levels. Graham

Holley, chief executive of the Training

and Development Agency for Schools

(TDA) reports: ‘over the next two years

we need to recruit an additional 6,600

science teachers to meet the expected

demand from schools.’ The TDA has

launched a campaign to attract more

science teachers – which can be seen

at www.youtube.com/tdacampaign.

According to the TDA the number of

people enquiring about classroom

training has gone up by almost 34 per

cent since the start of the economic

downturn. Between March and

December 2008 its website had over

one million hits – an increase of a

quarter of a million from the same

Teaching is a great way to capitalise on the knowledge you have gained during your time at university. Not only that, it can also be an extremely rewarding career – both financially and emotionally reports Catherine Watson.

‘T

» Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


15Routes into Teaching

STUDENT PROFILE

Manish Patel Year 1, MEd Teaching Studies PT

Manish Patel undertook his PGCE at the University of Birmingham, specialising in Science Physics. He is now into his third year of teaching in a local secondary school.“The University of Birmingham has one of the best reputations of all the Midlands universities and that is what first attracted me to the PGCE course. I wanted my career in education to have the best possible start. Even though there were universities that were closer and more convenient for me, I knew I had made the right choice. One of the best points about the course was the variety of wonderful people on the course, including the tutor.

“I am currently teaching at a successful secondary school in Sandwell. Having just gained my first promotion within the science department I fully intend to make the school proud of my achievements.

“I run a successful Science and Engineering club after school that is supported by STEMNET, a DCSF funded body. I aim to remain at my school which is part of the Building Schools for the Future project. This investment in the school will attract staff and students alike.

Man i s h P a t e l

“Having just gained my first promotion within the science department I fully intend to make the school proud of my achievements...”

“Once I have established myself as an outstanding teacher, I would like to move in to a management role. I have taken the opportunity to extend my studies further through the M Ed (Teaching Studies) course at the University of Birmingham which I see as an investment in my future career. By part funding the course my school have demonstrated that they see it as an investment too.”

15Routes into Teaching

STUDENT PROFILE

Manish Patel Year 1, MEd Teaching Studies PT

Manish Patel undertook his PGCE at the University of Birmingham, specialising in Science Physics. He is now into his third year of teaching in a local secondary school.“The University of Birmingham has one of the best reputations of all the Midlands universities and that is what first attracted me to the PGCE course. I wanted my career in education to have the best possible start. Even though there were universities that were closer and more convenient for me, I knew I had made the right choice. One of the best points about the course was the variety of wonderful people on the course, including the tutor.

“I am currently teaching at a successful secondary school in Sandwell. Having just gained my first promotion within the science department I fully intend to make the school proud of my achievements.

“I run a successful Science and Engineering club after school that is supported by STEMNET, a DCSF funded body. I aim to remain at my school which is part of the Building Schools for the Future project. This investment in the school will attract staff and students alike.

Man i s h P a t e l

“Having just gained my first promotion within the science department I fully intend to make the school proud of my achievements...”

“Once I have established myself as an outstanding teacher, I would like to move in to a management role. I have taken the opportunity to extend my studies further through the M Ed (Teaching Studies) course at the University of Birmingham which I see as an investment in my future career. By part funding the course my school have demonstrated that they see it as an investment too.”

SMALL_Ads.indd 4 19/1/09 16:36:35

ATL is the only member-led education union to offer a dedicated NQ newsletter, specialist NQsummer seminars and interactive website www.new2teaching.org.uk as well as discountedMasters opportunities through Edge Hill University. Our NQ publications will help you create yourCV, give you interview tips plus advice on how to meet the parents and manage classroom behaviour.

Get FREE membership for your first year of teaching and your second year half price.

For an up close examination of the full range of benefits,visit www.new2teaching.org.uk

13583_ATL_NQ_ad 120x170mm 27/6/08 14:06 Page 1

ATL is the only member-led education union to offer a dedicated NQ newsletter, specialist NQsummer seminars and interactive website www.new2teaching.org.uk as well as discountedMasters opportunities through Edge Hill University. Our NQ publications will help you create yourCV, give you interview tips plus advice on how to meet the parents and manage classroom behaviour.

Get FREE membership for your first year of teaching and your second year half price.

For an up close examination of the full range of benefits,visit www.new2teaching.org.uk

13583_ATL_NQ_ad 120x170mm 27/6/08 14:06 Page 1

UNIVERSITY OF HULL

Looking for excellent employment prospects?Teaching is the intelligent choice.

Scarborough Campus

• Primary 3-7 years.

Hull Campus

• Primary 5-11 years also with MFL(funded placements in France &Germany)

• Secondary – Biology, Physics,Chemistry, Business Studies,Geography, History, Mathematics,English, Modern Foreign Languages(French, German, Spanish, studiedsingularly or in any combination)& Religious Education.

We offer £200 tax-free per week fora Mathematics Enhancement Course

running from January to June forgraduates of non-mathematicaldisciplines and £225 tax-free for aFrench Extension Course running fromJune to September for graduates witha degree in Modern Languages.

For further information contact:

Hull Campus Centre for EducationalStudies,Tel: 01482 465406;Email: [email protected] visit www.hull.ac.uk/ces

Scarborough School of Education,Tel: 01723 362392;Email: [email protected] visit www.hull.ac.uk/sse

100% of our secondary maths PGCE trainees who completed ourcourse successfully in 2008, gained teaching employment and it’s asimilar story for our PGCE trainees in other subjects. So if you areenthusiastic about education and interested in gaining a higher levelqualification with great job prospects, take a look at our one yearfull-time PGCE programmes, our flexible part-time PGCE optionor our three year full-time Primary undergraduate programme.

We actively encourage applications from black and minority ethic studentsand provide specific resources and support.

www.hull.ac.uk/ifl

Contact us for more information01568 615510 [email protected]

www.robertowen.org

Teacher Training in Herefordshire,Worcestershire, Shropshire, Wales andthe West Midlands. An equal opportunities provider.

Make a difference...Train to Teach

We are looking to recruit graduates who are keen to train in this dynamic and rewarding profession.

Marches Consortium Secondary PGCE School CentredInitial Teacher Education

West Mercia Consortium Early Years (3-7) PGCESchool Centred Initial Teacher Education

Robert Owen Consortium Employment Based InitialTeacher Education (GRTP and OTT)

Our courses offer real hands on training in the classroom and arebased around a strong co-operative partnership with our schools.

SMALL_Ads.indd 5 19/1/09 16:36:58


teaching | OvERvIEWRW

noRth of the boRdeRthe quickest and most popular way of qualifying as a secondary teacher in Scotland, if you have a degree in the subject you want to teach, is to do a one-year Postgraduate diploma in education (Pgde) teaching course. You can also study some Pgde (Secondary) courses by part-time or distance learning. alternatively, if you don’t have a degree in the subject you want to teach, you can do a four-year undergraduate bed course or a combined degree course at a Scottish university.

as a new teacher who trained in Scotland, you’re guaranteed full-time employment for your first year. Uniquely in Scotland you can undertake an induction Scheme. You’ll pick up valuable classroom experience under the guidance of your experienced mentor.

teaching engliSh aS a foReign langUagealthough teaching english as a foreign language (tefl) is often seen as simply a way to fill a gap year, it can in fact be a rewarding career. You have two options – either you can obtain a tefl certificate prior to leaving the country, or you can complete a tefl course en route.

once you have been teaching for a while, you can opt for either a commercial or academic route. for example, cactus (a private organisation that raises awareness of tefl) reports that as a director of Studies: ‘you can begin supporting other teachers, planning courses and materials, timetabling, and generally providing academic leadership.’

period the previous year. The agency

also reported that people with jobs in

finance who were increasingly worried

about redundancies may look at a

career change and choose teaching

because it offers security.

Male Role ModelSResearch from the TDA also shows that

male primary school teachers have

acted as role models to one in two men.

However, figures released by the General

Teaching Council indicate that men

account for only 13 per cent of registered

primary school teachers. BBC Tv’s clinical

psychologist, Dr Tanya Byron, says: ‘The

need for strong male role models as

constants in the lives of young children is

more apparent than ever in light of the

increasing numbers of children

experiencing breakdown of the

traditional family unit.’

Wherever your talent lies, you might find

that the best way to use it is through

becoming a teacher. For more

information about becoming a teacher

visit www.tda.gov.uk. Why not have a

go at the site’s fantastic interactive

interview to help you decide if teaching

is for you! In addition, you can visit a

classroom, which can be done through

the open schools programme in

England. Or you could try a three-day

taster course, including a one-day

school placement to help decide

whether you should apply for initial

teacher training. Also, read our case

studies to see why other graduates have

opted to join the teaching profession. » Ph

oto

gra

ph

y: ©

iSto

ckp

ho

to.c

om


edgehill.ac.uk/educationchoice

1. The largest provider of Secondary PGCE programmes in the UK, offering the widest range of subjects and study options.

2. Receive a tax free bursary of up to £9k whilst you train and maybe even a £5k Golden Hello*.

3. 93.3% of our PGCE trainees secure employment as teachers within six months of graduation.

4. Subject knowledge training if you want to teach in an area you don’t have a degree in.

5. The UK’s largest provider of Postgraduate Professional Development for teachers, including full Masters programmes and stand-alone modules.

For more information visit our website or to request a prospectus contact:

T: 0800 195 5063 E: [email protected]

*Home and EU students only

5 reasonsto study atEdge Hill University

Join our Talent Pool ...Surrey is a great place to live and work and offers excellent opportunities for career progression. We have some of the best results in the country and many very good schools. We aim to be at the forefront of new ideas and innovation so that staff and pupils in Surrey schools benefit from the best teaching, learning and development to be found anywhere in the country. You will be supported in your first year as an NQT by our school induction programme.

To search and apply for teaching vacancies and to learn about living and working in Surrey, go to www.surreyschools.com.

To register your interest and make your details available to Surrey schools on our Talentpool, go to http://surrey.talentpool.eteach.com.

VT Four S Ltd, Surrey County Council’s joint venture partner, Bay Tree Avenue, Kingston Road, Leatherhead KT22 7UE

SMALL_Ads.indd 7 19/1/09 16:39:42


teaching | CAsE stuDIEsRW

age: 22Degree and university: Pgce Science, WolverhamptonWork title: newly Qualified teacher (nQt)

What do you actually do? i currently work as a nQt in a local secondary school in Wolverhampton while continuing my academic study to gain a masters degree in education through the University of Wolverhampton. i now recognise the importance of the skills i acquired during my Pgce, which have helped me develop self-discipline, efficiency and organisation to manage both a full time job and postgraduate study.

Were you always interested in teaching as a career? after thoroughly enjoying studying science in higher education i couldn’t imagine continuing life without learning more about the subject, and i have always enjoyed being able to relay my knowledge to others. For this reason i decided to pursue a career in teaching.

how did you find out about the teaching sector? after considering all of the optional routes into the profession i decided that a Pgce was the best course for me as i felt it provided the level of support i would need while beginning a new career. the structure of the Pgce allows you to participate in school life while being an active part of a university. the course is organised to give students practical experience as they enhance their knowledge of teaching academically and also professionally.

although my Pgce year was very challenging i felt that the mentors at university of Wolverhampton were very supportive, equipping me for life in the classroom. i chose to study at Wolverhampton as it had been named one of the top universities for teacher training and worked in close partnership with local schools and communities which were,

Leanne Gould

Scott Eastwood

‘the structure of the pgce allows

you to participate in school life while

being an active part of the university.’

after all, my prospective employers. Being mentored by people who had spent many years in local schools gave the lectures a sense of personalisation and relevance. Studying at Wolverhampton allowed me to develop strong relationships with other Pgce students. i knew where to access support when needed, and i was able to collaborate with interesting and inspiring guest lecturers. the facilities in the new education building at the Walsall campus are state of the art and provide a motivational learning environment.

What do you most like about what you do? i relish life as a teacher; it’s a career with flexibility, a job that allows you to exert your personality and creativity. through association with the University of Wolverhampton i am proud to be involved in an organisation called ‘creative partnerships’ which supports teachers through innovative teaching approaches and has given me many opportunities to be creative and inspirational in my first term of teaching. as hardly any years have passed since i was a secondary school student myself, i understand that science needs to be brought to life for pupils to experience.

Degree and university: Mathematics and Statistics, University of Southampton (2004), Pgce, institute of Learning, University of hull (2007 – 8)Work title: newly qualified teacher (nQt) Secondary Maths.

Were you always interested in teaching as a career? i began a career as an accountant, starting at the bottom as an accounts assistant. teaching had always been something i had been interested in, but at the time i didn’t feel i was in a position financially to continue studying full-time. i soon realised that life in an office was not for me, doing the same things day in day out, and after 18 months i decided to pursue something else.

i had kept the ‘bug’ for studying while working as an accountant by studying at university after work once a week, and after realising what a buzz helping my younger sister with her homework generated, i decided to give up my day job and enrolled for the Pgce at the University of hull.

What did you most enjoy about your teacher training experience at the University of hull? i enjoyed being back in university surroundings, meeting a wide range of new people all with the same goal. the Pgce group as a whole and the mathematics element included newly graduated people, middle-aged people and people like myself, who were somewhere in the middle. this resulted in many varied views on teaching and styles of teaching, with each member of the group having their own role. Mine, apparently, was to be the joker of the group; i have the certificate to prove it!

i thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the course and have made some extremely close friends form it.

how are you finding teaching now? there is no doubt it is hard work but it is also the best decision i could have made. no two days are ever the same, each posing their own new challenges.

the pupils are challenging and at the same time rewarding. they are constantly surprising you and the good moments definitely make up for the bad. i am particularly enjoying building a relationship with my form group.

What would you say to anyone thinking about a possible career in, or change of career to, secondary teaching? Do it but make sure you are prepared to devote most evenings to your work. the school day does not end when the final bell rings! You are never too old to become a teacher, in fact, life experience is a definite bonus, but i advise visiting a school so you know what they are like now.

Making a connection with teenagers is such a buzz; i can’t see myself having any other career. »

REALW.JAN09.TEACHING_CS.indd 36 19/1/09 14:39:57

Enhance your future in education

www.wlv.ac.uk/sed/teachertraining

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Education Professionals: Visit www.wlv.ac.uk/sed/cpd for a current list of training opportunities. Tel: 01902 322821. E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/sed

■ Grade 1 in OfSTED inspections for primary and secondary Initial Teacher Training for Management and Quality Assurance and Teaching

■ In 2007 CEER ranked us 2nd out of 76 UK universities for teacher trainee employment success

We provide full-time secondary teaching courses in the following subjects; English, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education,Modern Foreign Languages, Business Education, Psychology, Design & Technology, ICT.

Our Flexible route is designed to meet the needs of people who, for whatever reason, require the benefi ts of a fl exible study programme. Subjects available to study in secondary education are Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Business Education, Design& Technology, ICT.

Subjects in the PGCE Post-Compulsory Education cover a wide range from English to media to construction. This full-time one-yearcourse confers Qualifi ed Teacher Learner Status (QTLS) for the post-compulsory sector. Placements are part of all the PGCE courses,but prior work experience will have helped you to know that this is the career for you.

The University of Wolverhampton is one of Britain’s largest and most establishededucation providers, with high national ranking and a record of continuing excellence:

Croydon is a large, diverse, South London borough and a vibrant place in which to live and work. Transportation links are excellent and you can be in the centre of London within 15 minutes.

There is a huge variety of schools and a strong commitment to providing a fully comprehensive induction programme for NQTs and excellent CPD opportunities. Our centralised recruitment process offers a supportive environment in which to apply for your first teaching post.

Primary: Teachers are invited to apply to our pool – closing dates are January 31 for March interview and February 29 for May interview. All candidates are invited to an interview and receive feedback.

Secondary: To be included in the NQT database send your application to the address below. Teachers’ details are then circulated to all schools who will contact you directly. There is no closing date although you should aim for the end of February to be able to access the highest number of vacancies.

Candidates can download an application as well as find more teacher information on our website at www.croydon.gov.uk

An NQT information pack can also be obtained from: Teacher Recruitment and Retention 7th Floor, Leon House, 233 High Street, Croydon, CRO 9XT Email: [email protected] or

NQT’s ...come to Croydon

190mm x 140mm.indd 1 17/1/08 17:22:29

Croydon is a large, diverse, South London borough and a vibrant place in which to live and work. Transportation links are excellent and you can be in the centre of London within 15 minutes.

There is a huge variety of schools and a strong commitment to providing a fully comprehensive induction programme for NQTs and excellent CPD opportunities. Our centralised recruitment process o�ers a supportive environment in which to apply for your �rst teaching post

Primary: Teachers are invited to apply to our pool – closing dates are January 31 for March interview and February 28 for May interview. All candidates are invited to an interview and receive feedback.

Secondary: To be included in the NQT database send your application to the address below. Teachers’ details are then circulated to all schools who will contact you directly. There is no closing date although you should aim for the end of February to be able to access the highest number of vacancies.

on our website at www.croydon.gov.ukCandidates can download an application as well as �nd more teacher information

An NQT information pack can also be obtained from: Teacher Recruitment and Retention7th Floor, Leon House, 233 High Street, Croydon, CRO 9XTEmail: [email protected]

190mm x 140mm.indd 1 17/1/08 17:22:29

Untitled-2 1 12/12/08 14:40:57

SMALL_Ads.indd 6 19/1/09 16:38:53



age: 25 Degree subject & University: english at Bangor University Job title: centre Director, explore Learning

What do you actually do? i started with explore Learning as a part-time tutor back in 2005; i loved the role and thoroughly enjoyed the training and company ethos. When i completed my degree i started to look around at opportunities that were available but couldn’t really find anything else like explore Learning out there. i had a chat with my centre Director and she encouraged me to apply for the assistant Director position. i was drawn to the role because of the fantastic variety it offered, and because i had seen first hand how the passion and enthusiasm of all of the staff made such an impact on children’s lives.

Were you always interested in teaching as a career? i had always enjoyed working with children and never dreamed that i would find a career that let me carry on my passion while developing me and exposing me to so many elements of running a business. When i came across the opportunities with explore Learning i was thrilled that i could have the career and progression i wanted while really making a difference to children.

What do you most like about what you do? My role is incredibly varied and means that i get exposure to all elements of the centre operations. each member in the management team of three have their own roles to take complete charge of and manage, these include areas such as finance, recruitment, external marketing, developing and training, schools relationship co-ordinator, and many others. each of these brings new challenges and areas of focus and responsibility. at 3pm the centre opens for children, and all of our members are on first name terms with us which helps to create great bonds with them. as a manager i also spend the afternoon mentoring tutors,

Alexis Humphrey

Scott Davies

ensuring they are doing a good job and that all of our members are happy. throughout the afternoon i will also hold various different appointments to help aid the growth of the centre and maintain customer relations. these include taster sessions for new members and parent meetings for existing ones.

Do you have any advice for graduates wanting to come into this sector? For people looking to start now it is important they have had some experience with children in any capacity at all, that way they will know you are dedicated and confident when communicating with them. any volunteering you can do while at university, or actively being a member of a society, will help you add world experience to you application, and will often give you skills in leadership and promotion. Really use you application form and interviews to sell yourself, explore Learning will really want to see your passion and personality shine through.

age: 25 years old. Degree and university: Product Design at Plymouth University and then took a one-year Pgce programme at the University of exeter.Work title: Secondary Design and technology teacher

What do you actually do? My job involves working with students aged 11 – 18. i teach students how to use certain tools and model-making equipment, along with 3D drawing skills, rendering and graphical skills. My aim is to help students understand materials and products and why they are designed a certain way. this includes educating them about sustainability. i also teach Food technology which involves teaching students a variety of skills from basic baking to designing complicated dishes, as well as selecting and using different equipment found in the kitchen.

Why did you decide to be a teacher? i have wanted to teach from an early age. i find teaching extremely rewarding; i have taught people of different ages in areas of my own

personal interest, such as music (i play the drums and bass guitar) and surfing. i take great joy in working with young people. Before starting my Pgce i worked with young people in an outdoor activity centre, as part of some work experience at school, and during my major degree project.

how did you find out about your particular course? the exeter Pgce was recommended to me by a friend who’d completed the course. it’s got a fantastic reputation and the lecturers are amazing!

Would you undertake further training to gain promotion? i would certainly consider further training in order to become qualified as an advanced Skills teacher (aSt). Before starting my Pgce, i studied for an nVQ Level 2 in Food Preparation and cooking in order to support my secondary specialism in Food technology.

What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? Working with young people is the most enjoyable part of teaching. i believe that teaching is one of the most interesting and enjoyable sectors to work in. it’s so rewarding to be able to contribute to students’ learning and feel that you’re making a difference.

there’s a lot of work to do outside of normal teaching hours, such as lesson plans and marking, which can take up a lot of time. teaching is a profession in which you take work home with you; part of school holidays are also taken up by work. Despite this, the enjoyment of teaching and rewards far outweigh the workload.

What skills do you think you need to succeed? in order to become a successful teacher it is important to have a good sense of humour. it’s also useful to have a relaxed and patient temperament. as there’s a large workload involved in teaching you need a good work ethic. More importantly, you need to be passionate about teaching and working with young people.

What advice would you give graduates wishing to come into this sector? i would advise any graduate wishing to come into teaching that gaining experience is vitally important for many reasons. You need to be absolutely sure that you want to teach and visiting schools is the only way to do this.

‘my aim is to help students understand

products and why they are designed a

certain way.’

»


Would you like: the possibility of being

paid in July? a highly acclaimed fully

supported fi rst year induction programme?

opportunity to begin MA accreditation?

£1500 interest free loan?

Our recruitment open events take place on the 8 and 29 February 2008 at Compass Theatre and Arts Centre, Ickenham. Why not come and fi nd out more?

Email [email protected] or [email protected]

teach in Hillingdon where every teacher matters

Qualifying in 2008?

www.everyteachermatters.com for application forms, further information and the latest vacancies.

Don’t miss out, call 01895 250431 or 250592 for an application pack

✔

✔

✔

✔

Qualifying in 2009?

6 and 27 February 2009 at Compass Theatre

for an application packDon’t miss out, call 01895 250592

Tel: +44 (0)1392 263009Email: [email protected]/education/pgce

Deciding to do my PGCEat Exeter was probably one

of the best decisionsI could have made.CAMILLA BONHAM, PGCE TRAINEE

‘‘

‘‘

• Do you want to manage a business?• Can you inspire others?

• Could you make a difference to children?

EMAIL: [email protected] orVISIT: www.explorelearning.org.uk

Explore Learning is an ambitious and fast-growing company dedicated to making a difference in children’s education. Our national network of maths and English centres provide tuition to 5-14 year olds.We are looking for graduates with a unique range of skills tojoin Explore Learning as Assistant Directors. As part of the full time management team you would learn to run a tuition centre; developing your leadership, marketing and business management skills, at the same time as teaching children of all abilities. “My favourite part of the job is watching children grow in confidence and develop a real love of learning.” Sian, Bristol“The role has allowed me to gain an understanding of business and marketing within a company whose product I truly believe in, and whose structure means that my input is valued at the very highest level.” Fran, Reading

SMALL_Ads.indd 9 19/1/09 16:45:49



age: 27 Degree and University: University of cumbria (was St. Martins college) Lancaster campusYear of graduation: 2003 Occupation: Deputy head teacher, Belle Vue Primary School, carlisle What do you actually do? teach a Year 6 for half a week and work towards school developments and daily running of school for the other half.

Were you always interested in teaching as a career? no, but my mother was a head teacher, which allowed me opportunities for experience from a relatively young age. how did you find out about this particular job? i had done a placement at this school during the third year of my degree. they then rang me and asked me to apply for the post when it became available.

What do you most like about what you do? Making a positive contribution towards the academic achievement and also social lives of a wide range of children. My job is incredibly diverse and i wear many different hats during one single day. it is challenging and hard work, yet very rewarding. i love working with parents to provide a holistic system of care and support for their children embedded through clear and consistent communication.

are there any downsides to what you do? it is a very time-hungry job. Balancing the role of class teacher and school manager is not always straight forward.

What are the most important skills you need to make a success out of teaching? the ability to learn, grow and develop as a professional within your career. the profession changes and develops constantly, and in order not just to keep up, but to embrace this for the good

Joseph Askew

Aimee Nicole Bursnell

‘my job is incredibly diverse

and i wear many different hats

during a single day.’

of the children is an essential skill. Patience and care when assessing situations as they arise in order to support and treat people fairly. enthusiasm and a wealth of teaching strategies to cater for children with diverse learning needs are also essential.

Do you have any advice for graduates wanting to come into this sector? as soon as you enter the profession or even go on a placement, quickly familiarise yourself with the whole school direction in key areas. then you can give purpose and direction to your daily practice and always see your teaching as a part of a whole school team. You need to make sure people around you are aware of your strengths, and areas you would like to develop.

age: 20 Degree and University: BSc Psychology, University of Reading Year of graduation: 2009 Occupation: Full-time student What do you actually do? i’m in the final year of my degree, so at the moment i’m continuing to study hard.

Were you always interested in teaching as a career? i remember when i first heard of teFL, during a presentation at school. at the time, i thought that would be such an amazing job – the speakers were overflowing with enthusiasm - but going to a different country on my own was surely too daring and scary for me. teaching always appealed to me, yet it seemed out of reach. it was only in my second year at university that i began to think seriously about it – this dream job could actually be a reality. When did your interest in languages start? Unlike a lot of people who go into teFL, i wouldn’t say i have ever been very good at learning languages myself. however, i’ve always been fascinated by other cultures. i don’t think you necessarily have to have the raw interest in different languages to teFL, as long as you are aware of the value language can give someone.

how did you find out about this particular job? the cactus website was recommended by a friend who had great experiences from completing a trinity teFL

course. after thorough researching, i applied to a certificate in english Language teaching to adults ceLta four-week course in Prague. this stood out to be the most prestigious qualification, and the school (international house) seemed reliable, professional and friendly. What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? the students – you build up great relationships with them, it is massively rewarding when you see their progress, and they definitely keep you on your toes.

Sometimes lesson planning can be very time consuming and takes a lot of creativity, but it’s certainly worth it. You get out what you put in.

Why do you feel that learning different languages is important today? i personally don’t think this is such a prominent issue in Britain, but a lot of people in other countries feel it is essential for them to succeed in jobs. it is paramount that people are given the opportunity to successfully learn english which is why teFL is very valuable.

What are the most important skills you need to make a success out of teaching? confidence, enthusiasm, the ability to build rapport with a variety of people, and a true passion – whether it’s for languages or helping others learn.

Do you have any advice for graduates wanting to come into this sector? always put the time into planning a creative lesson and buy a decent grammar book. But most of all - don’t be afraid! Push yourself out of your comfort zones because you will gain so much more from it. n


M a k ead i ff e re n c e

Te a ch.A re you thinking of becoming a teacher of the future ?

At Bath Spa University we offer teacher training PGCE courses in a wide choiceof subjects for both Secondary (11–16) and Key Stage 2/3 (7–14) age groups.

You will receive excellent support from dynamic and highly committed coursetutors, a tax free training bursary of up to £9,000 plus a golden hello bonusin some subjects at the end of your first year of teaching.

If you feel you can turn your talent to teaching please join us for a coffee to find out more. We have PGCE events on 10 February, 14 March, 25 April and 18 June 2009 – see website for full details.

We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented inteaching, notably black and minority ethnic candidates.

Tel: 01225 875624 Email: [email protected]/courses/teaching

“ A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Brook Adams PGCE programmes at England’s highest rated teacher training provider (Ofsted 2005/08)

Fusehill StreetCarlisleCA1 2HH0845 850 0760

www.cumbria.ac.uk/pgce

SMALL_Ads.indd 8 19/1/09 16:46:16

Opportunities for NQTs in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and ThurrockNo matter how hands-on your course was, it’s hard to know exactly what life will be like running your own classroom. We believe in balance. While you can’t step straight into the shoes of those who have been in the teaching profession for a while, at least you know they’ve been there before. As you develop your teaching skills, you’ll benefi t from the wisdom of your colleagues, just as they will benefi t from your freshness and enthusiasm. With our incredibly diverse landscape, full of things to do, there’s nothing to stop you making the most of life outside of school.

This time next year, your life will look very different. We think you’ll enjoy the view here. For more information on how to apply, visit www.essexnqt.co.uk

your own classroom. We believe in balance. While you can’t step straight into the shoes of those

KINGSTON UNIVERSITYSCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Secondary 11+ PGCE courses for Business Education, Mathematics, Sciences(Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Modern Languages (French, German or Spanish)

You’d think we would be happy with the fact that 98% of our students weresuccessfully employed after completing a PGCE course. And we are. It’s justthat we can’t stop thinking about the other 2%. This might sound like a minorpoint, but when the Guardian has just ranked your School of Education best in London and second best in the UK, it’s the type of detail you can afford to dwell upon.

Join us, and meet with a future that is every bit as successful. Enrol for a PGCE course and you’ll have the opportunity to gain practical teachingexperience while working towards achieving DfEE Qualified Teaching Status.You’ll also receive a training salary of between £6,000 and £9,000. And, if you teach a science or modern foreign language, you’ll receive a furthergolden hello payment.

Find out more at www.kingston.ac.uk/education

98%SUCCESS RATE

(we’re working on the other 2)

Turn your Talent to Teaching at the University of PortsmouthPostgraduate Certificate of Education and Qualified Teacher StatusStart building cultural bridges in the classroom and at a professional level.

Consider opportunities for secondary school teaching in:

Modern Foreign LanguagesMathematicsScienceEnglishGeographyBusiness StudiesBe part of a diverse community where all individuals are valued.

At Portsmouth we welcome applicants from all ethnic backgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity.

A training bursary of £9,000 awaits for students of Maths, Science and MFL. Students of Business Studies, Geography and English will receive a bursary of £6,000. Grants are available to assist with course fees.

MSc Education and Training ManagementDo you aspire to hold a senior management position in education and/or training organisation?

Do you hold an Honours degree of at least second class standard in a relevant discipline?

If so, this two year part-time Masters programme may be the one for you.

t 023 9284 5204 f 023 9284 5365 e [email protected] w www.port.ac.uk

SMALL_Ads.indd 10 19/1/09 16:47:34

School of Education

Training to Teach at Leicester

“ This is an exceptional course which

stands out from others”External Examiner

“ The University has a strong reputation

for the quality of its provision...there is

an obvious strong commitment to

promoting equality and diversity”Ofsted

Prospectus and further information see the website

t: 0116 252 3677/3689 · w: www.le.ac.uk/education

� High quality practical training together with Masters Level credits

� Variety of schools, from small rural primary schools to large multi-ethnic comprehensives

� Range of Primary and Secondary PGCE courses

� Post-course employment records of 96%-98%

� Vibrant cosmopolitan city with excellent shopping, sport and culture

� Pleasant location near city centre and rail station

advert fin c:SoE Handbooks 12/1/09 09:31 Page 1

FULL_ads.indd 6 19/1/09 15:13:46

© 2009 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved. “PricewaterhouseCoopers” refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network orother member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

We value diversity in our people.

FLEX BLE

Nationwide Opportunities Spring and Autumn 2009No rigid thinking here. For instance, we’ve designed our structureddevelopment programmes to fit around you – whether you want tospecialise in one specific business area or gain a broad experience. We encourage you to think laterally, as well as logically, wherever youwork. And we even offer a benefits package you can tailor to yourspecific needs. We also look forward to seeing what you have to offer. If you’re as flexible as we are, you could soon be finding out first-handwhy, for the fifth year running, we've been voted number one in theTimes Top 100 Graduate Employers survey for offering the greatestopportunity. There’s only one number one employer – so find out whywe’re the one firm for all adaptable graduates.

pwc.com/uk/careers/Text: PwC to 85792(Texts charged at your standard network rate.)

AssuranceTaxAdvisoryActuarialConsulting

Requirements:2:1 in any subject280 UCAS tariffor equivalent

019844-297x210-RM:019844-297x210-RM 4/12/08 14:35 Page 1

FULL_ads.indd 7 19/1/09 15:14:08

January 2009

Documents

Transcript of January 2009