As someone who is currently studying for a masters qualification I know it’s important to think carefully about a few things before making your final decision.

Why do you want to study?

There are many reasons why you might choose to do postgraduate study. Perhaps you are thinking of a life in academia, (in this case you might want to have a look at an academic career) or like me a postgraduate qualification may be necessary for career progression.  If you are considering a postgraduate course out of interest you might want to weigh up whether the cost and time spent will be worth it.

Cost and Funding

Postgraduate study can be very expensive. Tuition fees are typically between £3,000 –£ 6,000 and unlike undergraduate study no funding is offered by the government.  Funding can be found through research councils or organisations offering sponsorships and bursaries, but you’ll have to do your research! Pop into the Careers Resource Centre and have a look at ‘The Grants Register’ a resource to help you find Postgraduate funding worldwide or look at postgraduate study and funding UK and oversees.

When do you want to begin studying?

• Straight after undergraduate degree – In many ways this might be the easiest way as you will be in the routine of researching and writing essays. However after finishing an undergraduate degree the thought of yet more academic work might put you off!

• After a break –A gap year or a more extended period of time may give you the chance to assess your career goals and decide if and what postgraduate qualification would be right for you.

• Whilst you work-   this may be the only way you are able to gain the qualification if you are currently working. I am studying for my masters part time alongside my job here at the careers service I’m really enjoying it but it is defiantly hard work.  Expect your weekends and evenings to be spent on academic study.

Where do you want to study?

The course you want to study may only be offered by certain universities. You will have to think about if you would be willing or able to move to attend a particular university.  Some universities may enable you to study at a distance; this may be good if you are unable to move away but minimal supervision and guidance can be difficult for some.

Taught or research?

The two main types of postgraduate courses are taught and research. Taught courses are similar to undergraduate degrees in the sense that they are lecture and seminar based with a dissertation at the end of the course. On a research based course such as a PHD you will be expected to contribute new knowledge in your chosen area through a well-designed research project or thesis.

Expectations

Don’t expect that just because you have a postgraduate qualification that you will immediately get a great job, there is no guarantee of this! Although having a postgraduate degree may be desirable employers will still want you to have relevant work experience.

Sheldrake Press a London based publishing company are giving graduates and final year students the opportunity to get their work published.

They are running a competition to find the best short poem in the style of Harry Graham. The winner will have their poem published on a new blog and invited to write future poems on seasonal themes throughout the year. You will also be considered for a six month internship with Sheldrake Press.

Click here to find out more. Applications close 4^th March 2012

Designed specifically to help those who have graduated in the last 2 years who haven’t managed to get on the career ladder this scheme last 18 months  and aims to give you an insight into the main elements of the industry helping you develop skills within the work place.

To apply you must have graduated no earlier than 2010 and no later than March 2012, you must have a 2:2 or above in your undergraduate qualification and A*-C in English and Maths.

Apply online by midday on Friday 27^th January with a start date of the 1^st April.

The programme follows the following format:

Wednesday 1^st February – Introduction and skills analysis

Thursday 2^nd February – Career planning, leadership and teamwork

Friday 3^rd February- Communication skills and personal branding

Click here to find out more and to apply.

With that in mind here are are  a few of my top tips for job hunting in 2012!

Don’t panic - Remember you don’t have to get your dream job straight away! Concentrate on getting yourself on the job ladder first, it’s often easier to find a job once you’re in a job.

Tailor your applications – This might come as a shock to some of you but there is no such thing as a general CV! To stand the best chance of getting a job you will need to tailor each application you make, look carefully at each job description and provide examples of times when you have fulfilled these competencies.

For help with writing CV’s or cover letters and advice on application forms have a look at our starting point series.

Get Work Experience – In such a competitive job market it’s essential to stand out from the crowd. Having relevant work experience is a great way to do this, showing employers you have already developed the skills needed for the big bad world of work.

Need work experience to put on your CV? You could consider applying for internships, volunteering or even ask about work shadowing opportunities within organisations.

Don’t forget to include part time work on your applications, it’s a good way of showing employers you have a range of transferable skills.

Login to Careerslink to view the latest work experience and volunteering opportunities.

Become commercially aware – no I don’t mean TV ads! Commercial awareness means having an understanding of the sector and being aware of any factors which might have an effect on the organization you are applying for.  Watching the news and reading relevant industry journals should keep you up to speed… Simples!

Pop into the Careers Resource Centre we have a range of sector specific journals you can access for free!

Keep reading the blog! – We will continue to keep you informed of labour market news,  provide tips and advice and alert you to any interesting vacancies throughout the year.

The Careers Service will be closing from tomorrow afternoon until 3rd January, so there will not be any updates over the holiday period.

Have a very Happy Christmas – if you celebrate it – and a prosperous New Year!

(I have to use a holly image with my name don’t I?!)

Training, accommodation and meals are provided.  They even will pay up to £100 to cover travel expenses.

British Sugar, NGDP, Rolls Royce and Teach First amongst others don’t close applications until early 2012 and although we would always stress the importance of applying early you still have time to make great applications.

Other organisations such as Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG and P & G recruit throughout the year, again early application is advised.

Closing dates for employers featured in the 2011-2012 graduate directories (Times Top 100, GET, Guardian 300 and Prospects) can be found here scroll down to see deadlines by date.

1. Graduate internship as T shirt designer at Wear UK Ltd in Stalybridge (10 mins walk from station) – closing date 6th January
2. Sales/business development assistant (2 positions) at The Gourmet Society in Stockport – closing date 2nd December
3. Undergraduate recruitment and widening participation intern at The University of Manchester – closing date 1st December
4. Alumni intern at The University of Manchester – closing date 30th November